When betting Harness Racing
 

Does weight make a big deal.

Since I see some drivers weight at 175, 135, or 145.

It actually gives me hope that I could actually become a Harness Racing Driver.

It does not at all IMO since the horse is not carrying the weight.

You Could Have Ralph Kramden Ride On A Trotter Horse; Matters None.

This is so true.




After all...these fatties are being PULLED from behind the horsey on a cart on wheels.

I'm sure Professor Garden would be happy to explain from a scientific view.

Yes, because if you're a big tubby you should be exercising instead of betting on shopping carts.

get drunk and bet on the 5

So
 

could I be 175 lb driver.

Does anyone know any contacts in the Harness Racing business?

Pointman used to jog his Old Man's pacers from time to time.

Great story about his name sake "The Pointman" running off track with him jogging and made B-Line straight for barn, stopped about 3 feet before the barn door...

Remember that one Nick???

Sure do, scared the hell out of me and stopped about 3 feet from the barn entrence. Then there was the time when a lawn mower came up close while riding Blueline Nick and he started to go for the infield. Thankfully I learned from the Pointman experience and pulled him up before he got off the track, hopped off and calmed him down. I did jog Pointman before a few wins. He was a headstrong horse who wanted to go race speed every time.

Unassailable, if you are really serious I would suggest contacting the United States Trotting Association. I am sure they have a website where they have contact information. You should know that unless it has changed in the last 7 or 8 years, harness riders only get paid if they finish in the top five, they do not get a fee just for riding. And they don't run for the kind of money that T'breds do.

It was something
 

I was thinking about.

The only thing is Im watching Cal Expo right now and they have a pro am thing.

I would so dig that.


It was something I was thinking of doing for retirement. retirement I'm only 21, but it would seem like fun.

Go hang around wherever the harness racers are keeping their horses. Usually the county fairgrounds. Its easy to get a job cleaning stalls(the pay is crap but its actually quite relaxing and rewarding work)(I think so, anyway). If you work a "real" job, you could always get a part-time gig with the horses. Show the trainer that you are dependable(there is *NO* calling off from any horse care job, EVER), and eager to learn more. From there you could be jogging horses in a matter of weeks. I speak from experience! I'm sure the step from jogging horses in the morning to racing horses isn't that hard to make. If you want, I do still have some standardbred contacts and I could easily find out how you get your sulky license.

Good luck, it is a blast!
Suzanne

Contact the USTA and look into the Billings Amateur Series. The people who participate in the Billings program have always been a great help in getting people involved.

Good luck.

Eric