Standardbred Question
 

When they run a Standardbred race, they start behind the gate vehicle. That vehicle moves to the outer part of the track as the horses race. However, that vehicle keeps tracking the field through the race and runs outside the field all through the race. Also they keep pace with the field. Anybody know why ?

I would have thought they could start the field and pull off to the side.

Different circuits have had different rules, but when/if the starting car follows the field, it is either to carry stewards watching the race or to provide a level of safety, similar to the ambulance in thoroughbred racing.

At Roosevelt (then) and Yonkers (now), the starting car does NOT follow the field. However, the Chicago half-miler, Maywood, did have the car pace with the field. The Meadowlands follows the field up the backstretch, but not in the homestretch.

Noticed it is different on each circuit. However, most of those gate vehicles have a single cab elevated and you don't see any stewards getting in there. If you are a steward at any track, you think you are big stuff and you are not going to ride around in a gate car. You are not going to get your shoes dirty or end up smelling like horses.