Harness Racing – A Part of our Culture

As Canada Day approaches, there is no better time to reflect on what it is that makes us Canadian and proud to be so

. Ask anyone what they associate with Canada and you might get responses like hockey, maple syrup and the Mounties. Harness racing will not normally be on most people’s lists of what makes Canadian culture what it is, except among some of those in this industry, perhaps. That is a shame. Harness racing is a big part of Canadian culture in so many ways:

1. It is part of the social fabric of so many of our communities. Think of the sight of dozens of lawn chairs trackside at Hanover Raceway, occupied by folks like you and me, enjoying a Saturday night out, or the down to earth atmosphere of harness racing at fairs. Consider the stirring melange of pageantry and tradition of the Gold Cup and Saucer during Old Home Week in Charlottetown. Even in the bigger cities, a glitzy night out in Toronto or Ottawa can mean a trip to Woodbine or Rideau Carleton Raceway. Those are just some examples of how Canadians across the country enjoy harness racing and make it a part of the culture in their hometowns.

2. Harness racing is a truly national game. Its participants come from every part of the country. In addition, when the current situation in Quebec is fully resolved and harness racing returns to La Belle Province, we will again be able to say that harness racing is conducted at a professional level in every Canadian province. Can any other sport can say that?

3. Beyond our borders, our home-grown human and equine talent regularly graces racetracks in the U.S. and elsewhere. John Campbell and Hervé Filion are among the most prominent examples of the many drivers and other horse people who have gone on from their beginnings in Canada to ply their trade with great success south of the border. As far as horses are concerned, who can forget the pride and excitement we all felt as we followed the exploits of Somebeachsomewhere on both sides of the border last year? Many can still recall the triumphs of Cam Fella and Billyjojimbob before that. Canadians have long asserted their prominent place in international harness racing and you can be sure that they will continue to do so for some time to come.

Just as hockey is recognized as a part of Canadian culture, our sport deserves to be recognized as a part of our culture as well. There are so many ways in which we can make that happen. On an individual level, we can bring friends and colleagues to the track and share the sport with our fellow Canadians one (or more) at a time. The idea of harness racing as culture can be woven into our promotional activities. That seems to be working in France, as I noticed on a recent visit to Hippodrome de Paris-Vincennes. However we choose to celebrate and promote harness racing as a cultural activity, it is important that we do so as one of the ways in which we can develop and maintain public support for the harness racing industry in Canada. With all that in mind, happy Canada Day!