As the third annual edition of Xtreme Horsepower at Georgian Downs is almost upon us, I take this opportunity to pay homage to those who dare to do something different
. One preoccupation in our sport is to find new ways to attract attention and bring new fans to the track. The sport is doing an excellent job of that this year.
We have seen a few examples in harness racing of tracks trying something new this year. Overseas, Hippodrome de Paris-Vincennes in France held an Extreme Day this past June. I was there and spoke about my extreme experience in France on Trot Radio earlier this summer. The French racecourse made the day an extreme one not just for the horses, but also for the fans, with 24 races from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and activities ranging from a reverse bungee to a colourful display by La Patrouille de France, France’s version of our Snowbirds. On the track, the extreme races included a one-mile trot. The one-mile distance, which we take for granted, is so rare in France that no race had been contested at that distance at Hippodrome de Paris-Vincennes in the previous twenty years, until it was trotted in 1:55 on their Extreme Day.
On this continent, we have seen harness racing on turf at The Meadowlands and Rockingham Park. That is common in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, among other countries, but is rare in North America. The Meadowlands had to try more than once to get turf conditions that were suitable for a harness race, but it was worth the wait!
While we are on the subject of trying new things, I must mention the recent Adrenaline Festival at Hiawatha Horse Park, which was a success. While the races themselves were at the standard distance, the experience was anything but conventional. It was entertainment in every sense of the word, thanks to all those whose hard work made the event the experience that it was.
Xtreme Horsepower at Georgian Downs this weekend is all about novelty, but the essence of harness racing remains. The distances will be different, but it will still take a good horse, a good trip, a skillful drive – and maybe some luck – to win. We have seen that in the two previous versions of Xtreme Horsepower.
It is refreshing to see all the efforts that have been made to keep harness racing fresh and original, attract new fans to the sport, and retain the fans that we already have. Events like the ones I have written about here reflect the passion and enthusiasm behind those efforts. Let us keep that passion and enthusiasm going throughout the year!