For members of the harness racing community, spending time at the racetrack is a way of life. The racetrack is considered a second home to many, and is a place where race fans relive memories and enjoy the sport that they love.

For newbies, going to the track can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. This is where you come in and this is why the Bring A Friend event taking place July 14-16 is so important.

We are handing the lines over to you, our industry members, to be ambassadors and promote our sport. The goal is to invite people who have never been to the harness races or haven’t visited a track within the past year, so you can teach them what it’s all about.

Along with your racing knowledge and binoculars there are a few particulars that come in handy when you’re at the racetrack! There is so much to teach and show a first-time guest at the track, but we don’t want to overwhelm your friends, so the Fan Club came up with some suggestions on how to make sure you and your friends have a memorable experience at your track’s Bring A Friend event!

WHERE TO START

So, you’re at the track, you’ve got your racing programs in hand, where should you go before the races start and what things should you point out? If the weather is nice, outdoors is great, and as close to the racing action as you can possibly get is best for your friend to take in the intoxicating sights and sounds of the horses racing.

Before the races start, and between some of the early races, consider pointing out some of the following:

• The horses warming up

• Trotter vs. Pacer

• The Track – starting point, finish line and winner’s circle.

• The Paddock – get as close as possible or better yet, if your horse is racing or if your track is offering tours, take your friend inside to see the horses, etc.

• The Toteboard – point out the basics – MTP, odds or payouts.

THE RACING PROGRAM

Reading a racing program for the first-time guest can be like reading a foreign language so don’t try to point out every last detail that’s included. It’s better to focus on the basics.

What would you do when you are handed a booklet which is filled with statistics, names and numbers in eight-point fonts? What are the most important things to look out for? These are questions that many newcomers have after glancing at a program.

To help your guest with reading the program, consider pointing out some of the following:

• Horse names

• Driver’s UDRS/ Trainer’s UTRS

• Horse finish position & race times in recent starts

• This year’s stats

• Example ‘HOW TO’ program can be viewed here

PLACING A BET

To help your guest with placing a bet, consider teaching them the basics:

• Win, place & show

• How to make a wager at a self-serve terminal

• If you want to provide them information on How To Bet ahead of time, click here to print and view the WannaBet brochure.

THE RACE

The races are the most exciting part of the day!

Point out the following things to make sure your friend understands exactly how things work:

• The post parade

• Starting gate

• Post positions

• Start and finish line

• The winner’s circle

OTHER FUN STUFF

To ensure your guest has a great time, consider some of the following:

• Food – always a big part of any social outing; consider making a reservation in the track’s dining room or patio or enjoy the trackside BBQ.

• Prize Draws – make sure your friend enters any contests the track offers!

• Free programs and betting vouchers – many tracks are offering this as well!

• Cheering – get excited about the races and cheer for your favourite horses

• Good luck charm –if you have one, bring it!

• Invite your friend to come back to the races with you another time!

Thanks, in advance, to our members for bringing your friends to the track and sharing your passion for racing. Here’s to making this year’s Bring A Friend promotion the best one yet!

Click Here to see a list of participating tracks and the fun stuff they have planned!