The Harness Horse Youth Foundation’s Drive for Youth is rapidly approaching.

The program, expanding from a one-day event at the Red Mile to a week-long program of national scope, will kick off on October 6 at the Red Mile and will run through October 12. HHYF representatives will be particularly focused at the Red Mile on Kentucky Futurity Day, but horsemen everywhere are encouraged to participate.

Corey Callahan, one of the sport’s top drivers this year and an HHYF Trustee, explains, “We are reaching out to everyone this year so that all tracks can be involved and be part of this great event. Kentucky Futurity Day at the Red Mile is a special experience, but over a dozen tracks are racing that week. Not all kids grow up in harness racing families, so HHYF gives kids an opportunity to get involved on the sport that we love. These kids are our sport’s future.”

Owners, trainers and drivers can pledge either a percentage of their winning during Drive for Youth week, or they can pledge a flat rate to HHYF, as executive director Ellen Taylor explains.

“We have reached out to top horsemen at each track to participate and support our youth outreach programs including our summer camps and scholarships,” said Taylor, “but all horsemen and horsewomen are invited to pledge their support to HHYF. We have heard from quite a number of horsemen so far, but it’s never too late to jump in.”

To make a pledge to Drive for Youth, contact Taylor at 317-867-5877 or by email at [email protected]. Pledge forms are also available here.

(HHYF)