Mother's Day took an unexpected turn for Lana Buchanan, and it gave her a whole new perspective on harness racing.

The resident of Russell, Ont. got to ride in the vehicle carrying starter Jamie Fiolek in a race at Rideau Carleton Raceway, as hundreds of others have done (and continue to do) in a unique promotion the Ottawa track has been featuring for years.

“You’re right in there as it’s happening, with the horses right beside you. It’s totally different than being in the stands or watching on TV,” said Buchanan, who got the added bonus of watching her pick, Smokeys Luck, win the race.

Graeme Mitchell has been hearing comments like that for the eight years he’s been handling public relations at Rideau Carleton. Mitchell is aware of no other track that lets spectators ride in the starter’s car and track the race from start to finish, but Rideau’s been getting great mileage out of it.

“I think every track should do it,” Mitchell said. "People sometimes call days ahead to reserve a spot (which is free, though you have to register beforehand). The Cadillac can hold three or four (spectators) at a time and there are usually people in there for every race, even in the winter. Often, we get whole families.

“Everyone’s response is similar. ‘Wow, I never knew it was like that. They’re going so fast.’ People are in awe. It’s just a great way to get people interested in racing.”

(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Paul Delean)