Back to the Track weekend, which will be renewed for a second time on July 15, 16 and 17, seems sure to build on last year’s initial success
. Every track offering live harness racing that weekend will offer fans special reasons to come out to the races. Other industry-related groups, such as horsemen’s organizations, the Harness Horse Youth Foundation and standardbred pleasure horse groups are pitching in.
A check of the www.BackToTheTrack.com website shows that tracks will again offer such inducements as driver autograph sessions, rides in the starting gate, food and beverage specials, and merchandise giveaways – with features varying by track.
The biggest of all the giveaways will be for an expenses-paid trip for two to the 2011 Little Brown Jug; there will be a winner of a Jug trip at each U.S. racetrack. There may also be a big payoff somewhere around the country on Friday, July 15, when a Pick-4 wager consisting of races from Meadowlands Racetrack, Northfield Park, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway and Maywood Park offers a $25,000, guaranteed pool that is expected to grow much larger.
Last year, in its debut year, Back to the Track was deemed a success – and this year’s edition, based on what’s being offered by America’s tracks, seems to have a “can you top that” theme.
One thing new this year is the “Back to the Track Team,” comprised of volunteers who will assist newcomers in answering questions about the sport, the horses and the ins and outs of how to play the wagering part of the harness racing game.
“So for one weekend, the industry’s key stakeholders came together to support a common theme and have a nice day at the races,” USTA Executive Vice President and CEO Mike Tanner said last year in the wake of the first Back to the Track. “That’s cool, but here’s the really intriguing part: What else might we be able to accomplish if we all were to get on the same page again?”
Tanner’s question, as it pertains to Back to the Track, is likely to be answered in a very positive manner if the response received from the public last year – clearly increased attendance and betting – is bigger, as many think it will be this year.
The U.S. Trotting Association and Meadowlands Racetrack have joined forces to present a unique way of promoting Back to the Track Weekend, July 15, 16 and 17.” It’s called “Home Base,” a video presentation that will provide a live look at what’s happening at racetracks around America.
The broadcast will take place on Friday, July 15, and can be seen at www.thebigm.com and wherever the Meadowlands’ “In the Sulky” program is seen.
“It will be like a New Year’s Eve telecast, when the networks take you around the world to see the new year come in,” said T.J. Burkett, the editor of Hoof Beats magazine, who came up with the idea. “The USTA’s John Pawlak and Meadowlands Racetrack’s Sam McKee will co-host the show, and periodically ‘throw’ to tracks – whose personalities will either make picks for their portion of the Pick-4 or show the colour and excitement the evening will generate among fans.”
The show will also spotlight what will be happening at America’s tracks all weekend long, and also preview the $1 million Meadowlands Pace, which will be raced at Meadowlands Racetrack on Saturday.
This story courtesy of Harness Racing Communications, a division of the U.S. Trotting Association. For more information, visit www.ustrotting.com.