Traditionally, harness races are conducted over the standard distance of one mile, but annual events like Xtreme Horsepower and Le 5 Milles have been adding some diversity to the sport, and it appears as though racing part
icipants and fans are willing to embrace a little change every once in a while.
In a recent Standardbred Canada poll, voters were asked to choose an unconventional racing event they would like to see carded more often. The options provided in the poll ranged from 1/8 mile to five mile racing and also included clockwise races, standing start races and turf races.
“I'd like to see ‘em all and see 'em often!” one voter commented. “Really looking forward to Georgian this Saturday [Xtreme Horsepower Day]. The turf race at the Meadowlands had one of the most exciting finishes of the year. Great to see some variety.”
Although races less than or more than the traditional distance of one mile did dominate the poll options, these events received three-quarters of the votes. While it appears as though harness racing participants and fans are embracing varied distance racing, they aren’t quite ready to get too adventurous - the most popular choices were the distances closest to one mile with 1-1/4 mile races receiving the majority of the votes at 23% and 5/8 mile races coming in second with 19% of the votes.
SC Poll Results
With both Xtreme Day and Le 5 Milles on the horizon, which of the following varied races do you wish was carded more often?
1/8 mile races - 8% (117 votes)
5/8 mile races - 19% (285 votes)
1 1/4 mile races - 23% (349 votes)
1 5/8 mile races - 7% (110 votes)
1 7/8 mile races - 3% (39 votes)
2 1/2 mile races - 6% (82 votes)
5 mile races - 10% (142 votes)
Racing clockwise - 5% (81 votes)
Standing start races - 9% (131 votes)
Turf racing - 10% (151 votes)
Total votes: 1,487