Moving the Hambletonian could redefine the sport
When Jeff Gural [addressed] the Hambletonian [being open] for bids [on a new location], it immediately touched on the deep-rooted perception issues that have plagued harness racing for decades. For over 50 years, many of us have heard the same dismissive remarks from people outside the industry: “Aren’t those races fixed? Aren’t those horses drugged? What are trotters, anyway?” These questions are not new — they reflect a failure of the sport to evolve its image and reach beyond its shrinking base. The fact that the same doubts are still voiced today shows just how little has been done to address them.
That is why moving the Hambletonian, the crown jewel of harness racing, to different venues through a competitive bidding process could be more than a logistical decision. It could be a lifeline. By staging the race at new locations, the industry gains a rare chance to showcase itself to fresh audiences and embed the event into the fabric of different communities. Each host city could leverage the race as an economic driver, boosting hotels, restaurants, local vendors, and tourism. The Hambletonian can become not just a race, but a festival that celebrates both the horses and the people who devote their lives to them.
But for this to succeed, the approach has to be proactive, transparent, and educational. Too often, harness racing operates within its own bubble, assuming the general public understands what a trotter is, why the horses wear certain equipment, or what makes the sport unique. This is a mistake. Leading up to the Hambletonian, there must be a concerted effort to bring the public into the story of the race. That means harnessing every available channel — social media campaigns, local news features, educational mailings, school outreach programs, and community events at the host track. Each of these touchpoints should focus on answering the questions the public has been asking for decades: How are the horses trained? How is integrity safeguarded? Why do drivers sit behind the horse rather than ride on its back?
Equally important is humanizing the sport through its participants. Interviews and profiles of trainers, drivers, caretakers, and even veterinarians can open the curtain on the day-to-day work that goes into preparing a horse for competition. Behind every race is a network of skilled professionals whose stories rarely get told. A series of short videos or social posts could show what it’s like to sit in the sulky, to train a young trotter, or to manage a stable. This builds authenticity and fosters trust.
The Hambletonian’s visibility also presents a perfect platform to directly dispel negative assumptions. Issues of doping, race integrity, and horse welfare should not be dodged but confronted head-on. The industry must highlight the strict rules, the testing protocols, and the people committed to protecting the sport’s integrity. Transparency is the only way to silence the skeptics who dismiss harness racing as corrupt or outdated.
If done right, each relocation of the Hambletonian could become a celebration that strengthens the sport’s reputation and broadens its appeal. Instead of clinging to the past, the industry can use this moment as an educational campaign — one that transforms curiosity and skepticism into excitement and engagement. For too long, harness racing has “wallowed,” waiting for audiences to rediscover it. This bidding process, if approached with vision, could finally force the industry to tell its story boldly and convincingly.
In short, moving the Hambletonian is not just about finding a new host — it is about seizing a rare and powerful opportunity to redefine harness racing for the next generation.
Sincerely,
Marc Abramson / Buffalo Grove, IL
(With the help of ChatGPT)
