Down to one horse

I just read [a letter] on Harness Racing Update from a fan about how moving the Hambo around from track to track could be a great thing if all involved would come together to educate the public about what a great sport this is, rather than the current belief that it is crooked.

Harness Racing Update prints this “let’s make believe” stuff, but consistently ignores my concerns that the catch drivers, with their overwhelming self-interest over the years, is a primary cause of the demise of harness racing. My friends know that I have sufficient capital and my own farm in Millstone Township, NJ to readily participate but am down to one horse and soon probably none. And it’s not because I don’t know what goes on in harness racing, it’s because I do.

Thank you,

Gary Kay / New Jersey

Hambletonian better at one place

The author’s points are well-reasoned and thought-provoking, but I believe that the Hambletonian should be held at a single track, such as Lexington, Hoosier Park, or Woodbine Mohawk. This approach would allow the winning jurisdiction to extensively promote the event and build a strong, consistent identity.

A fixed venue would provide the Hambletonian with the stability needed to establish a long-term presence, similar to the Kentucky Derby’s success at Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Derby’s consistent location and date — the first Saturday in May — are key factors in its widespread recognition and promotion.

The Breeders Crown series already addresses the issues the author raised by rotating races among various tracks. This model allows each host track to increase awareness of the sport and promote its own venue.

Lonnie Goldman / Great Neck Plaza, NY