Harness racing might not get the headlines like the Kentucky Derby, but ask any serious bettor and they’ll tell you — it’s one of the most strategic, skill-based formats in horse racing. With trotting and pacing gaits, drivers in sulkies, and deep-rooted East Coast popularity, harness racing delivers fast action, big pools, and year-round wagering opportunities.
Whether you’re watching the night card at Yonkers or placing a bet at MyWinners.com, harness racing offers an exciting alternative to Thoroughbred racing with its own rhythm, tactics, and loyal fanbase.
What Is Harness Racing?
What Is Harness Racing?
Harness racing features Standardbred horses who pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky, with a driver at the reins instead of a jockey in the saddle. Horses compete at one of two gaits:
Trot – a diagonal gait where opposite legs move together
Pace – a lateral gait where the same-side legs move in unison
Breaking stride (i.e. Galloping) results in disqualification, so horses must remain in gait the entire race.
A Bit of History (and a Loyal Following)
A Bit of History (and a Loyal Following)
Harness racing has deep roots in rural and working-class America, with its popularity peaking in the mid-20th century. While some tracks have closed, key circuits remain strong, especially in the Northeast and Midwest.
Famous tracks and events include:
Meadowlands (NJ) – the flagship venue of harness racing in the US
Yonkers Raceway (NY) – iconic night racing under the lights
Hambletonian Stakes – the sport’s premier trotting event
Little Brown Jug – a must-watch pacing showdown in Ohio
Why Do Bettors Love Harness Racing?
Why Do Bettors Love Harness Racing?
Harness racing is a thinker’s game. With fewer chaotic starts and more consistent form, it’s great for:
Form-based betting — driver stats, post position, and trip notes matter
Late-night action — many cards run well into the evening
Betting value — more overlays, especially in multi-race bets
Small track dynamics — shorter tracks mean tighter turns and surprise finishes
Plus, harness bettors often find better odds on longer-priced winners than in more public Thoroughbred races.
Who Follows Harness Racing?
Who Follows Harness Racing?
Traditionalists and racing purists
Bettors who prefer consistency and data over flash
East Coast fans, especially in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania
Late-night online players and simulcast bettors at Winners venues
If you’re looking to sharpen your edge, harness racing is a rewarding betting environment.
Most Popular Bet Types in Harness Racing
Most Popular Bet Types in Harness Racing
Win / Place / Show – Core bets, especially for newcomers
Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta – Strategy shines in predicting order
Daily Double / Pick 3 / Pick 4 – Popular in evening racing
Box and wheel bets – Especially useful in smaller fields
At MyWinners, you can watch and wager on top harness tracks with full tote integration and up-to-the-minute odds.
💡 Did You Know? Harness racing is a staple of US pari-mutuel betting, especially in the Northeast. With strategic depth, consistent race flow, and regular betting opportunities, it’s perfect for bettors who want data-driven value — all available at MyWinners and retail Winners venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is harness racing and how is it different from Thoroughbred racing?
What is harness racing and how is it different from Thoroughbred racing?
Harness racing involves Standardbred horses pulling a sulky at a trot or pace, rather than galloping with a jockey on their back.
Where is harness racing most popular in the US?
Where is harness racing most popular in the US?
It’s strongest in the Northeast and Midwest, with major tracks like Meadowlands (NJ), Yonkers (NY), and Northfield Park (OH) leading the circuit.
Can I bet on harness racing at MyWinners?
Can I bet on harness racing at MyWinners?
Yes. MyWinners.com offers daily harness racing from top US tracks with real-time odds and a full range of bet types.
What are the best bet types for harness racing?
What are the best bet types for harness racing?
Win/place/show for simplicity, and Exacta, Trifecta, and Pick 4 for bettors looking to build value through strategy and positioning.
Is harness racing legal to bet on in my state?
Is harness racing legal to bet on in my state?
In most states where horse racing is legal, harness racing is also permitted under the same pari-mutuel regulations. MyWinners verifies your location before allowing bets.