Cal Expo Harness Racing

Harness racing, set to be a feature of future editions of the California Exposition, is now coming. Following a Cal Expo Board of Directors decision on October 28, 2005, Cal Expo harness racing is included at the fair. Harness racing is quite different from other forms of horse racing, but it is nonetheless entertaining and exciting.

In harness racing, there are several conditions that do not apply in normal racing. For example, the horses must follow a specified gait, or manner of moving, as in walking, trotting, or galloping. The restricted gaits are there for a very important reason, namely the safety of the jockey and spectators involved.

While harness racing, a jockey does not typically mount the horse, instead he is pulled while sitting atop a two wheeled cart called a sulkie. Sometimes referred to as a bike, it is a light structure where the jockey sits, angled back, holding a long whip. More often than not, the whip is used to direct the horse by tapping or making noise by striking it against the cart.

Harness racing, as featured at Cal Expo, is a fascinating sport, and one that is highly attractive to bet on. However, to succeed, the bettor must be able to look for potential fatal flaws, such as which horses may break stride and become disqualified.

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