Harness Racing 101 Trivia Quiz

Answer: The colors of the driver's silks

Different from thoroughbred racing, the colors are assigned to the individual drivers, rather than the stable owners. Each driver has a unique color combination registered with the United States Trotting Association, and uses the same colors no matter where, or for which owner he is driving.

Answer: A casual term for the sulky

Sulkies used for racing are usually made of fiberglass or aluminum and are very lightweight. Heavier and longer sulkies called "training bikes" are used for non-racing situations when the horses are training.

Answer: Ear plugs for horses

Horses sometimes wear earplugs during the race to drown out noise. A driver may 'pop the plugs" at some point during the race by pulling on a string attached to his wrist. This allows the horse to hear a sudden burst of noise which will sometimes make the horse speed up.

Answer: Has another horse in front, behind, and to its right

This is a tough position to be in because the horse cannot perform to its best ability for fear of interference with others. The horse and driver must await an opening for a clear run, which sometimes never materializes.

Answer: Is racing to the outside of others

This is not the best position to find your horse in during a race, because the further outside the horse is, the more ground it must cover. Horses tire more easily, and although some horses can win even though they are parked, it is a lot more difficult.

Answer: Is racing just behind the lead horse

This is one of the best positions to be in during a race, because the horse in front is cutting the wind for you, similar to drafting in auto racing. Most times the pocket horse will find clearance in the stretch, and has a good chance to reach the winner's circle.

Answer: Is racing outside of other horses

Sometimes known casually as "first over", the horse is on the outside, usually in the second half of a race, battling with the lead horse to the inside of him. These horses can win but not too often, as they are usually cutting the wind, and another horse in the race will often be able to take advantage of that.

Answer: Wins very easily

Sometimes when a horse is winning handily, the driver will just guide the horse to the finish line without taxing the horse, or asking for any additional energy to be exerted.

Answer: Starts to gallop

Harness horses are trained to either pace or trot. A break is actually the harness term for galloping, which although is natural to a horse, is a violation in this form of racing.

Answer: An indented part of the stretch

For about the last decade of so, the passing lane was introduced to harness racing at most tracks to give horses that were blocked, or boxed in, a fairer chance to make up ground in the stretch. This is especially advantageous on the smaller 1/2 mile tracks. Horses that are behind can go to inside of the lead horse to try an pass, while the lead horse must maintain a straight path, or run the risk of disqualification.