Two weekends in a row, community members will be able to catch free harness racing in Miami.
“Both weekends, we’re having free admission, free programs. So we’re expecting a lot of people coming out the next two weeks,” says Mike Williams, the president of the Manitoba Harness Horsemen. “Everything’s free except for . . . the concession stands.”
The Saturday events will take place on July 20th and July 27th with a 1 p.m. post time.
“Without towns like Miami, harness racing would have been gone many, many years ago,” says Williams. “It’s kind of an appreciation for the fans to come out the next couple of weeks and really see what our show is all about.”
For those who have not seen a harness racing event — it’s something of a spectacle.
“It’s a very competitive sport,” Williams says. “I think there’s a lot [of] skill involved in harness racing. And when you see these horses coming down the lane, your question of [why you came to the races] will be answered.”
The horses at this year’s events come from all over Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. There are horses bred right here in Manitoba, too.
“[There is] one horse in particular that I would say is probably the third best horse in Western Canada,” says Williams. “Armycaptin Hanover is going to be the one to beat this summer.”
Armycaptin Hanover, whose owner is from Kitchener, Ontario, has won a handful of races already this year.
Williams has been involved in horse racing for 44 years. His passion can be traced back to one event in Carman, to which his now wife brought him.
“It was late June 1980 and I went out to the first race [and bet],” says Williams. “The horse won. I couldn’t believe the excitement I got [from my] first time watching horse racing.”
For those who want to try their hand at choosing horses, there is also betting in the upcoming races.
“We do have betting in Miami. If you’ve never waged a $2.00 bet, we’ve got people there that are going to show you how to bet and have a lot of fun,” says Williams.
Harness racing is thriving in the province. Its most recent addition is The Loop — a track now considered the home of harness racing in Manitoba.
“It’s something that we’ve been working at for about 13 years and got off the ground last year,” says Williams. “Like any new facility, business, or race track, you’re going to run into problems, and we’ve run into problems the last couple of years. But make no mistake, the loop will be Manitoba’s future.”
The Loop, located in Winnipeg at the Red River Exhibition Park, also hosts rodeo events and concerts. Williams says that the vision for the track is an all-weather venue, but that project is not yet completed.
Harness racing takes place at The Loop every Saturday at 1 p.m. until October 6th.
For a detailed schedule of harness racing events in Manitoba, click here.
~With files from Ty Hildebrand~