UK Pacing

The United Kingdom is the only member of the European racing scene to conduct harness racing pacing-style. On the European continent all harness races are hosted for trotters only, leaving the European pacing enthusiast with no other option than a trip across the channel to his like-minded brothers from the isle.

All harness racing in the United Kingdom is governed by The British Harness Racing Club (BHRC), an organisation overseeing the individual activities of six subdivisions, which organise local race meetings autonomously but confer through the overall governing body about matters of greater impact such as nationwide meetings. The United Kingdom harness racing subdivisions are Scotland, with its famous Corbiewood Race Track (the home of Scottish harness racing); North England, which has York Race Course as its focal point; the Midlands, which is a less active area for horse racing with only infrequent harness races held at Pikehall; the South East, home of Brands Hatch Race Course; North Wales, which prides itself as keeper of the spectacular Tir Prince Race Track; and finally the joined division of Wales and West, whose most popular race course is the Amman Valley track. With the exception of Brands Hatch and Pikehall, which are considered independent tracks and covered with grass, these most active and popular tracks are what is called 'hard tracks', which are ideal for the sulky (the harness racing cart) which is manoeuvred more easily and has less friction to slow the horse down.

Tir Prince is truly the embodiment of the British passion for harness races. The only full half-mile track in the country, flood-lit, and with an adjoining amusement park for the punters' kids; Tir Prince does make a real effort to make UK pacing attractive to a wide audience. Host of the Whitsun Festival, the Crock of Gold Cup, the Welsh Cup and the Billy Williams Cup, this track has something to offer for everyone. At York race course every day at the races is a potpourri of experiences, with live music, elaborate catering and frequent special offers to entice newcomers to join in the fun.

It is clear that a lot has changed since the introduction of harness racing in the United Kingdom. From an elite sport permitting only the wealthy and bet-worthy to partake in viewings and celebrations, it is now truly the sport of the every-man, with enough variety and options to suit anyone - be it racing rookie or experienced punter.

We have compiled a UK Pacing Betting Guide which will take you through the do's and don'ts of betting, including our recommendations of top online bookmakers.