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So what’s going to happen to harness racing when us older fans are no longer on the earth. There may be some younger drivers, trainers and grooms but lots of young fans no way. Stories like ours from our youth or as young adults will not repeat in any form. Every experience will be from their iPads or cell phones. So let’s appreciate what we experienced with all the fantastic memories we will take to our graves.
Nobody measured one like , Herve. A close second was Harold Story.
A story about Harold Story ( and Herve ) upcoming.....
Story was a better driver than Herve.
As a pre-teen growing up in Westchester County, just 11 miles from Yonkers, I couldn’t attend because at that time the minimum age was 18 ( or 21). So my Dad and I went to Aqueduct or Belmont, and I remember having to stand on top of the grandstand seat in order to see over the mass of people. On Belmont Stakes Day in late 60s, I hit a long shot on the undercard- Buz On, ridden by Hadley Woidhouse, prevailing by a nose at a win payoff of $ 95.80. Sweet.So, unable to go to local nighttime harness racing, we would travel to Monticello ( 90 miles one-way), Green Mountain (162 miles), Hinsdale (180), Bowie ( about 200), Dover, Harrington, even Georgetown Raceway (200+). Keep in mind these were round-trips same night, no overnight stays.Afresh out of college, I would do Freehold/ Brandywine doubleheaders, or Northampton/ Hinsdale, and many others. You get the idea.Pre-simulcasting, it was a thrill to walk into a new track ( many Canadian, built around vacations), pick up a program, try to break even.Over the years, have attended about 120 flat, harness, q horse, and dog tracks. Many long gone.In 1988, claimed a mid level horse at Monticello. Started to jog mostly bombproof horses, even turned and went a training mile with a few at Monti, Aiken, and Hawkinsville.Owned 40% of one really good NYSS filly in 1992-93.Left ownership about 8 years ago when I realized I could get to the first turn faster than they could.Have many happy memories, have an ex-partner with whom I occasionally discuss getting back with, but with all the drugging, plus competition from the super stables, and the hassle of licensing, I am unsure it’s worth re-entering to a situation of an almost definite loss.But I watch almost every day, making a few modest bets.
I started going to harness races in later 1960s but in earnest 1970-1972. Herve was the man racing all over the place winning like crazy. I have to tell you I barely recall Harold Story and question how he could possibly compare to Herve or a bunch other top drivers in that era. I will take your word he was a good horseman and I have seen a few videos with his very good trotters. But comparing Story to Herve, I don’t think so.