History and Legacy
The Hambletonian Society was founded to honour the Standardbred horse Hambletonian, who is regarded as the founding sire of the breed. Born in 1849, Hambletonian lived for 27 years and had a brief but illustrious racing career. His exceptional ability and unique genetic traits made a significant impact on trotting races. Recognising the importance of preserving his lineage, society was instrumental in ensuring that his genetic heritage continued. From 1851 to 1875, Hambletonian sired 1,335 foals, all of which inherited his remarkable qualities, particularly his speed and the exceptional structure of his hind legs.
As a result of Hambletonian's influence, his descendants came to dominate the world of trotting races, contributing to the formation and development of the Standardbred breed. Today, a vast majority of trotters worldwide, especially in North America, can trace their lineage back to Hambletonian.
One of the most prestigious competitions in North American harness racing, the Hambletonian Stakes, was established in honour of Hambletonian's legacy. It serves as the first leg of the Triple Crown for trotters and is held annually on the first Saturday in August at Meadowlands Race Course. This race was first organised in 1924 by Harry O. Reno, a prominent promoter from Chicago. Together with a committee of renowned horse breeders and officials, Reno founded the Hambletonian Society to ensure the success and perpetuity of the race.
The inaugural race was won by Canadian driver Nat Ray with the trotter Guy McKinney, marking the beginning of a tradition that continues to shape the history of harness racing.
Hambletonian Society in Modern Times
Since its inception, the Hambletonian Society has flourished as a model non-profit organisation. It continues to support Standardbred breeders by organising prestigious stakes races, funded through qualifying payments from breeders, horse owners, and sponsorship.
The society currently manages 153 of North America's most prestigious and lucrative races across 13 racecourses. Notable events include the Breeders Crown, the Hambletonian Stakes for colts, the Hambletonian Oaks for fillies, as well as the Yonkers Trot and the Kentucky Futurity, which serve as the second and third legs of the Triple Crown for harness horses.
The Hambletonian Society oversees events at renowned racecourses, including Canada's Woodbine-Mohawk Racecourse. In the 2024 schedule, the Tompkins Geers Stakes is set to take place at the end of July, featuring two days of races for two-year-old colts and trotting fillies, with additional days dedicated to pacers.
Among the racecourses under its management, both Woodbine and Woodbine Mohawk in Greater Toronto regularly host the 12-race Breeders Crown Championship Series. This prestigious event, established in 1984, typically culminates at the end of the year with a total purse of approximately $7 million.
Organisation of Stakes Races in Harness Racing
Stakes Races represent the pinnacle of harness racing, attracting top riders and horses due to their substantial prize purses. The entry fee, paid by horse owners and breeders, serves as the initial investment to participate in these prestigious events. This fee, combined with contributions from investors and racetracks, contributes to the overall prize money. In 2022, the total purse for prize payments in Stakes Races amounted to $23.5 million.
Participation in Stakes Races can be highly lucrative for horse owners, although it comes with inherent risks. The entry fee, a non-refundable rate, must be paid whether or not the horse ultimately competes. Following entry, owners must carefully assess their horses' chances and strategise further betting. Stakes Races are categorised into 12 standard categories based on gait, gender, and age of horses. The most prestigious events often feature three-year-old trotters and pacers, which offer the largest purses.
After entering a horse and paying the entry fee, owners are also required to make periodic maintenance payments. Failure to meet these payment deadlines results in disqualification from the competition without a refund. Therefore, owners must evaluate the total payment obligations before committing to enter their horses.
For instance, in the Hambletonian Stakes, the entry fees for three-year-old stallions and fillies are $15,000 and $15,000 respectively. Stallions additionally require a $2,000 maintenance fee, while fillies require a $1,000 maintenance fee. This makes the Hambletonian Stakes one of the most prestigious and expensive races in harness racing.
In contrast, less prestigious races like the Paul Revere Pace have lower entry fees, such as $200, with two maintenance payments of $300 each.
Stakes Races not only highlight the best horses and riders in the sport but also represent significant financial investments and potential rewards for owners and breeders alike.
Marketing and Advertising Initiatives of the Hambletonian Society
The Hambletonian Society is committed to the administrative support and popularisation of harness racing, undertaking significant efforts in these areas.
The Hambletonian Stakes, recognised as the world's richest harness race, received a substantial boost in 2023 with a $1.2 million contribution to its prize fund from a prominent harness factory sponsor. This sponsorship further solidifies the race's status as the most coveted event in harness racing. Moreover, a long-term agreement with Meadowlands Racecourse has extended the Hambletonian Stakes at the venue until 2040, ensuring its continued prominence and appeal to the public, top riders, and horses.
The society has implemented a national marketing program and developed corporate event packages to enhance the visibility and appeal of its events. Notably, the Breeders Crown Series has secured sponsorships from major brands such as Cadillac, Continental Airlines, Purina Mills, Mullinax Auto, and others, further supporting its prestige and financial viability.
The Hambletonian Stakes has been covered by CBS for several years, with NBC broadcasting the race live since 2012. In partnership with Meadowlands Racecourse, both the Hambletonian and Breeders Crown events are promoted extensively year-round, maximising their exposure and audience reach.
Since 2017, the Hambletonian Society has been led by former rider John Campbell, the most successful Canadian-born jockey in U.S. harness racing history. With over 10,000 successful races and nearly $300 million in earnings, Campbell brings unparalleled expertise and industry knowledge to his role. His leadership has contributed to the positive growth and increasing popularity of trotting races, as well as ongoing improvements within the organisation.
Under Campbell's guidance, harness racing in North America is thriving, with a promising future ahead. Fans can expect continued innovation and excitement from the Hambletonian Society, ensuring that the sport maintains its proper place in the realm of North American racing.