For 32 years, harness racing was a staple in the Aiken Triple Crown.
The Standardbred Harness Races aren’t a part of the Triple Crown this year, but the event is back in Aiken, South Carolina for the first time since 2003 when gates open Saturday.
The races will be held at McGhees’ Mile Track on Banks Mill Road. Gates open at 9 a.m. with a noon post time. There will be eight races during the day.
Harness racing features standardbreds pulling two-wheeled carts called sulkies. They race according to how they move, by either a trot or pace.
Janis McGhee, who owns and runs the facility along with husband Bruce and their four children, said the response to bringing the event back has been overwhelming. The races were part of the Triple Crown beginning in 1971, and fans are thrilled to see it return.
“We didn’t know what the response would be when we decided to bring it back,” McGhee said. “It’s been crazy. We’ve received call after call from people really excited that it’s back.”
McGhee said they sold out railside tickets before they even went on sale, and she expects to make more available next year. Enthusiasts have already started reserving spots for next year’s event.
An increase in business at the facility prompted the McGhees to consider bringing the races back. She said they could completely fill their stalls by next year, and that more money in horse racing combined with extreme weather in the north are reasons for the shift.
What McGhee described as the “icing on the cake” was the announcement that Roger Huston is calling the races. Huston is a member of the Harness Racing Hall of Fame and has called more than 168,000 races, including the Little Brown Jug, since 1968.
“I can’t ask for anything better. He’s the best,” McGhee said. “For him to come here, it’s just great.”
McGhee said she approached USC Aiken officials about possibly rejoining the Triple Crown but was told it would be too much for officials to handle with Pacers and Polo already filling the third leg. The polo event will also be held Saturday.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Standardbred Harness Races
WHERE: McGhees’ Mile Track, 620 Banks Mill Road, Aiken
WHEN: Gates open at 9 a.m., noon post time
TICKETS: General admission: $8 in advance, $10 at gate. Children younger than 10 admitted free.
GENERAL PARKING: $5
LEARN MORE: (803) 617-8511