ROAD RACING -- WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?
by Jackie Cowan
The road racing season starts in West Cork on the 19th of December at Ballygurteen, and continues to the closer at Ballylickey in April. The following is simply intended to clear up misconceptions about this form of racing, which entails pacers and trotters being ridden on the road. Road racing has a huge following, and each year sees an increase in the number of visitors from all over Ireland and from across the water. It is deemed West Cork's indigent sport, as there are records, including race reports, going back well over a hundred years
WHERE? The races are held in or near different towns and villages, each with its separate committee, and are staged under the rules of The Irish Trotting And Harness Racing Federation. The road used each week is officially closed to traffic by Cork County Council and the Gardai (police) for the duration of the races, and every meeting is fully covered by insurance.
HOW? There are six grades, from novice up to Grade A (or Open). In general, Novice and Grade E are run over 1 mile, with one turn; Grade D and Grade C are a mile and a half, with two turns, and Grade B and Open are 2 miles, with 3 turns. Variations at different venues include a "confined" race or a "Golden Mile".The turns consist of two large straw bales strapped together, and the part of the road at the start, finish and turns are well sanded. A horse gets 8 points for a win, down to 2 for fourth place, and after an accumulation of 24 points, goes up a grade. In Open, a horse with 3 wins is handicapped by distance.
TURNS? For many people, a major attraction of road racing is seeing the horses all bunched together as they head for the turn. Here, they show the agility of rodeo horses and the toughness of polo ponies as they jostle to be first around the bale. It is a manoeuvre that most horses quickly learn. Morfa Duke, just short of his thirteenth birthday, was second in his first road race, won the next, and went on to win the road All-Ireland. Stoneriggs Rascal is renowned for his ability at the turns, and can gain lengths coming out of it. Michael Williamson, well-known in trotting, said (in an earlier interview) "I've ridden horses on the road, they don't even need a rein, they know how to do it (the turns) themselves"
HORSES? Most horses, whether bred especially for it, or come late to it, seem to love racing on the road. If they don't, they refuse to start or to turn, and the ITHRF has strict rules about this, including remedial training before racing again. One of the great benefits of road racing is that it can provide a new career for a Standardbred that is either sick of harness racing or else never took to it in the first place, and there are plenty of successful examples of both. An added attraction at road racing is the "Best Turned Out" contest at most meetings, and the standard of turn-out is excellent.
WHO? The spectators at road racing come from all the walks of life to be found in a vibrant rural society. Indeed, many ONLY go to road racing. The jockeys have usually spent a couple of years racing on turf, and most owners/trainers also have horses for the summer season.
WHAT ELSE? Safety, for both people and horses, is a major issue on the road. Barricades are in place; safety officers and stewards (other than judges) are present to maintain crowd control. The presence of at least one ambulance and a vet is mandatory. The horses wear studs in their shoes, and along with the usual protective foot and leg gear, often have cushioning between their hooves and their shoes. Judges are stationed at the start and finish, at the turns, and along the road. Dope tests are routing in road racing.
WHY? Why go road racing? Why not? Atmosphere, excitement, suspense -- who will be in front when they come back into view? There is also the immediacy of it; you're right there with it, you can judge the skills of a jockey, and people are even friendlier than at harness racing. It's not only a traditional form of sport in West Cork, but a necessary reminder that roads are not ONLY for cars. It's for horses, too, and throughout the season, you can follow the careers of the beginners, enjoy the success of those, often imports, which are getting another chance, and cheer on the established champions. What could be a better way to spend a Sunday or holiday afternoon?