Mike Williams, President of the Manitoba Harness Horsemen, found Harness racing thanks to his wife’s family bringing him to the Carman Fair more than 40 years ago.
"I made my first $2.00 wage on a horse called Shirley’s Tango, paid $2.60 to win, and I've been hooked ever since."
Since then, he’s been part of Manitoba’s harness racing scene through thick and thin — and this weekend in Miami, he’s excited for everyone to get the chance to see that passion for themselves.
Why people love it
Harness racing might not be as well-known as thoroughbred racing, but Williams says the thrill is just as real. Picture horses charging down the stretch at over 30 miles an hour while the crowd cheers from the grandstand. That’s the heart of it.
“You’ve got people there like myself that will teach you how to bet,” he says, “And it looks to be a very promising weekend.”
Williams credits the Manitoba trainers and drivers for their hard work and their role in keeping the sport alive. Miami’s track has been hosting races for more than 50 years, and Williams has been helping for 40 of them.
“There’s a lot of work... One thing that I’ve seen stay consistent over the years is the volunteers. It’s the same core,” he said, “If we didn't have those people... we wouldn't have racing.”
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The horses to watch
Williams admitted that there are challenges involved in keeping the races running, such as a lack of stable space pushing some owners west, but he did say there’s no shortage of quality horses in Manitoba.
“The Manitoba product is a lot better than what most people think it is,” he said, pointing to multiple farms in the area, “Very good horses that competed at high levels in Alberta and British Columbia.”
This weekend’s Miami races offer free admission and free programs, with races starting at 1:30 p.m. both this Saturday, the 19th, and the 26th. Prize money ranges from $4,000 to over $5,000 for some races.
Williams says, as far as sports go, this one’s easy to get into. No matter how you choose your horse: colour, name, or vibe, there’s room for everyone to have fun.
And while the movies might make betting look like high-stakes drama, he shared that most folks are there for a good time and a $2 ticket.