Spring Blooms ... and spring dreams

Some folks believe that spring is the most optimistic, positive period of the harness racing and breeding year, filled with dreams of the exploits of youngsters training and new foals being born, gaining strength and stretching their legs, and yearlings being raised to sell at fall auctions.

Dreams of good future fortunes outweigh disappointments, even as we make stake payments and in some cases patch up early misfortunes that arise in the training process.

Dreams are also awakened in the unraced two year olds from prior year that now emerge to create performance possibilities just ahead.

It’s indeed a super time to introduce new owners to the industry (in contrast to entry via the claiming ranks).

Opportunities exist to communicate with owners/breeders and trainers in a relatively stress-free social setting that is unmatched in the other (primarily racing) seasons.

Opportunities exist to participate hands-on at the training centers and breeding farms, to learn many aspects of the game and the various economic models that might apply to an individual’s interests, risk tolerance and budget.

Take the opportunity to explore during the next month, in the later stages of spring training, and you might be surprised at the standardbred welcoming party that awaits you as a fan, participant and new owner.

Thanks to Lindy Farms, Alagna and Nickells Stables, Sylvester, Kelley and Bencal Stables and George Miller’s Pine Hill Farm

Thomas H. Hicks