The Dual Sulky Experience at Alexandra Park enables race-goers to take part in a genuine harness race. Photo / Alexandra Park
The Dual Sulky Experience at Alexandra Park enables race-goers to take part in a genuine harness race. Photo / Alexandra Park
A chance to go harness racing has Dionne Christian chomping at the bit.
And we're off! Except we aren't..
It is a Friday evening in sun-drenched Auckland and we (myself, Misses 10 and 5 and Nana) are expected at Alexandra Park in Greenlane at 5.30pm for an event I am strangely nervous about: the Dual Sulky Experience, where four race-goers get to go harness racing under genuine race conditions.
Having been stuck in traffic earlier in the day, I am determined to be on time so leave our Papakura home just after 4pm. At 5.15pm, we are still crawling north along the motorway. Hot weather, tired kids, a grumpy granny and an anxious mother stuck in gridlocked traffic do not make for a happy start.
We arrive in the nick of time to don racing attire -- and I'm not talking Fashion-in-the-Field clothing -- and go through the safety briefing. I glimpse the horses. My heart rate drops, my breathing evens out and I feel the most peaceful I've been for most of the day. Horses -- their grace, majesty and instinctive way of simply "knowing" -- have that effect on me and I'm fortunate to spend time around them nearly every week.
So the chance to participate in the Dual Sulky Experience is a dream come true, harness racing first-hand alongside professional drivers. As Alexandra Park marketing manager Kim Algie points out, not everyone can go into the locker room at an All Blacks game or join in a professional sports match. A minimum of four participants are needed for a race to go ahead, but there's no need for nerves because participants are seated next to a professional driver in a purpose-designed dual sulky. Safety is paramount. I swap my day clothes for tailored-racing silks, safety vest, helmet and protective goggles. Looking thoroughly professional helps foster the right mindset as you're escorted to the stables to meet drivers and horses.
For me, it is imperative to check that the horses are happy; the clean and spacious stables -- complete with equine-sized showers -- look good and, more importantly, the horses (standard-bred harness horses) appear keen and excited to get racing.
A safety briefing gives me an overview of the equipment and my role: holding a dual set of reins and sitting comfortably enough to enjoy the ride. Getting up and into a sulky seat is, thankfully, much easier than climbing on to a horse. The trick is to sit in it sideways then sort of turn myself around and kick my legs out in front of me to reach the stirrups -- which aren't really stirrups; more of a footrest to keep my feet well out of the way of the wheels. I'm not a particularly well- co-ordinated person, but the seat is roomy and, after a minute or two, it feels quite comfy sitting waiting for the horse to move. I begin to relax and feel confident that I'm not going to fall out.
I'm paired with driver Scott Phelan who started his career back in 1999 as a trials driver and has nearly 3000 races to his credit.
He's relaxed and chatty, calmly answering my "how fast will we go?" questions. Once we're settled into our seats, it's out for a pre-race procession in the Parade Ring and on to the track for the warm-up.
After a slow and sweltering car journey, the breeze is divine. Even during the warm-up, the pace is the fastest I've travelled for most of the afternoon. Then, with a mobile barrier start, we are well and truly off and racing at speeds of around 50km/h. It doesn't feel overly bumpy or insecure; fast, for sure, but smooth and at no point do I feel as if I'm going to fall out of my seat.
As we speed around the track, horses' hooves pounding and the wind whipping up around us, what strikes me most -- aside from grit flying up off the track -- is how time seems to stand still yet you're aware of the swiftness at which you're moving. It almost feels like flying.
The 1200m race finishes and I wish I could do it all over again.
Mum and the kids are watching from the Victory Circle, trackside at the finish line. I don't know who is more excited: Miss 5 or, with heart rate now back up and pulse racing, me! Just like a real winner, there is a trackside interview before returning to the changing rooms.
A glass of Champagne awaits and then a chance to kick back in one of Alexandra Park's restaurants or stay to watch the night's other races. These include a favourite for my children, the Kidz Kartz, harness racing for children aged 10-16 using miniature horses and ponies harnessed to smaller-sized sulkies for races.
"You know, mum," says Miss 10, "if you can do it, I think I could have a go ... "
Need to Know
Friday night racing at Alexandra Park: Free entry, parking, a race book, eateries and entertainment. The next races are this Friday (April 24) and then May 1 (starts about 6pm). Dual Sulky Experience runs on race nights. Bookings essential, $250 a person. Guest drivers must be over 18 and able-bodied with adequate arm strength. Contact Alexandra Park on (09) 630 5660.
Kidz Kartz teaches youngsters aged 6-16 harness driving, training, racing and the care of miniature horses and ponies. Club meet days and times vary from region to region.
