Harness test at Keeneland

A world record of sorts was achieved Tuesday, Nov. 21, when the 3-year-old pacing filly Scenic Bay, driven by Dan Shetler, won an exhibition race at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, covering one mile in 2:07.4 over the Polytrack. On Nov. 17 Scenic Bay won in 2:03.2 over the half-mile Thunder Ridge Raceway oval.

The exhibition race was organized by Keeneland so a group representing a planned $1 billion racing complex in Calgary, Alberta, could evaluate Polytrack’s potential as a dual-breed racing surface.
The Polytrack surface was rolled for several hours before the harness horses took to the track for a warm-up mile and the race. Still, deep hoof prints could be seen in the surface after the race.

Kentucky-based Dan Shetler and his daughter, Kristin, Lendell Coleman, Bill Napier and Tyler Shehan drove horses in the five-horse race that was started with a mobile starting gate provided by Dan Coon of Charles E. Coon & Sons.

All of the drivers agreed that the surface was more tiring than a conventional dirt track, an observation also made by Thoroughbred jockeys after their initial forays over the course.

“They got a little more leg weary,” said Dan Shetler. “They would get used to it somewhat, but they wouldn’t be going the same speeds as we are today.

“But it’s got potential,” Shetler added. “I’m enthused about it. You can tell it’s much kinder to the horse.”

After the race the drivers gave their thoughts to Martin Collins, who developed the Polytrack system.
Collins said that to perfect the surface for harness, “this probably needs a commitment from someone to put a training track in.”

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