Although it is perhaps less well-known than other forms of horse racing, harness horse racing is exciting and popular in its own right. During its long history, it has seen a number of top competitors that represent the finest horse racing has to offer. Three of the big names in harness horse racing are Dan Patch, Greyhound, and Cardigan Bay.

Dan Patch was one of the most famous horses and greatest pacers of all time, and in his heyday in the early 1900s became a marketing icon due to his track success. Dan Patch was a brown standard-bred horse, foaled in 1896, who set nine world records and retired in 1909 without a single defeat. His most famous record, for the fastest mile in harness horse racing, stood for over 30 years.

Another horse with near mythical status, the trotter Greyhound, foaled in 1932, overwhelmingly dominated the sport during his career. His career highlights include a 1935 win at the Hambletonian race, 14 different world records, including a 1938 time for fastest mile that wasn't surpassed for three decades. Greyhound's fame was such that even 20 years after retirement, visitors still came to his owner's farm to see him.

Cardigan Bay, probably the greatest race horse to ever come from New Zealand, is best known as the first horse to win one million dollars in prize money. After triumphing in New Zealand, Cardigan Bay moved to the United States and won nearly every major championship. To learn more about harness horse racing and to take advantage of opportunities for horse race betting, visit VIPhorses.com and get in on the action!