Harness racing is a popular horse racing style across the globe. Instead of riding the horse's back like they do in the Kentucky Derby, the jockey rides in a "sulky," a two-wheeled cart pulled behind the horse. The horses are standardbred instead of thoroughbred as well. This usually means they have shorter legs and longer, leaner bodies.

In a typical harness race, like those run at the Northfield track in Ohio, the horses race at a specified gait. Off track betting is still run the same way, with odds similar to a thoroughbred race. At VIPhorses, Northfield harness racing is one of the featured harness racetracks, for which members can place bets.

These races are 80 to 90 percent pacing races, which means the horses have to follow a certain stride. You can bet on these races just like you would any other race. However, the way you calculate your per-horse wager should be different, based more on the horse's endurance and stride, not only their speed. The jockey's cart skills also come more into play here, as the cart adds room for error.

With the original facilities constructed back in 1934, Northfield park is the only remaining commercial harness track in northeast Ohio. The area used to be full of them, but now this lone ranger is the only that has stood the test of time. It offers year round, live harness racing and simulcasts. The track also hosts several prestigious events a year, including the $125,000 Battle of Lake Erie. Sign up at VIPhorses today to begin betting on harness racing.