We had a weekend day at the races* at the Great Pocomoke Fair in Pocomoke, MD, a 45-minute drive from home. We didn't lose $ bettin' on the ponies as this is the only fair in
Maryland that features a single day of harness racing — with no betting. Harness racing is always on the last day of this annual event.
Although fair attendees don't bet here, there are cash purses for these exhibition and USTA (United
States Trotting Association) sanctioned races. Race participants come from
neighboring eastern states, including our home state of NJ. The prize monies are awarded with support
from Ocean Downs (MD) Racetrack which provides financial support to the Great
Pocomoke Fair to further promote harness racing in Maryland.
Horse racing was always a highlight of the Great Pocomoke Fair
from its earliest days. Trotters came from many nearby states even then. Races were run several days in a row, with as many as a dozen horses in a race, unlike this single afternoon event.
Watching these spirited horses and skilled riders made for a fun outing. Threatened
thunderstorms held off so that all 12 races were completed.
* A Day at the Races was the 7th film starring slapstick comedians, Chico, Harpo, and Groucho Marx. Like their previous MGM feature A Night at the Opera, this 1937 film was a major hit for the trio. In the film, a veterinarian posing as a doctor, a race-horse owner, and friends struggle to help keep a sanitarium open with the help of a misfit race-horse.
It was the only Marx Brothers film to receive a competitive Oscar nomination.
It can be see (FREE) online at YouTube here. It's in B&W and running time is just over 1-1/2 hours.
10 comments:
I'm sure this was a treat, especially considering that I've never been to a horse race of any kind.
the horses are beautiful and my favorite it the girl with the flag.. glad the rain held off
Will have to watch that movie, it was great. They have a lot of side bets going on around here, it can be a very serious sport.
Harness racing takes place here as well... it always strikes me as a bit of madness!
One of the horses we had as kids was a former pacer...he was awesome!!!!...:)JP
What a fun day and event! When I saw USTA I thought 'what does the United States Tennis Association have to do with horses?" LOL (I used to play USTA). Grand set of pics, Beatrice!
Queen also had an album titled A Day At The Races which followed their album A Night At The Opera. Meant to be a tribute I believe. Those horses are beautiful. You can see the strength of the muscles in your pictures which are wonderful.
Great pictures of the horse races. Sounds like a fun day.
I just love those horses. Such beautiful creatures!
Wonderful action photos! Those horses are certainly put through their paces. Lovely animals!
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