New to harness racing? Here is all the basic information to get you started

If you’re a horse player who hasn’t yet sampled harness racing, there’s a whole other punting world to be found in the other horse racing code.

You may already be aware of the most obvious differences. Rather than thoroughbreds, harness racing uses the Standardbred breed of horse.

And of course, the major and immediately recognisable difference between the horse racing codes is that thoroughbreds are ridden by jockeys, who sit atop the horse and ride using a saddle, stirrups and reins, while harness racing features the horses pulling special carts, called sulkies.

The two-wheeled sulky carries the driver, who uses long reins and steers the horse from his seated position.

Harness racing in Australia takes place on dirt tracks. Being such a popular form of racing, there are harness racing tracks all over Australia, from the major cities to small, country towns.

Harness racing has a heavy nighttime presence, so there’s often racing on at a good time for having a bet.

In terms of betting, most of the bet types are identical to thoroughbred racing, so you’ll be into it in no time.

All you need to get your head around is the form! The best place for that? Racenet of course, with our trusted form guide now covering harness racing as well.