A HARNESS racing family are looking forward to taking part in the first recognised event for their sport in the region tomorrow (September 9).

John and Georgina Nicholson and their children John Henry and Savannah, of Evenwood, in Teesdale, are professional racers and trainers, with Mrs Nicholson’s father taking up the sport more than 60 years ago.

Drivers, Mr Nicholson and John Henry, 17, take part in races in Scotland where there is a big tradition for the sport but apart from meetings at their local agricultural shows, say there is nothing for racers in the region.

The sport involves drivers being pulled in a sulky ‘cart’ with their horses’ gait or trot controlled by wearing a special harness.

About 12 horses will compete in each race with drivers having to obtain a special licence and take their test three times before they are qualified.

Miss Nicholson, 21, works full-time in the family business of training horses to compete in the sport and said many people had not heard of the sport before.

“A lot of people have not heard of it but we do race on the hard tracks in places such as York, Scotland and Wales,” she said.

“We raced at Wolsingham Show - it’s a thrill especially when you’re on the home straight coming down and it’s so fast.”

John Henry, who started racing aged just 16, is already a decorated competitor and won the Red John Memorial Hurricane Pace final, in Musselburgh, near Edinburgh, to become the youngest driver to win it since records of the race began in 1958.

“When you get winners like that all the hard work and dedication pays off,” he said.

The family are looking forward to taking seven horses to Newcastle Racecourse today for the first organised harness racing competition in the region; organised by Standardbred GB - a breed society that was established to provide credibility and integrity to the Standardbred and trotting horse in harness racing and other equestrian sports throughout Britain and Ireland.

Secretary, Richard Wigham, said: “It’s the first hard track race for the region and Newcastle Racecourse have been excellent.”

Mr Wigham said he hoped the people would keep the sport alive with the organisation hoping to buy its own track in the long run.

Newcastle Racecourse will open its gates to the public at 3pm with races starting at 5pm.

To support Standardbred GB visit standardbred.org or call Mr Wigham on 07785784318.