Harness racing, like all forms of racing faces all sorts of challenges so it’s nice to report a good news story. Some well established meetings in the UK have had to cancel recently due to lack of entries. Freehold Raceway, New Jersey,130 years in existence, closed last year and throughout the US viability is an issue.

Well done to Mark Flanagan chairman of the Irish Harness Racing Association, the committee, directors and their professional advisors on completing the first new hard track in the Ireland or Britain for 30 years. The track is at Lyre, halfway between Clonakilty and Dunwanway in the trotting heartland of West Cork.