Gordon's Harness Horses

Gordon's Harness Horses This page is all about my harness racing "business." It started back in July of 2011. You'll enjoy keeping up with what's happening. See you at the races!

It's been an absolute thrill for me.

Journey just chillin’ in his ship-in stall.
06/17/2026

Journey just chillin’ in his ship-in stall.

Here are the official entries for Journey's race this coming Wednesday at Scioto Downs.You'll note our driver this week ...
06/15/2026

Here are the official entries for Journey's race this coming Wednesday at Scioto Downs.

You'll note our driver this week is Tyler Smith. Since I became a co-owner of Journey in June of last year, Tyler has driven Journey twice. On both occasions, Journey had post position 5 (same as this Wednesday) and both times Journey was second.

Tyler has had a decent amount of success driving some of Ron's other horses. I'm hoping his success continues this Wednesday.

06/14/2026

Yesterday morning at the barn couldn't have been a nicer weather day than we had with clear, blue skies and a ton of sunshine.

And for me, things worked out that I only needed to jog three with Ryders Up being one of them. Journey had the day off and was turned out for a bit.

And Ryders Up...for the first time...actually took a cookie from me and ate it. Big news, right? :) I think he's slowly starting to warm up to me.

On the racing front, Journey's race last Wednesday was--unfortunately--more of the same. Getting away in the back half of the field and finishing 5th for the second week in a row. He raced really well as has been the case most every week.

And he gets another try this coming Wednesday at Scioto Downs. Race 2, post position 5.

Here are the official entries for Journey's race this Wednesday evening.
06/08/2026

Here are the official entries for Journey's race this Wednesday evening.

06/07/2026

What started yesterday as a nice day at the barn ended being...well, very muddy with a storm a lot of you no doubt experienced.

I was on the back track with Vinnie and stayed out one lap too long. I can say I've never been on the track when it has been THAT windy with the rain comin' down THAT hard.

Vinnie was a trooper as I tried to get him back to the barn as quick as I could. I know he wasn't having any fun but was tough as nails to get through it.

I did get out with seven yesterday with both Journey and Ryders Up being among that group. And all the horses that needed to get out did so.

On the racing front...Journey is back in on Wednesday at Scioto Downs. This time it's race 12 which has an estimated start time around 9:30 pm. He's got post 7 in a field of just 7 horses.

Drivers have yet to be determined so entries remain unofficial.

There was plenty of frustration to go around last night as Journey ended up 5th.Let me share my personal frustration. If...
06/04/2026

There was plenty of frustration to go around last night as Journey ended up 5th.

Let me share my personal frustration.

If you look at the accompanying chart, you'll see that...even though Journey had post 3 (what I would consider an inside post)...he ends up 5 1/4 lengths back at the quarter pole in 7th position. As you might guess, he had one of the slowest speed ratings of the group.

Then, at the half mile mark, he was still 7th but now 7 1/2 lengths behind the leader. And at the top of the stretch, he was 9th.

But as you can see, his last quarter (i.e. LQ in the chart) time of 27.4 was the fastest among the group (to be expected as his first quarter time was among the slowest) which gave him a final time of 1:53...only 2 1/4 lengths from winning.

What's the moral of this story? Clearly, Journey isn't a horse that comes off the pace from 6-7 lengths back. If he gets off the gate even in 4th position at the quarter, his chances of winning increase greatly.

He's proven he's a horse that needs to be at least near the front 'cause he certainly can go fast enough to win races in this condition. He just needs the trip to get it done.

Well, at least I feel better now. Not much, but a little. :)

06/03/2026

Here’s Journey on his 3rd warm up lap with Ranger Steck in the bike.

Wednesday night once again at Scioto Downs for Journeyssharpedge!Race 4 (again). :)Post 3 (again). :)
06/01/2026

Wednesday night once again at Scioto Downs for Journeyssharpedge!

Race 4 (again). :)

Post 3 (again). :)

Today was an absolutely perfect day to be at the barn and jogging horses.I got to go out with nine today. Not only did I...
05/30/2026

Today was an absolutely perfect day to be at the barn and jogging horses.

I got to go out with nine today. Not only did I go out with Journey but, for the first time ever, I got to jog Ryders Up. The photo that accompanies this post is courtesy of Rita Condit. Rita just happened to be standing near the entrance to the main track on the back side and captured yours truly after just entering the track.

Ryders Up behaved quite well for me. Ron cautioned me that when trainers are on the track (horses coming toward you and going pretty fast) that he can get a bit testy and wants to go fast himself. And that was true. But otherwise, he was good.

05/29/2026

Last Wednesday was my first time at Scioto Downs since some of the new construction was installed.

Some of you might remember that to go from the grandstand area to the paddock area, there was a sidewalk along the fence.

That has changed.

The accompanying video is a view of the new "patio" which, as you will see, has some seating available. You'll also see on the right-hand side the two entrances to the paddock.

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Westerville, OH

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