Delaware’s Executive Director of Harness Racing Commission, Mark Davis, came and spoke to us about the Horse Racing Industry in Delaware.  Horse racing is one of the oldest of all sports.

He explained to us the difference between Harness Racing horses and Thoroughbred horses. Harness Racing horses pull and race more than a thoroughbred does(3,000 races a year). A Thoroughbred horse races with a jockey and races less(700 races a year). The Delaware Horse Racing Redevelopment Act was passed in 1994 allowing slot machines at horse racing facilities. The horse industry has a direct economic effect on the U.S. of $39 billion annually. 46% of horse owners have an income of between $25,000 to $75,000.