Trotting, usually known as harness racing, is an incredibly popular sport in the US, originating in early county fairs all across the country. Locals would love to place a bet on their favourites in this fast and often-dangerous event, although the betting and odds were much more different than they are now! Today, the sport is also popular all across the globe with countries such as Australia, Canada, Norway, Sweden, New Zealand, France and Italy holding huge racing events, just to name a few.

Harness racing is different from the horse racing you may be used to from courses such as Aintree and Ascot! For a start, the horses are completely different. A special breed of horse called Standardbreds are used, a more bulky creature that is able to pull the driver along in a two-wheeled cart called a sulky at speeds of more than 30mph! Although the drivers are often highly-experienced, it's not uncommon for accidents to occur - which makes harness racing fast, dangerous and fantastic for a bet as, like in horse racing, often it can be anyone's' race!

If you want to place a bet on the biggest and most exciting harness races, then you should look to the US. The Hambletonian (named after the foundation stallion of the Standardbred breed) has been held every year since 1926 and is always a spectacle and is part of the Trotting Triple Crown event. Or, you could try your luck at the World Trotting Derby at Du Quoin, Illinois.