I was fortunate enough to be at the time trial with my dad sitting in the rail box seat right on the finish line. In my lifetime I have never experienced a more exciting live racing event. Watching this video today still sends chills down my back. It was an amazing moment in sports history and I still think the greatest moment harness racing ever had. Breaking that barrier at that point in time was unbelievable. Awesome video!!!
In 1980 a time of 1:49 was unthinkable! I remember this well, I am so glad someone had the brains to video it! This video is part of our national history. I saw Niatross race at Vernon Downs (upstate NY) in 1980. I was 15 and I loved this horse! Thanks so much for sharing this masterpiece!
That on surround sound is by far the coolest thing ever. I was only 5 years old when that took place. To replay it over and over, every time feels like being there live. Thanks to who video taped it that day!
The first sub 1:50 mile in history! 149.1 incredible. I’m so glad I got to see him race life one of the all time great race horses in history. He was brilliant.
Those were the days. People loved the sport. So long gone. I was in Lexington that day, 10 years old. My dad is the prompter in brown and tan. Fred Bach is in the blue. They worked hard and lived for the sport. Those old runners could move. My dad's an old timer now and Fred is gone. Loved Niatross. Times that won't return.
GOOSEBUMPS!! I was there, I was six, but I was there! I remember it like it was yesterday!! That is when the track was slammed with people and there was electricity in the air! Loved it!!
Thanks for posting this video. I was in at the track in Pompano Beach the night Niatross ran his last race. My dad got us seats in the stands right at the finish line. It is still one of my greatest memories of my life watching that incredible horse run. He won by 15 lengths that night in 1:54 and 3. We went back inside and watched the race over and over again on the screens. Everyone was laughing and crying..
Very grateful to the videographer who did an admirable job with a hand held old jalopy of a camera...Saw him race, but even though my home barn was at SARATOGA, I was out on the road, and MISSED that awful incident that might have halted his fabulous career
I grew up in New Zealand where pacing is a big sport. Niatross was a big name there. People couldn't believe that a horse could run 1:49 for the mile. The Australian champion Mount Eden did 1:56, and we thought that was good. Now you have this video which proves it. Great stuff. Incidentally Bret Hanover and Overtrick were well known in NZ too. Naturally Albatross was too. Has anyone heard of them?
I saw Niatross race a few times but was most impressed with him in 1995 when they took him from the farm to showcase him at Freehold Raceway.He was almost 17, his eyes and coat looked great. I asked his handler, how he looked so good at his age.I was told he got bored easy so they treat him with letting him go in the sulky I was told when he trained he would want to turn and start to race.He still went quarters in 30 or so and halves in 60 His trainer swore he could still do 56 if trained down.
I was there, amazing moment. The crowd was electric after he hit 3/4, one could no longer hear announcer Carl Becker. Knew one of the prompter drivers. He swore that Clint ask the horse very late in the TT and Niatross had much more in the tank. Still possibly the greatest harness horse I have seen race. How many 3yo pacing colts from that year were good enough to stand as stallions? Many great horses were dominated by Niatross in 1980
Yes there is, but this one is much better. The announcer names all of Niatross' accomplishments and calls the fractions, but you cant hear the crowd. This one is great for the emotion and excitement from the fans.
Glen h - absolutely agree. I owned harness horses at Northlands Park in the mid 90’s. There was a core fan base plus more on big race days. Slots moved in and that was the end of it. Closed in the fall of 2018. So sad.
So funny because I go to Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway. The other night, I was the only fan watching from the finish line. I was at the 1980 Cane Pace which was won my Niatross. I believe that the crowd was about 18,000 and the place was packed. Now that MGM purchased Yonkers Raceway from the Rooneys, the track will eventually close down for good. Too bad that the Meadowlands Racetrack didn't put in slots years ago. Their purses and quality of racing has hit rock bottom. I remember going to the track in 1979 (age 15) and I didn't get I'D. I just enjoyed trying to handicap the very good horses that ran back then. Now, it's a forgotten sport 😞
i WAS AT FREHOLD RACEWAY WHEN THEY ANNOUNCED THIS TO THE CROWD OVER THE INTERCOM EVERYONE WAS JUST BUZZING LIKE HOW UNREAL THAT 149.1 WAS THE TIME OF THE MILE STIIL GIVES ME GOOSE BUMBS
People that loved the sport. This is something missing from today's harness racing and I wonder if we can ever get it back. In Ontario, Canada right now the provincial government basically is trying to put the final nails in the coffin and the local track I go to may shut down because of it. Please people a bigger voice and more in your face protesting is needed. I am willing to participate if anything is organized in the Sarnia area.
I wish there was the same love as back then. Yonkers recently had an international contest that has some of the "flavor" of the past but not quite as it was
I’m so happy I experienced the track in the early 90’s. No cell phones or slot machines. On the weekends it was a social event. People interacting. Interesting concept....
some would argue that Varenne was more dominant but i still beg to differ; especially considering Niatross' short career and that his son went on, Nihilator to perform even better.Then I think historical perspective taken into account, u have to honor Dan Patch & his 14 WR's he broke & the 1:55 mile record he held for 54 years. & Taken into account track conditions in 1906 & that it wasn't till 1960 till another horse broke his record is simply astounding. & his 10 yr undefeated record
My fam owned and stabled racehorses @newyorkstatefair in Syracuse. Had the distinct opportunity of being employed and educated by these hall of famers. Galbraith would ship and brake over 100 head every winter in orlando. Niatross was a Cinderella story oit of an mare with no pedigree.
I was fortunate enough to be at the time trial with my dad sitting in the rail box seat right on the finish line. In my lifetime I have never experienced a more exciting live racing event. Watching this video today still sends chills down my back. It was an amazing moment in sports history and I still think the greatest moment harness racing ever had. Breaking that barrier at that point in time was unbelievable. Awesome video!!!
In 1980 a time of 1:49 was unthinkable! I remember this well, I am so glad someone had the brains to video it! This video is part of our national history. I saw Niatross race at Vernon Downs (upstate NY) in 1980. I was 15 and I loved this horse! Thanks so much for sharing this masterpiece!
I was lucky enough to be at the Red Mile that day and saw him TT. Niatross IS STILL one of the GREATEST horses that ever looked through a bridle!
That on surround sound is by far the coolest thing ever. I was only 5 years old when that took place. To replay it over and over, every time feels like being there live. Thanks to who video taped it that day!
Two of the greatest horses in history born on the same day of March 30!!
Niatross 1977 and Secretariat 1970. Back in the good old days.....
The greatest video on UA-cam. My favourite moment in sport.
I AGREE 100%
The reactions at the 3/4s and the finish.... Wow
@@kimberlygalbraith8287 I’ve watched this video 100 times and read your comment without ever asking what relation you are to Clint?
43 years ago today. Thank you so much again for this wonderful trip back through time to see the greatest Standardbred of 'em all!
Thank you for sharing this amazing video and thanks to Clint and Niatross for such memories ..
The first sub 1:50 mile in history! 149.1 incredible. I’m so glad I got to see him race life one of the all time great race horses in history. He was brilliant.
Those were the days. People loved the sport. So long gone. I was in Lexington that day, 10 years old. My dad is the prompter in brown and tan. Fred Bach is in the blue. They worked hard and lived for the sport. Those old runners could move. My dad's an old timer now and Fred is gone. Loved Niatross. Times that won't return.
Obviously Aidan Hastings is my kid... Monica Lacey
GOOSEBUMPS!! I was there, I was six, but I was there! I remember it like it was yesterday!! That is when the track was slammed with people and there was electricity in the air! Loved it!!
I was 18 when i saw niatross at greenwood raceway in canada...truely a beast...toyed with the older open horses.....best ever imo
Thanks for posting this video. I was in at the track in Pompano Beach the night Niatross ran his last race. My dad got us seats in the stands right at the finish line. It is still one of my greatest memories of my life watching that incredible horse run. He won by 15 lengths that night in 1:54 and 3. We went back inside and watched the race over and over again on the screens. Everyone was laughing and crying..
Great to watch this, the crowd reaction is awesome... Thanks.
Very grateful to the videographer who did an admirable job with a hand held old jalopy of a camera...Saw him race, but even though my home barn was at SARATOGA, I was out on the road, and MISSED that awful incident that might have halted his fabulous career
Niatross was the Secretariat of Harness Racing.
Might have gone 1:45 today!
I grew up in New Zealand where pacing is a big sport. Niatross was a big name there. People couldn't believe that a horse could run 1:49 for the mile. The Australian champion Mount Eden did 1:56, and we thought that was good. Now you have this video which proves it. Great stuff. Incidentally Bret Hanover and Overtrick were well known in NZ too. Naturally Albatross was too. Has anyone heard of them?
I saw Niatross race a few times but was most impressed with him in 1995 when they took him from the farm to showcase him at Freehold Raceway.He was almost 17, his eyes and coat looked great. I asked his handler, how he looked so good at his age.I was told he got bored easy so they treat him with letting him go in the sulky I was told when he trained he would want to turn and start to race.He still went quarters in 30 or so and halves in 60 His trainer swore he could still do 56 if trained down.
HORSE AND DRIVER WERE AMAZING
Cooge
I was there, amazing moment. The crowd was electric after he hit 3/4, one could no longer hear announcer Carl Becker.
Knew one of the prompter drivers. He swore that Clint ask the horse very late in the TT and Niatross had much more in the tank. Still possibly the greatest harness horse I have seen race. How many 3yo pacing colts from that year were good enough to stand as stallions? Many great horses were dominated by Niatross in 1980
Yes there is, but this one is much better. The announcer names all of Niatross' accomplishments and calls the fractions, but you cant hear the crowd. This one is great for the emotion and excitement from the fans.
one of my favorite videos-sad how far the sport has fallen. Now people are hypotized by the slots while 15 people watch a race at Yonkers
Glen h - absolutely agree. I owned harness horses at Northlands Park in the mid 90’s. There was a core fan base plus more on big race days. Slots moved in and that was the end of it. Closed in the fall of 2018. So sad.
So funny because I go to Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway. The other night, I was the only fan watching from the finish line. I was at the 1980 Cane Pace which was won my Niatross. I believe that the crowd was about 18,000 and the place was packed. Now that MGM purchased Yonkers Raceway from the Rooneys, the track will eventually close down for good. Too bad that the Meadowlands Racetrack didn't put in slots years ago. Their purses and quality of racing has hit rock bottom. I remember going to the track in 1979 (age 15) and I didn't get I'D. I just enjoyed trying to handicap the very good horses that ran back then. Now, it's a forgotten sport 😞
ai was at Hollywood Park when Niatross set the world record 1:52.1. The 2 horses that have really impressed me Niatross of course and Zenyatta
AWESOME! Horse!!! Thanks so much for posting this Niatross is the best. He is my stallion's grand sire, and proud of it!
this was shot in 1980? on videotape? omfg that is awesome :D great quality for a 31 year old video :)
i WAS AT FREHOLD RACEWAY WHEN THEY ANNOUNCED THIS TO THE CROWD OVER THE INTERCOM EVERYONE WAS JUST BUZZING LIKE HOW UNREAL THAT 149.1 WAS THE TIME OF THE MILE STIIL GIVES ME GOOSE BUMBS
With thrills like this I do not understand why the grandstands are empty these days.
All speed.if you aren't in the top 4 at quarter you rarely win anymore
All chalk.
It's become boring.
The worst thing you can do is make it boring
People that loved the sport. This is something missing from today's harness racing and I wonder if we can ever get it back. In Ontario, Canada right now the provincial government basically is trying to put the final nails in the coffin and the local track I go to may shut down because of it. Please people a bigger voice and more in your face protesting is needed. I am willing to participate if anything is organized in the Sarnia area.
WITH YOU ON THAT ONE ..
Wow.... What a great T.T. So happy its on tape for all to see!!!
I wish there was the same love as back then. Yonkers recently had an international contest that has some of the "flavor" of the past but not quite as it was
Best race horse ever !!
I’m so happy I experienced the track in the early 90’s. No cell phones or slot machines. On the weekends it was a social event. People interacting. Interesting concept....
how fast would Niatross have gone if Campbell or O'Donnell was driving
Wow, rare indeed!
Great find, and thanks for sharing!
some would argue that Varenne was more dominant but i still beg to differ; especially considering Niatross' short career and that his son went on, Nihilator to perform even better.Then I think historical perspective taken into account, u have to honor Dan Patch & his 14 WR's he broke & the 1:55 mile record he held for 54 years. & Taken into account track conditions in 1906 & that it wasn't till 1960 till another horse broke his record is simply astounding. & his 10 yr undefeated record
WELL SAID
Ahead of his time, at the time. Great horse, fine horseman.
My fam owned and stabled racehorses @newyorkstatefair in Syracuse. Had the distinct opportunity of being employed and educated by these hall of famers. Galbraith would ship and brake over 100 head every winter in orlando. Niatross was a Cinderella story oit of an mare with no pedigree.
I SAW CLINT DRIVE HIS FIRST RACE IN THE 50TH AT COLLINGWOOD ONTARIO
AWESOME !!
Don't think we needed a track announcer here.
I always wondered the same thing.
its the michael jordan of horses
His.gait.was
Unheard.he.was.like.boby.ore.on.ice.13.thousand.people.gathed.at.greenwood.daybue.
Do they test TT horses....
No...when they asked to test Cambest when he set the TT record they flat out refused
Ho Lee Shit
pfft had pacemakers
varenne bea donkeys. ribot your fucking kidding