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Women are pack creatures. We like to have our close group of girlfriends to enjoy Sunday brunch with, catch up on the latest gossip and keep us grounded. Any guy who’s ever tried to stomach an entire episode of Sex and the City understands this need women have for female camaraderie. See, Carrie Bradshaw and her gang had the Upper East Side of New York as their stomping ground. And yet, despite having a huge selection of posh bars, fancy restaurants and shoe stores at their disposal, the gals were missing one thing – a horse track.

As my girlfriends and I discovered over the course of the summer, the track can be an 

excellent alternative to any bar or nightclub. Why go to the same old bar and listen to a bad 80’s cover band when you can grab a bite to eat at the track and share a few drinks with your friends while betting on the ponies?

My friend Holly and I headed down to Harrah’s Chester this past Sunday. Upon arriving at the track, we bought some burgers and beer and sat down to a hardy lunch. We decided to get a table outside because it was a nice day and we wanted to watch the horses before we bet on any races. The thing about the racetrack is that you and your buddies are never bored. Even if there is a lag in conversation amongst your group, there is so much to do and see at the track that it’s impossible for anybody to even consider yawning.

Holly and I went back to the bar and got a few more drinks. We then started chatting about doomed relationships, our plans for the winter, and clothes.

You can enjoy brunch and great conversation with your friends anywhere. But you can only talk about great shoe sales while betting on horses at the track. That’s a lot more than Carrie can say about the latest night club in NYC.

Stepanie Weaver is a TrackPackPA correspondent who showed remarkable restraint in not making a "Sarah Jessica Parker looks like a horse" joke. Be sure to check out her personal blog! 

Back in June, I went to jolly old England for two weeks to visit a good friend. While waiting for a train at the grand Victoria Station, I saw many Londoners dressed to the nines in exquisite suits, flowing dresses and large, colorful hats. They looked like they had just left the royal wedding. When I asked my friend, Karl, about their outfits, he told me matter-of-factly that it was clear they were returning from the racetracks. In England, going to the track is just another excuse to get dolled up.

Last week, Karl came to Philadelphia, so like any good friend, I took him down to the track in Chester for his first ever experience with harness racing. (Americans are far more casual, so we left the silk suits back in the closet.) When we got to Harrah's, and walked out onto the grandstand, with the amazing view of the racing oval, and the rolling Delaware River directly behind it, his eyes immediately lit up like a kid's in a candy store.

 


“In the UK, the racetrack is just a track. Here, the emphasis is on the fun,” said Karl. “It feels more like a sports bar with a track connected to it than just a simple racetrack.”

I had explained to him about the concept of harness racing, and he looked completely baffled. In England, there are horse races that involve the animals jumping over either hurdles or fences. This is called National Hunt racing, and is similar to American steeplechases. Karl knew about National Hunt racing, but didn’t know anything about harness racing.

 Karl, Carey, Holly enjoying the scene 

With program in hand, I explained how the odds system worked over here and Karl decided to bet on two horses in two different races. He wasn’t familiar with the touch screen betting system, so he asked one of the seasoned paramutuel clerks for help. (Who needs touch-screen when there are really good humans there?) After our bets were placed, we took a seat down front and close to the rail. The first post time was upon us, and the horses were already lined up and trotting behind the moving starting gate. Once the gate lifted, the horses took off. Karl had bet on the number two horse to show. That's a pretty easy first bet, and it means if the horse finishes either first, second or third, he wins some money.

Old Number Two kept a steady pace during the first three quarters of the race. And as he started to pick things up near the finish, Karl and I started feeling that unique goosebump excitement of a roarin' final stretch.


“Go baby, go! Dig in!” He suavely yelled in his proper British accent.

Number Two finished a strong second and Karl was grinning from ear to ear. “I have never seen harness racing before,” smiled Karl. “Nor a rolling start. The American tracks seem a lot more relaxed than the British ones. Over here, they just want people to have a good time.”

In the second race, Karl bet on the number seven horse, and predicted he'd finish second. (That's called a "place" bet, and you win if your horse comes in first or second.) Number Seven was a beautiful large bay named Unabating and he was wearing the cutest pink silks. (Karl didn't seem as impressed with the silks as was I.)


Yes, another exhilarating race, and when Unabating rolled across the finish line first, Karl had doubled his earnings. That was high-note enough for us, and we decided the appropriate thing to do with Karl's winnings was to invest most of them at the great sports bar overlooking the track.

“I learned a lot today,” said Karl, between sips of his winning lager. “And I also like how laid back American horseracing is. Look at me in my jeans and t-shirt!”

Stephanie Weaver is one of our loyal and intrepid TrackPackPA field correspondents. Peel your eye for her at Harrah’s Chester or Parx racetracks, as she's well known to frequent both in her never-ending quest to learn more about life at the track. She’s usually armed (with a drink) and dangerously funny. (And fellas, she's easy on the eye, too.)

Our local field correspondent Stephanie Weaver made her way down to Harrah's Chester- and was surpised with what she found...

Given the fact that I had only been to the track three times total in my 27 years on this earth, I just assumed that all races were run by Thoroughbreds. It had never occurred to me to even think about an entirely different genre of horse racing. But that’s exactly what I encountered upon my visit to Harrah’s Casino in Chester, PA.

Harrah’s is a beautiful facility and offers a great waterfront view behind their racetrack. The outside stadium seating and easy access to the bar and penny-slots all ranked high in my book. The first thing I did when I got there was head straight to the edge of the track. I was expecting the usual sleek, streamlined Thoroughbreds to be pacing around the mile-long track. Instead, I witnessed something entirely different, something that reminded me of gladiators racing around in golden chariots in the Coliseum of ancient Rome.

Out on the track were horses attached to little one-man carts. Despite being gorgeous in their own accord, these horses were no Thoroughbreds. They were much fuller, with thick flanks, deep chests, and shorter legs. I came to find out later that these were Standardbreds and that the races I was about to view were harness races.

The first race I watched consisted entirely of mares. The horses all donned bright silks and flashy neon carts, also known as sulkies. Instead of being loaded into a starting gate, the horses were driven behind a moving truck with a gate that held them in place until the start of the race. As soon as the gate lifted, the mares all took off in a brisk trot. The nine horses that were racing appeared to be synchronized dancers, all of their long legs going up and down, up and down together. 

It amazed me how fast theses horses could trot. A trot to me had always been that leisurely pace halfway between a walk and a canter. But these mares were really setting a blazing trail. In fact, a Standardbred has to be able to keep a quickly paced trot for over a mile to be considered for harness racing. 

It was later that I found out that the Standardbreds only trot at the beginning of the race. 80% to 90% of harness racing in America is conducted at a gate called a pace. Even though the two gates are similar, a horse moves its legs diagonally while trotting and laterally while pacing.

I wandered over to a man who looked as pleased as me about the outcome of the race. His name was Dennis and he had been coming to the track for over 40 years. He considers racing his hobby and passion and enjoys visiting Harrah’s:  

“Harness racing is a lot slower than the Thoroughbred racing,” Dennis said. “It’s easier for people to bet on them. And it helps you to modify your losses. If you bet only $2 on a race, and there are ten races, you can play all day. I say, just as long as my bar bill is covered, I’ve had a good day.”

At the end of the day, I came to the conclusion that I enjoyed both kinds of racing equally. It was interesting to experience an entirely different kind of racing and learn about the harness racing odds system. I also thoroughly enjoyed talking with the people who were in love with this sport. I came to find out that harness racing is a world of its own and one that I don’t want to stop exploring anytime soon.

For more events, specials, and first-class harness racing at Harrah's Chester, check back in with us! 

Okay, so this post doesn't have anything to do with snakes- but it sounded cool, right? Here's a brief rundown of all the Posts and races at every PA track!

June 3^rd Weekend Update

Penn National:

Posts: Friday 6PM Saturday 6PM

Maxwell Project (website) at Hollywood on the Roof- 8:30PM

Parx:

Posts: Saturday 12:25PM Sunday: 12:25PM

Friday: DJ Maria Laina (9PM), DJ Gabor Kiss (11PM),

Saturday: Big City (8PM), DJ Ed Smooth (11PM)

Pocono Downs:
Posts: Friday: 6:30PM Saturday: 6:30PM

Stakes: Saturday James Lynch Memorial Final 3. Yr. Old Fillies $250,000!
Friday Night Under the Lights!

This summer, get your weekends off to the perfect start on Friday nights! Join us every week for a party on the track featuring live entertainment, food and drink specials and exciting giveaways!

* Friday, June 3rd - Kriki

Also- Saturday, June 4th is "Meet The Drivers Day" at Pocono Downs! Click HERE to see who's coming!

The Meadows:

Posts: Friday: 6:55PM

Stakes: 3 YO Colt Pace – Pass $200,000

Harrah’s Chester:

Friday: 12:40 Post Sunday: 12:40 Post

Stakes: Sunday, June 5: Maxie Lee Memorial L.C. 2^nd Leg. Aged FFA Trot - $40,000G!

Presque Isle Downs:

Friday: 5:30PM Saturday: 3:00PM

Chris Higbee (website) Live Friday and Saturday at 8:30PM!

As far as dining goes, Harrah’s Chester does not disappoint. It doesn’t even come close. Anthony Bourdain himself would be pumped about these places. For legal purposes I must clarify that Mr. Bourdain has no association with Harrah’s or TrackPack PA. I was merely making an expression. It’s that good.

The best part, is that every one of these amazing eateries is ON SITE- meaning you won’t have to catch a cab, stand in the cold, or miss a minute of the action! Several of the restaurants have dual views of the river and the racetrack. Enjoy an array of delectable meals, with an exhilarating backdrop to match.

Check out 'Related Posts' below for an in-depth look at all the great places Harrah's has to offer!

Harrah's Chester is located about fifteen minutes outside of Philadelphia. They host world-class harness racing, 10,000-square-foot casino, and nine places to get a delicious meal.

If that's not enough excitement for you- fear not! The lovely Brandywine County has plenty to offer all-year-round! That's right, it doesn't have to be summertime or Christmas to take a vacation! Here are some great places to check out in Brandywine!

Kennett Square

All right, this is one covers a lot, so I'm going to spend some time on it. Shops are varied in Kennet Square: antiques, collectibles, several galleries, gifts, delicious bakeries and specialty food stores, clothing, household items, and even a wine cellar. Restaurants and dining are across the board as well. Standard grille fare, cafes, homemade ice-cream, or even a delicious meal on several historic sites. Food, shopping, and endless fun on a beautiful backdrop. I didn't lie- Kennet Square covers a lot.

Brandywine Valley Wine Trail

I know you cringed when you read 'trail', but I promise you won't be walking miles on foot. These eight distinct wineries are located within a 50-mile radius of each other, so it's recommended you bring a set of wheels. Each winery hosts events and tastings so you can fully appreciate and relish in the flavors Brandywine Valley has to offer. Check the site for events and winery hours of operation!

QVC Studio Tour

Granted, QVC may be one of those channels you pass over to get to whatever drabble it is you normally watch- that doesn't mean this tour isn't amazing and unique. It takes a full-fledged army to keep that channel running smoothly. There is no other company out there like QVC, and this is your chance to see how they work . A view from the observation deck lets you watch live tapings! Fun Fact: Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs used to be a QVC host.

Herr's Factory Tour

This one looks a bit more kid-oriented, but awesome nonetheless. I'm sure they're not stingy with their 'free-samples' if you know what I'm saying! FREE CHIPS! NOM NOM!

Delaware Museum of Natural History

Natural history is cool. You should go here and get learned. Oh, and did I mention this place has the world's largest collection of bird eggs? I once bought an ostrich egg from Reading Terminal and the thing was HUGE!

There are plenty of fun and truly unique experiences to be had in this area. Check out the Brandywine Valley site for more options!

You’re going to need some sustenance to keep up with all the action Harrah’s has to offer. For an expeditious bite, be sure to check out the following places:

Club Cappuccino

I’m not sure when you’re reading this, but right now it’s winter. That means it gets dark and cold at 5:30pm. Allow Club Cappucino to help you stay warm and vibrant through those long nights! They also serve classic café fare such as bistro sandwiches, fresh-baked breads, and a variety of pastries.

Mien Noodles

Sleek, quick-stop eatery. Asian cuisine that’s sure to appease any grumblin’ stomach. Located right next to the High Limit Tables. Bet mean, eat Mien.

Winning Streaks

This place is a sure winner (tons of puns, yo)! Concession fare sure to pacify the famished-on-the-go!

Temptations Buffet

For the group that can’t decide, head to Temptations Buffet. With a huge choice of food and sweets, no taste bud goes untouched!

Whether you’re winning big, or losing small- it’s always good to unwind. Check out these great bars and pubs at Harrah's Chester for a good time.

Copper Mug

This place really does a great job at capturing an authentic pub atmosphere. From the incredible choice of brews (Flying Fish, Dock Street, Blue Moon, etc.) to the simulcast action on the television, Copper Mug is a great time.

End Zone Sports Bar

Sports fans, welcome home. This place exudes excitement and good times. It’s like Medieval Times, but for sports fans. A huge selection of food and beverages compliment the 14 plus plasma screens around the bar. Every seat in the house has a great view!

Stir

Located right in the middle of the casino, Stir is the place to go for a quick cocktail. Don’t be surprised if its inviting ambiance makes you stick around!

The fancier side of Harrah's Chester...

Riverview Terrace

Dining at Riverview Terrace is truly an experience unto itself. Panoramic views of the river and the racetrack provide a picturesque background for your dining experience. Open Sundays 12pm- 4pm.

Cove at Riverview

Delectable American fare made to perfection. I’m talking steaks and seafood, people. This is the real deal. The Cove also has an amazing view of the racetrack and river. Closed Monday and Tuesday, opens every other day at 5pm. Be sure to check out there Appetizer and Dining menu on the website, get pumped!

Is all the harness racing at Harrah's making you hungry? Hopefully not for horses. That'd be weird. You probably shouldn't even be at the track....

But anyway- If you're hungry at Harrah's Chester you don't have to go far! Let's start at concession than work our way up to fancy-schmancy.

Club Cappuccino

What better way to start your day than a strong cup of gourmet premium coffee? Callic café fare served up fresh daily!

Winning Streaks

This is a snack bar type of cuisine that is literally a few strides (pun!) away from the track. Hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and plenty of beer wash it all down. Open daily.

Temptations Buffet

Miss the old college cafeteria? Relive your glory days at this buffet style eatery. Chicken finger cheeseburger with chili fries on top? Surely. $15.99 for lunch and $19.99 for dinner.

Mien Noodles

Quick-stop Chinese food in case you're feeling a bit worldly!

Stir

Right smack in the middle of the casino, Stir is a great place to go to unwind after a day at the tracks and before a night in the casino. Well-informed bartenders will surely make your trip to drunkington an enjoyable one.

Copper Mug

Will one of your friends not shut up about his microbrew-only beer pallet? Take him to the copper mug and buy him a Flying Fish or a Dock Street. Then leave him there. He's annoying.

End Zone Sports Bar

Sports fans- plop yourself in front of one of the 15 plasma TV's at End Zone Sports Bar. Grab an appetizer and a brew while you're there as well! Live bands on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 10pm! Check out the full list here. End Zone is a 21+ establishment.

Riverview Terrace

Turn right, and you're looking out on the river. Turn left and your watching the races. Look forward at your spouse- they need attention too. Delicious American cuisine that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Open on Sundays from 12-4pm. This is one place to schedule your trip around!

Cover at the Riverview 

Delicious steak and seafood cuisine will pair wonderfully with your top of the world view! Be sure to check out there Cover Prix Fixe menu for a limited time only! Closed Monday and Tuesday, opens at 5pm for the rest of the week.

There you have it! That's easily enough dining to fill up an entire weekend- without even leaving the place!