The May 2026 issue of Hoof Beats is the monthly magazine’s annual Top Picks edition, featuring the editorial staff’s projections as to who will emerge as the best 3-year-old pacers and trotters as the season unfolds.
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Hoof Beats: Owning the Opportunity
Every so often, something happens outside of harness racing that quietly tells us more about ourselves than it does about the decision itself. It doesn’t come with a press release about the future of horse racing, and it isn’t framed as some referendum in front of the public on racing — but if we’re paying attention, it becomes one of the clearest signals we get.
Hoof Beats: Aloha!
Hawaii is the last place anyone would expect to find harness racing. However, at one time, under the heated glow of a volcanic sun, the rhythmic thunder of hooves cut through the island’s quiet, with horses chasing glory on a dirt oval not far from Waikiki waves.
April Hoof Beats: Beau Ideal
The April edition of Hoof Beats celebrates 2025 Dan Patch Horse of the Year Beau Jangles, who compiled an undefeated 12-start rookie campaign en route to year-end honors.
Hoof Beats: Devoted Defender
Don Marean has worn a lot of hats in his long and storied career in harness racing , which dates to the 1980s. But, no matter what position Marean has held, the bottom line for him was, is, and continues to be the well-being of Standardbreds. And currently, Marean, now 84, continues to work for the secure future of Standardbreds after their racing careers conclude.
Hoof Beats: False Claims
As a former chemistry major who has been involved in several horse-medication violation cases as a lawyer, and now as chairman of the USTA’s Harness Racing Medication Collaborative (HRMC), I can say that I have learned a bit about what constitutes a positive test — and, conversely, what does not.
Last day for Hoof Beats reader survey and prizes
Tuesday (March 31) is the last day to take part in a Hoof Beats reader survey with a chance to win a $150 Amazon gift card, a free one-year subscription to Hoof Beats, or a USTA swag package.
March Hoof Beats: Purple Reign
The March issue of Hoof Beats celebrates David Miller, who became the all-time richest driver in North American harness racing last month after having amassed over $300 million in purse earnings through his illustrious career.
Hoof Beats: The ‘Write’ Stuff
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: The sport we love was built, in large measure, by people whose bylines are no longer seen on a regular basis.
Hoof Beats: More Than Money
iven Cash Money Twenty’s namesake, the 4-year-old gelding had a lot to live up to, but he’s far surpassed all his connections’ hopes and taken them on the ride of a lifetime.