HARNESS racing is set to take off in a big way in Teesdale.

Barford Meadow, between Barnard Castle and Staindrop, has been used for occasional race meetings, but this season will see seven events promoted by the North East Standardbred Association, which it hopes will attract hundreds of spectators.

The group has spent the last few months bringing the track up to standard in preparation for the first May meeting. The trotting track has been re-seeded and white barriers mark out a half-mile distance.

Graham Smith, secretary, said: “Harness racing is one of the most up-and-coming sports in the country.

In America and Australia, it is already massive and bigger than horse racing. We think Barford is the ideal location to host events.

“We have a lot of support for the sport in Teesdale, but we are hoping to attract people from all over the area, which will boost the local economy.

As well as introducing exciting new racing series to attract the country’s best horses to the area, we have, since the end of last season, carried out major work on the race field.”

The association has received sponsorship from companies such as S&A Fabrications, of Barnard Castle, John Wade skip hire and Bailey’s Horse Feeds. There will also be corporate sponsorship deals for each event, with prices starting from £50.

“We are looking for as much sponsorship as possible, because that means we can provide better prize money, which will attract better drivers which will make for better entertainment,”

said Mr Smith.

The highlight of the season will be a two-day festival in August.

Mr Smith said: “We hope this meeting will soon establish itself as an important date in the UK and Ireland harness racing calendar.

“We expect horses from across the UK and Ireland to attend the festival, which we are sure will bring many new visitors to Teesdale.”

The first meeting at the track, situated at Barford Corner on the A688, is on Sunday, May 9, at 2pm.

The festival will take place on Friday and Saturday, August 20 and 21.

“We are placing special emphasis on creating a good family day out at our track,” said Mr Smith.

Details can be found at northeaststandardbred.co.uk.