Look what a little good PR can do for racing

All harness racing needs is some great positive promotions to help bring recognition and attraction new patrons to the sports. That’s beginning to take place thanks to NBA basketball star Nikola Jokic, who just happens to be a Standardbred owner in his native Serbia.

Jokic, as a guest of Hall of Fame driver Tim Tetrick, was at Gaitway Farms Friday morning working horses and then went to take in the Meadowlands race card, making a trip to the winner’s circle and visiting with driver, trainers and caretakers in the Meadowlands race paddock.

Now read today’s Larry Brown Sports page and the article below by Grey Papke.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is ready to embrace a new road trip ritual.

Jokic and the Nuggets were in New York over the weekend to play the Knicks and had some downtime in the city. Jokic used that time to take in harness racing at The Meadowlands, and it sounds like he enjoyed the experience.

Not only that, but Jokic went off for 32 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists in Saturday’s win over the Knicks. That was enough for Jokic to contemplate making a harness racing trip a part of his road trip itinerary.

If taking in a horse race actually bolstered Jokic’s road numbers, the Nuggets would probably get right on it. On the other hand, those numbers aren’t that far off Jokic’s season averages of 25.7 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, so how much did it really help?

We do know that Jokic was having some fun with one of the Knicks’ most famous fans during Saturday’s game. Maybe the reigning MVP just needs to banter with Spike Lee regularly to post huge lines.

Here is the interview that Jessica Otten did with Jokic at the Meadowlands Friday evening, click here.

If we can continue to work with a Nikola Jokic and other sports celebrities, including earlier this season with UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, the industry can improve and grow.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink