Spectators watch the Aiken Regional Medical Centers Dash for Cash race during the 2001 Harness Races in Aiken. STAFF/FILE

Harness races capture family atmosphere

All around, the Aiken Harness Races are a more casual affair than the Triple Crown's first two races.

The March 29 event is more like roasted peanuts than roasted duck, more like cold Budweiser than chilled champagne.

"The harness races are very much a family-type atmosphere," said Randy Warrick, athletic director at the University of South Carolina Aiken, which helps put on the event.

"It's really a fun day."

The Aiken Trials, which kicks off the three consecutive weekends of horse action, and the subsequent Aiken Steeplechase, pit riders atop thoroughbred horses.

With harness racing, a seated cart on wheels is pulled behind standardbred horses, an added twist for the Triple Crown finale.

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There should be between six and seven races this year, said Bruce McGhee, who owns the McGhees' Mile Track, where the harness races are run. There are only 35 horses at the track this year, compared to the 130 last year, Mr. McGhee said.

There are at least 20 more horses expected for race day, he added, ensuring the races take place.

Adding to the laid-back nature of the event, harness racing jockeys aren't all necessarily professionals. This year's race is scheduled to feature a celebrity competition, which organizers hope includes such familiar faces as Mayor Fred Cavanaugh, Mr. McGhee said.

Rather than horses, the celebrities will be pulled by student athletes from USC Aiken.

"It can be really funny," Mr. Warrick said.

At least one familiar face will be missing this year.

After years of attendance, the late Circuit Court Judge Frank Eppes, a former racer and mainstay of the event, will be present in memory if not in body, said Janis McGhee, Bruce's wife. Mr. Eppes died Aug. 29.

The judge used to cook breakfast at the track for weeks leading up to the race, and provided regular laughs with his tall tales.

More than a few faces were seen smiling last year when his horse pulled him right off the track and out of the race. He raced in the event annually.

"Judge Eppes was a great person," said Janis McGhee, Bruce's wife. "He will be sadly missed by us and everybody who knew him in the standardbred business."

USC Aiken will sponsor a barbecue at 5:30 p.m. in its gymnasium the Thursday before the race.

Reach Josh Gelinas at (803) 279-6895 or josh.gelinas@augustachronicle.com.

--From the Friday, March 21, 2003 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle