In the closing moments of 2024, Harness Racing Update (HRU) reflects on a year filled with engaging content and remarkable growth. HRU expresses heartfelt gratitude to its advertisers, readers, and contributors for their unwavering support. This reflection showcases not only the platform's success but also highlights the diverse range of stories that captivated the audience throughout the year. With steady subscriber growth and impressive engagement metrics, HRU has solidified its position as a leading source in the horse racing community. The following summary delves into the top 10 most viewed articles, offering a glimpse into the topics that resonated most with readers.

A Year of Growth and Engagement: Top 10 Stories Unveiled

In the vibrant world of harness racing, HRU marked an important milestone this year, celebrating nine years under new management since January 2016. Over this period, the platform has seen a significant increase in subscribers, adding over 2,600 loyal followers. The year 2024 was particularly noteworthy, with HRU’s average click and open rates surpassing industry standards by substantial margins. The open rate remained robust at over 52%, while the click-to-open rate was 12% higher than the industry average. Additionally, HRU's YouTube channel saw a surge in subscribers, reaching nearly 2,560, up from 2,240 at the end of 2023. Social media presence on platforms like Facebook and Twitter also witnessed positive growth, underscoring HRU's expanding influence.

The top 10 most viewed articles of 2024 span a wide spectrum of themes, from insightful analyses to emotional narratives. Among these, Frank Cotolo explored the challenges faced by harness drivers in "The Unbearable Lightness of Being a Harness Driver, Part 1," published in September. Murray Brown provided a unique perspective on selecting yearlings in July, while Brett Sturman delved into the ongoing rivalry between Gural and Taylor in May. Other notable stories include James Platz's coverage of a new training center in Kentucky, Melissa Keith's report on the economic struggles within the industry, and Dave Briggs's piece on the closure of Northville Downs in Michigan. The most-read story of the year, penned by Debbie Little, shed light on the controversial decision to cancel racing at The Meadowlands.

From the journalist's viewpoint, this compilation of top stories underscores the diversity and depth of issues facing the harness racing world. It highlights the importance of covering both triumphs and challenges, providing a balanced narrative that keeps readers engaged. The high viewership of these articles suggests that readers are deeply invested in the sport's future, seeking comprehensive insights into its evolving landscape. As HRU continues to grow, it remains committed to delivering quality content that resonates with its passionate audience.