EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (June 30, 2017) – It only seemed fitting that John Campbell, the greatest driver in harness racing history, would end his Hall of Fame career with a win. But since he's John Campbell, he did one better and won the final two races.
Campbell lowered the curtain on his career by winning with Muscle High and Muscle Diamond in his final two drives on Friday night at the Meadowlands in front of family, friends, and generations of harness racing fans who packed the Big M to wish Campbell farewell.
The 62-year-old Campbell first came to the Meadowlands in 1978. During his five decades in the sulky, he won a record six Hambletonians, seven Meadowlands Pace trophies, and 48 Breeders Crowns.
After his final trip around the Meadowlands oval, Campbell's fellow drivers came to the winner's circle to shake hands and show their appreciation for the man who revolutionized the sport.
Campbell will participate in two exhibition races at Goshen this weekend and at Clinton Raceway in Ontario at the end of July. He will assume his new role as President and CEO of the Hambletonian Society on July 1.
While Campbell's career ended, a pair of 2-year-olds began their careers in impressive fashion.
Jimmy Takter unveiled filly trotter Manchego in a maiden race. The daughter of Muscle Hill kicked home in :27 flat to win in 1:54.4.
Later in the card, Takter's 2-year-old pacing colt Nutcracker Sweet, who posted a pair of :26.1 final quarters in his two baby races, posted another :26.1 final quarter to win a maiden event in 1:52. The $150,000 Harrisburg purchase is a half-brother to $3.4 million earner Sweet Lou and a full brother to $2.7 million earner Bettor Sweet.
Takter won three races on the card with Tetrick driving two of the winners. Jim Marohn, Jr. also posted a driving double.
Total handle on the 10-race card was $1,657,520. Racing resumes Saturday night. Post time is 7:15 p.m.
For more information, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.
