Malvern C. "Mal" Burroughs, a celebrated figure in the world of harness racing, passed away on Friday, Sept. 20 at the age of 83.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Burroughs was a self-made man who had a successful career in the construction business. He borrowed $8,000 to purchase a used dump truck and eventually grew his business and its reputation to the point where his company was involved in significant projects, including the excavation of the World Trade Towers site and the construction of The Meadowlands racetrack.

Burroughs’ passion for harness racing began in the 1970s when he became a horse owner. By the early 1980s he had started driving his horses in the Billings Amateur Series. His partnership with trainer Jimmy Takter, a future Hall of Famer, marked the beginning of his major successes in the sport. Together, they produced notable horses like Gleam, winner of the 1994 Hambletonian Oaks.

One of Burroughs’ most significant achievements came with Malabar Man, a colt foaled on his farm in 1994. Despite health challenges, both Burroughs and Malabar Man made remarkable comebacks. Malabar Man went on to win numerous prestigious races, including the 1997 Hambletonian and the Orsi Mangelli, and was named 1997 Horse of the Year. Malabar Man was elected into the Living Horse Hall of Fame in 2008. 

Burroughs’ contributions to harness racing extended beyond his successes on the track. He was actively involved in leading organizations within the sport, including the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, the Hambletonian Society and the Harness Horse Youth Foundation. In recognition of his lifelong dedication and achievements, Burroughs was elected to the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 2024.

Mal is survived by his wife and sweetheart Janet, daughters Melanie and Gail, son-in-law Jimmy, sister Marianne, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The wake will be held at Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home, 19 Lincoln Avenue, Rutherford, N.J. on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 from 4 - 8 p.m. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 9:30 a.m. for 10:30 a.m. Mass at the Church of St. Mary, 91 Home Avenue, Rutherford, N.J. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery, 742 Rutherford Avenue, Rutherford, N.J.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to honour the legacy of Malvern Burroughs would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Mal Burroughs.

(with files from the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame)