John DeLong comes from a long line of harness racing greats in the state of Wisconsin. His family is one of two families in the Wisconsin Harness Racing Hall of Fame. However, on January 24, DeLong will receive an award for himself – the James Laird Memorial Award For Excellence.
This past season marked a decade that DeLong has been sitting in the sulky. He began his career at the Illinois fairs in 2005 at the age of ‘Sweet 16.’ A year later, he made his Wisconsin debut with Mr Average, and a year after that he won his first pari-mutuel race at Maywood Park with Gypsys Girl. His career as a driver took off from there as he has posted earnings of more than $7 million.
The 2014 racing season proved to be one for the books for DeLong. His 257 wins helped take his season bankroll to almost $1.95 million. He garnered stakes wins in the Lorna Propes, Maywood Pace, American-National, Illinois State Fair final, Cardinal, Violet, Hanover, Lady Ann Reed and the Review Stakes.
Perhaps his greatest achievement came as he piloted Little Warriorette to victory at Balmoral Park en route to his 1,000th driving win. John celebrated the accomplishment in the winner’s circle with family and friends.
DeLong will receive his award at the Wisconsin Harness Horse Association banquet on January 24 at the Howard Johnson in Madison, Wis. For more information or tickets to the event, please contact WHHA President Gabe Wand at 608-574-5468 or via email at [email protected].
(Wisconsin Harness Horse Assn.)