John Campbell, the sport's all-time leading money-winning driver, will be out of action for an undetermined time after needing surgery late Wednesday afternoon.
The surgery was needed to repair a broken left collarbone that Campbell suffered in an ice skating accident earlier in the day.
Campbell's wife, Paula, told harnessracing.com Thursday morning that her husband was skating on an outside neighborhood rink with his grandson when he slipped and tumbled, landing directly on his shoulder. Campbell, 58, was taken immediately to Passaic Valley Hospital in New Jersey where the surgery was performed at 5 p.m.
"It was just a freak accident," Paula said. "We were able to do some things so he could have the surgery done right away. He could have stayed in the hospital overnight but because of the snowstorm, I was able to bring him home last night."
Paula said doctors did not give John a definite number on recovery time, although she said he is hoping to return to the sulky in about four weeks. The Hall of Fame driver currently has 10,641 career wins and a record $285.7 million in purse earnings.
Please join Standardbred Canada in wishing John a speedy and full recovery.
(Harnessracing.com)
Best wishes to an all-time
Best wishes to an all-time great in the sport in recovering from the injuries. Hopefully one day I can get a photo with you and an autograph. :) I would much prefer to race against you but uh haven't reach my dream of training, driving and owning horses yet.
Hip-checked by a grandson ...
Hip-checked by a grandson ... I know it hurts John, but I was SOOOO relieved (upon reading the Headline) that it wasn't another racing accident. Recover quickly, and 'pass' on pullers for a while ;-)
Dear Mr. Campbell, There are
Dear Mr. Campbell,
There are only 2 men in harness racing that have truly inspired me to be the best I can. You are the man in that Number One spot. I have had the privilege to meet you 3 times a true dream come true. You are top of the line for harness racing.
So sorry to hear of your accident and am wishing you the speediest of recoveries. Looking forward to seeing you back in the bike. Best Wishes for you and your family. xo
Some guys will do anything to
Some guys will do anything to get out of working in the winter !!! Heal Fast.
Hey John. Wishing you a
Hey John. Wishing you a healthy and speedy recovery. Happy to see you got to spend time with your grand kid. You are a great ambassador to the sport we love. You will just have to make it up at stake time. Feel better!
Vegas Paparazzi
I wish you a speedy recovery
I wish you a speedy recovery John, looking forward to watching you drive, love your style and it has never changed since you started in windsor and london.