Driver John Campbell remains in hospital after an accident at Harrah's Chester on Monday afternoon left harness racing's all-time leading money-winning driver with a broken shoulder and knee
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According to reports, Campbell was driving Tritech in the ninth race, trailing Somedancer Hanover and driver David Miller. Miller's horse made a break and fell, resulting in an accident involving Campbell and Tritech as well as Bravo, driven by Brad Provost.
Miller completed his drives on the card, while Provost was taken to the hospital and was later released.
"We’re not sure if he’s going to need surgery on his knee as some operate on it to put a screw in to stabilize it," Campbell's wife Paula told harnessracing.com. "They won’t do anything for the shoulder but put it in a brace and let it heal."
We often forget how serious
We often forget how serious the business of racing standardbred horses is and that all the drivers that participate put their lives on the line race after race to please the patrons of racing. Accidents during racing have taken their toll on several above average achievers such as William Gale, Mark Mac Donald, John Campbell and several others not to mention names and we all feel their pain and sorrow and wish them a speedy recovery so they can return to the sport which they love so much and give their unselfish time to.
However John Campbell holds a special place in my heart. He is a Canadian that came from a small town in Canada and led the way for others to race in the U.S.A. and other countries in the world. His work ethics and his ability should be etched in the archives forever. I can only say and wish for him and other drivers that have travelled down the same road a speedy recovery and one that will let them continue to enjoy the sport that they so much love.
My prayers go out to him and his family and the other drivers who have endured the same fate and with the grace of God they will all recover and again enjoy the sport that they love.
Of course I don't like to
Of course I don't like to see any driver ever get hurt. Their health and the health of the horse is of primary concern always. Having said that when the driver in question is John Campbell it saddens me a little more for the simple reason that I believe at this point in his career any injury on the track will make John consider retiring even sooner.
As a bettor, but more importantly as a long time fan I can say it will be a sad day in harness racing when John does retire. I have never seen anyone be able to do with horses what Mr. Campbell can do. Somehow someway he is able to negotiate a good trip. When John is on a legitimate favourite who is ready to win it is rare that he screws up. A truly unbelievable talent. It is sad that in a world that recognizes so many athletes of other sports Mr. Campbell does not get the same recognition outside of racing. He is truly a great Canadian talent, a class act, and a great ambassador for harness racing.
Mr. Campbell I wish you a speedy recovery and I hope this incident does not discourage you from returning to the track. I cannot imagine a Little Brown Jug, a NA Cup or a Hambo(or any other major stake race for that matter) without JC in the program.
John: We hope your recovery
John: We hope your recovery is swift and complete! Be assured that you are in our prayers.
Sorry to hear your down
Sorry to hear your down john. I hope it is a quick return for you. No one sits the bike like John Campbell. I can pick you out anywhere on the track. Of all the great horses you have driven the one that sticks in my mind is Argyle Chester at western fair raceway in London. Way back, and the start of it all.Great Canadian roots.See you back in the winners circle real soon.From just one of your fans. Get well.
Get well soon. Your Aussie
Get well soon. Your Aussie mates wish you all the best.
Sorry to hear that. Try to
Sorry to hear that. Try to keep smiling John and heal quick
John Campbell, Please have a
John Campbell, Please have a quick and full recovery. You are my hero.
Not only drives his own, but
Not only drives his own, but all the rest in every race!
UNOQUIVICABLY The "BEST"
Get well soon John!!
The best there is, was or
The best there is, was or ever will be. Get well soon, Mr Campbell.