MacMillan Joins Kingston & District Sports Hall of Fame

Lifelong horseman John MacMillan was inducted into the Kingston & District Sports Hall Of Fame as part of the Class of 2026 during the 29th annual Induction Ceremony held at the Quality Inn & Conference Centre on Friday, May 1.

The Kingston & District Sports Hall of Fame, located in Kingston, Ont. at the south entrance of the Rideau Canal, is dedicated to recognizing and honouring the outstanding achievements of local athletes and builders who have attained prominence and distinction in sports as well as those who have set the standard of excellence made through significant contribution to the sports community.

MacMillan, who was inducted for his achievements as a trainer, driver and announcer in harness racing, was joined by four others comprising the Kingston & District Sports Hall of Fame's Class of 2026. Former Saskatchewan Roughriders wide receiver and Grey Cup champion Rob Bagg was also inducted along with baseball builder Steven Vallier and sports journalism builders Corrie (Kraats) Abrams and Douglas Graham. The Hall has inducted a total of 205 outstanding athletes and builders since its inception.

MacMillan, 55, who started his career in harness racing as a caretaker at Kingston Park Raceway at age 16, has since trained winners of 1,844 races and $10.7 million in purses. A former leading trainer at Rideau Carleton Raceway, he also served as announcer, race secretary and general manager at the Ottawa, Ont. racetrack and formed and served as director of the National Capital Regional Harness Horse Association (NCRHHA), representing Rideau Carleton horsepeople.

(Standardbred Canada with files from Kingston & District Sports Hall of Fame; photo of John MacMillan with family and friends at the Kingston & District Sports Hall Of Fame gala)