Hall of Famer Howard Beissinger will present trophies in Ohio Sires Stakes action on Sunday afternoon at Scioto Downs.
Beissinger, who turned 88 a month ago, was inducted into the Living Hall of Fame 37 years ago, longer than any other living member. During his career, he trained and drove three Hambletonian winners and numerous other stakes winners. He was a leading driver at Chicago tracks in the 1950s and ranked in the top 10 drivers in North America more than a half-century ago.
He is often considered the “Father of the Modern Trotter” because he bred, trained, and drove the legendary Speedy Crown, a sire of enormous worldwide influence. The 1971 Hambletonian winner was foaled and raised at the Beissinger family farm in Hamilton, Ohio.
Beissinger also trained and drove Speedy Somolli and Lindy’s Pride, also winners of the Hambletonian and sires with international impact.
In 2002 at age 79, Beissinger won the Hall of Fame Trot at Historic Track in Goshen, New York, setting a new track trotting mark at harness racing’s oldest venue.
Beissinger is retired and still lives in Hamilton, Ohio.
(Scioto Downs)