The Meadowlands Racetrack will honour Hall of Famer John Campbell and celebrate his five-decade career with a series of events and tributes on Friday, June 30, the final night of his driving career. Campbell’s last drive will take place on Sunday, July 30 at Ontario’s Clinton Raceway in the $15,000 Legends Day Trot.
For more on Campbell’s final drive at Clinton Raceway, click here.
The 62-year-old is harness racing’s most decorated and accomplished driver with career earnings just under $300 million (U.S.). He has won a record six Hambletonians, seven Meadowlands Paces, and 48 Breeders Crowns. He was elected to the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 1990 at age 35, the youngest person ever to receive that honor.
The celebration of Campbell’s five decades in the sport will include a video tribute played throughout the evening and a series of interviews with some of Campbell’s closest friends and competitors over the years that will be in attendance. There will also be an autograph signing with Campbell from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., a commemorative poster giveaway (while supplies last), and a series of contest giveaways featuring signed Campbell memorabilia. A special Campbell retirement cake will also be on display and fans in attendance can enjoy a piece of the cake beginning at 8:00 p.m. in the clubhouse lobby.
“John Campbell is truly the Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth, and Wayne Gretzky of harness racing all wrapped up into one,” said Meadowlands GM/COO Jason Settlemoir. “Nobody has revolutionized our sport or more importantly, been a better ambassador and promoter of our industry. We hope the night can be a fitting celebration of a true giant in our sport.”
Upon Campbell’s official retirement from driving, he will compete in a pair of exhibition races, one at the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in Goshen, NY on July 2 and the other at Clinton Raceway in Ontario on July 30 where Campbell got his start as a driver.
While Campbell will no longer compete on the track, he will still be involved with the sport. Beginning July 1, he will take over as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Hambletonian Society, a not-for-profit organization which supports and encourages the breeding of Standardbred horses by sponsoring and administering stakes and other special events in harness racing.
Fans are encouraged to RSVP to the event on the official Meadowlands Facebook page. Live racing begins at 7:15 p.m.
For more information and complete schedule of events, visit playmeadowlands.com.
(With files from the Meadowlands Racetrack)