While some people will most remember August 16 for the anniversary of Elvis Presley's passing, in standardbred circles this day marks the anniversary of the richest and fastest races in harness racing history.
On this day in 1984, the incomparable Nihilator set a Meadowlands and world record of 1:52.4 while obliterating his two-year-old rivals in the $2,161,000 Woodrow Wilson, the richest race ever contested. It was the first time that Hall of Famer Bill O'Donnell had ever driven the son of Niatross for his trainer, the late, great William Haughton.
Nine years to the day, and 15 years ago today, O'Donnell once again made history guiding Cambest to the fastest mile in harness racing - a scintillating 1:46.1 time trial effort over the Illinois State Fair track in Springfield, Ill.
Cambest - 1:46.1 - August 16, 1993
To put that speed in perspective, in the 15 years since that mile only five horses have paced in times that put themselves within five lengths of Cambest:
- Holborn Hanover - 1:46.4
- Jeremes Jet - 1:47 (time trial)
- Art Official - 1:47
- Somebeachsomewhere - 1:47 (race timed)
- Stonebridge Regal - 1:47.1 (race timed)