Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

2007 Hall of Famers

July 1, 2007

Jimmy Arthur, Phil Langley & Wally Hennessey were all inducted into harness racing's national Hall Of Fame on Sunday, July 1 at Goshen, New York, just outside the Hall of Fame of the Trotter.

Hall of Famer Stan Bergstein kicked off the evening’s honors as he addressed Arthur’s Hall of Fame credentials, citing his work with such respected figures as Delvin Miller, Leonard Buck and John Simpson Sr., and success with horses like Tar Heel, 1961 Hambletonian winner Harlan Dean, Countess Adios and Savior.

In giving what he said was the “second speech of my life,” Arthur said he met some of the best people in the business, and was grateful for the chance to work with many of them.

Hennessey was recognized by his nominator, Hall of Famer John Cashman, Jr., as a “gentleman of class on and off the track…[with a] wonderful smile and meticulous presentation.”

Langley’s introduction came from Hall of Fame driver Dave Magee, who met Langley when he was race secretary at the now-defunct Sportsman’s Park. Magee had already heard “how tough he was;” what he learned first-hand, however, was that Langley was really just seeking quality—in the stock that raced at his track, and in the people who participated in the sport.

Langley shared with the crowd—which include his wife, Margo, children and granddaughter, as well as a cadre of Illinois fans, coworkers and supporters—stories of learning the sport at the knee of his father, Pete, as well his earliest racing memories. He recalled his experiences with horses like Good Time and Speedy Scott, as well as horsemen like Frank Ervin, Howard Beissinger and Del Miller.

Also honored during the festivities were Ray Brienza, Marie Hill, Dean Hoffman and John Manzi, who were all elected to the Communicator’s Corner, housed at the Hall of Famer, as well as equine standouts Cam’s Card Shark, Continentalvictory and the late Bonefish.