Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Odds On Driver of the Month: October 2004
By Kimberly Rinker

John Campbell

Where does one even start when discussing the accolades of harness racing’s legendary top reinsman and consummate gentleman John Campbell?

Throughout his career, which is now in its fourth decade, John has shown to be an eloquent and articulate spokesman for the sport of harness racing, in addition to being a great driver and an all-around good guy.

This 47-year-old London Ontario native, who now resides in River Vale, New Jersey with his wife Paula

John Campbell

and their children, has won 9,383 races lifetime and accumulated purses totaling $224,975,524. For those who don’t know, he was the youngest driver ever inducted into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame at age 35 in 1990, and John is also a member of the Canadian Harness Racing Hall of Fame.

John’s dominance and presence in the harness racing is untouchable. He is at the top of nearly every statistical list kept by the U.S. Trotting Association, and has driven the winners of over $3 million annually every year beginning in 1979.

Since that time he’s had 15 years of piloting the winners of over $9 million; eight of those years have seen him steer winners to the tune of $10 million or better; and five of those years he’s driven horses to $11 million annually or higher. 2001 was his best single year ever, as John’s charges earned $14,182,238.

His first $10 million year was also his second best season in terms of total wins? in 1987 which earned him a .352 UDRS. In 1990 John drove 543 winners who earned $11.6 million, giving him a .358 UDRS—his best year ever for number of winners. He ranks first among all drivers in terms of the most 2:00 and 1:55 miles lifetime.

John is among the top ten of the all-time leading dash-winning drivers, and is the leading money-winning driver of all time. He has won 20 one million dollar races, including his seventh Meadowlands Pace Final—in a stakes record time of 1:49 behind Mach Three.

John had won his first Meadowlands Pace Final in 1982 with Hilarion, and then repeated that feat in 1989 with Dexter Nukes, and again in 1994 with Cam’s Card Shark. He was back in the winner’s circle again for the $1 million Pace in 1995 with David’s Pass, in 1999 with The Panderosa, and then again in 2001 with Real Desire.

In his native Canada, John has captured six North America Cups—which also carry a $1 million purse dangling on the finish line. He first scored with Precious Bunny (1991), then with Cam’s Card Shark (1994), David’s Pass (1995), Arizona Jack (1996), Gothic Dream (1997) and with the Panderosa (1999).

In 2000 John was recognized by his native country with the Meritorious Service Medal, an honor created by Queen Elizabeth II, which rewards Canadians who have performed an activity in a highly professional manner.

John has won the Hambletonian a record five times, with Mack Lobell (1987), Armbro Goal (1988), Harmonious (1990), Tagliabue (1995), and with Muscles Yankee (1998). He has also won the Beacon Course Trot six times, the Sweetheart eight times, the Mistletoe Shalee five times, and the Little Brown Jug three times (with Merger-��, Life Sign-��, and Nick’s Fantasy-��). That’s just a few, the list goes on and on and on.

"2001 was his best single year ever, as John’s charges earned $14,182,238."

Best known for his partnerships with Mack Lobell, Pine Chip, Muscles Yankee and Peace Corps, John’s hands have also guided the following to numerous victories: Artsplace, So Fresh, Cherry Hello, Amneris, Run The Table, Direct Flight, Miss Easy, Dictionary, Central Park West, WRH, Jake And Elwood, Bonnie And Clyde, Exotic Earl, Britelite Lobell, Act Of Grace, Kramer Boy, Carry The Message, In The Pocket, Armbro Fern, Immortalitiy, Guts, Express Ride, Totally Ruthless, Wesgate Crown, Silky Stallone, Western Hanover, Ball And Chain, etc., etc., etc. Another endless list of Campbell’s accomplishments.

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