This Saturday, harness racing’s most prestigious event, the Hambletonian, celebrates its 100th running, marking a century of trotting excellence and enduring tradition.
What began in 1926 at the New York State Fair in Syracuse with a $75,000 purse has evolved into the richest event in harness racing, now boasting a $1 million prize and a place of honor in the international trotting calendar. Named after the founding sire of the standardbred horse, the Hambletonian has not only survived the tests of time—through the Great Depression, World War II, and a changing sports landscape—but thrived, cementing its legacy in both North America and Europe.
From Humble Origins to Global Stage
Legendary driver John Campbell, who holds the record with six Hambletonian victories and 32 straight appearances (1983–2014), calls the race “something special.” Now CEO of the Hambletonian Society, Campbell leads the organization that has maintained the race’s prestige through evolving times and diminishing mainstream interest in harness racing.
The race has journeyed through Lexington, Goshen, Du Quoin, and now resides in East Rutherford, New Jersey, at the Meadowlands. Even wartime couldn’t stop the tradition, with gas rationing once relocating the event to Yonkers.
Global Impact and European Rise
European participation has surged, with 9 out of 10 entries in this year’s race trained by Europeans. The international allure grew notably in 2000 when Sweden’s Stefan Melander won with Scarlet Knight, boosting overseas engagement and wagering.
According to Moira Fanning, COO of the Hambletonian Society, this centennial edition is expected to generate over $9 million in global wagering, underscoring its worldwide significance—even as on-site attendance now caps at 10,000, a third of the 31,000 peak in 2005.
A Legacy of Iconic Moments
Among the iconic moments:
-
Campbell’s first win with Mack Lobell in 1987.
-
The emotional 1995 victory with Tagliabue, trained by his brother and named for NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.
-
The 2006 triumph with Glidemaster, which revived Campbell’s career post-injury.
-
Continentalvictory’s historic win as a filly in 1996.
-
The amateur owner Malvern Burroughs winning with Malabar Man in 1997.
And of course, a crowd-pleasing tradition remains: the winning horse drinks from the trophy, a symbolic gesture akin to the milk at the Indy 500.
Still the Biggest Prize in Trotting
Despite the decline in the broader visibility of harness racing in the U.S., the Hambletonian continues to hold a unique place. As Chris McErlean, former Meadowlands executive, says, “It almost has as much international cache as it does prominence over here.”
It’s not just a race—it’s the Kentucky Derby of trotting, the centerpiece of a sport that, while now more niche, remains rich in history, passion, and international appeal.
Support Dawat Media Center
If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our journalism and sustains our future. Support the Dawat Media Center from as little as $/€10 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you
DNB Bank AC # 0530 2294668
Account for international payments: NO15 0530 2294 668
Vipps: #557320
Support Dawat Media Center
If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our journalism and sustains our future. Support the Dawat Media Center from as little as $/€10 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you
DNB Bank AC # 0530 2294668
Account for international payments: NO15 0530 2294 668
Vipps: #557320
Comments are closed.