General Category > Nostalgia

DRIVER BIOS FROM THE 1950s & 1960s

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Admin:
Theodore G. Taylor born on April 22, 1927 in Columbus, Ohio.
Ted Taylor has concentrated on Harness Racing since childhood, setting the example for him were his Grandfather, John Taylor who trained while in his 80's, and his Father.
Ted went from School into the Navy, serving from 1944-1948.
He earned Asiatic and Pacific Campaign ribbons, and was a gunners mate 3rd when discharged.
Following separation from the service, he started grooming on a full time basis in his Grandad's stable.
By 1951, He had acquired enough experience to be allowed to start in a race at the Plain City Fair. It was to be a year later, however, at Hillards with "Hope Bingen" in 2:17 for his first win.
Ted did most of his racing in Southern Michigan, although He spent some time at Pompano Park.
Won the Michigan Fut. in 1966 with Sonny Fortune in 2:14 2/5, and in 67 also with Sonny Fortune in 2:10, and with Lovergirlnik in 2:06.

Admin:
Hugh A. Bell, born in Delaware, Ohio, on July 27, 1902.
Won his first race at the Delaware County Fair, Powell, Ohio with "Gypsy Girl"
We do not know how many races he won prior to the formation of the USTA in 1939, but can state for sure that he was one of the leaders in his time.
Major race wins include:
American National in 51 with Gander, and 52 with Thunderclap.
Bronx Fut. with Rapid Transit in 60
Goshen Cup in 51 with Gander
Hanover Hempt in 66 with Schatzie Byrd
Motor City Pace with Mr. Dean in 52
Leading driver at:
Detroit, 50
Toledo, 50
Roosevelt Raceway, 53, 59, 60
Yonkers, 54, 60, 61, 63

Admin:
John F. Simpson Sr.
Born in Chester, North Carolina on December 26, 1919.
Served with the U.S. Army from 1942-1946, and holding a rank of 1st Lt.
John drove and won his first race at Myrtle Beach, S.C. in 1938 with "My Birthday" in the sparkling time of 2:10.
John has won nearly every major stake that the sport has including both the Hambletonian twice with Hickory Smoke in 57, and Ayers in 64, and the Little Brown Jug three times with Noble Adios in 56, Torpid in 57, and Bullet Hanover in 60.
In the 50's and 60's He drove almost 100 sub 2:00 miles, and set at least 15 Major World Records.
Leading driver at Roosevelt in 50, 52, Laurel in 57, and Vernon in 62.
John was also President and General manager od Hanover Shoe Farm for many years.
 

Admin:
Glen G. Garnsey, born November 1, 1933 in Clayton, New York.
Talented Glen tested out farming, clerking in a store, and a tour as a deck hand before following his Dad, Garland into the sport on a full time basis.
His career was interrupted by a hitch with the U.S. Army from which he was discharged with Sergent's Stripes.
He drove his first race at Saratoga in 1950, and won his first that very same year with "Margaret Eblis" at the Cobbleskill Fair.
Glen had his first 100+ win year in 1963, including 99 wins at Vernon.
Glen and his Dad became the first Farther and Son combination to record 1,000 wins each.
His major race wins include the Bloomsburg fair in 1955, and The NYSS in 1963.

Admin:
Herve Filion, born February 1, 1940 in Angers, Quebec Canada.
Herve's first winning drive was as a 13 year, "as a passenger" behind "Guy Gratten" at Rigaud, Quebec in 1953.
Herve had 2,000+ wins by the end of the 60's with his first 200+ win season in 1966 followed up by 256 wins in 1967.
His first ever sub two minute mile was at Liberty Bell with "Scotch Key" in 1:59 2/5.
Some of his greatest races in the 60's were:
Fly Fly Byrd (beating Cardigan Bay)
Meadow Paige (beating Romulus Hanover)
All Aflame (beating Armbro Flight)
Herve likes to race off the pace, and once said "bulk of them race gamer that way"
Probally, the Greatest Harness Driver ever.

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