Harness Racing Tragedies You Witnessed Trackside

[GlenMidby]

One that I will never forget was the Hollywood Park (circa August/September 1982) accident that would ultimately claim the life of Sheldon “Shelly” Goudreau. 

Shelly was catch driving pacer Regan's Lad, when it appeared that one of the lines snapped, and “he lost control and then his balance,” Steve Schuelein, Hollywood Park Spokesman, said; “he tried to jump clear but he only managed to half jump and half fall as he bailed out.” 

Shelly suffered fatal head injuries that the wholly inadequate helmets drivers wore in those days did little to prevent; some say it contributed to the severity of his injury. 

I cannot say I know for sure, but I seem to recall that Shelly’s tragic death was at least part of the impetus for the development of the new-and-improved helmets drivers wear today. 

Here's a link to the 1981 Hollywood Park American Pacing Classic; RIP, Shelly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GepLOZuA_tk

[Meadow Ford]

It is a nice Sat. afternoon.
Please lets not bring up tragedies.
I have been face down on the track to often.
Peter Haughton was a friend.
Glen Garnsey and Bill Haughton were my Idols.
Thank You

[gogasgoboom]

It is a nice Sat. afternoon.
Please lets not bring up tragedies.
I have been face down on the track to often.
Peter Haughton was a friend.
Glen Garnsey and Bill Haughton were my Idols.
Thank You

 

[old guy]

It is a nice Sat. afternoon.
Please lets not bring up tragedies.
I have been face down on the track to often.
Peter Haughton was a friend.
Glen Garnsey and Bill Haughton were my Idols.
Thank You

My friends also as was Wayne Smullin and Hal Belote

[LUCPARK]

 WATCHING SPORTSMAN PARK CLOSE

[GlenMidby]

No offense intended.

[Bernie Madoff]

WATCHING SPORTSMAN PARK CLOSE

 

[Kirby's Ace]

My friends also as was Wayne Smullin and Hal Belote

Ditto

[harnessplop]

Hal beloved rip...died at Harrington or dover..I watched that race online

[Lance]

When me and my buddy Bernard forgot to take the burr off a head pole.

[balmoralfan]

I saw Ira Smolin miss out on the last piece of chocolate cake in the Lincoln dining room buffet at Balmoral once. He cried like a 5 year old who had his lollipop stolen. He went running to Jim Hannon to complain he was cheated. His toenails were yellow in his Jesus sandals so I skipped dessert. 

[Emperor Dapple]

A driver by the name of Victor Reeves win a race at Monticello, and 30 feet past the wire he dropped dead and fell off the sulky.. he went out a winner

[old guy]

A driver by the name of Victor Reeves win a race at Monticello, and 30 feet past the wire he dropped dead and fell off the sulky.. he went out a winner

Roy Riddick at Brandywine died in the bike driving a horse named Cyclone. I can’t recall who was next to him finishing (4th) but said he was gone before the wire.

[cman]

Frank Rende died the same way years ago at rosecroft I think

[harnessplop]

Tells us how each and everyday must be enjoyed.