Howard Beissinger (May 16, 1923 – February 6, 2018) was an American harness racing driver and horse trainer who was a three-time Hambletonian Stakes winner.

Early life

Howard F. Beissinger was born on May 16, 1923, in Butler County, Ohio, near Hamilton, in the United States.

Career

In the years after World War II, he made horse racing his profession, quickly establishing himself on the Chicago circuit. He captured four Chicago driving championships from 1950 to 1955 and finished fourth nationally in 1954 with 103 wins.

In the mid-1960s, Beissinger partnered with the Antonacci family of New York to develop and race stakes winners. He divided his time in 1968 between Florida training duties and driving his stable at Hollywood Park Racetrack in California.

In 1969, Beissinger guided Lindy's Pride to wins in trotting's Big Five: the Yonkers Trot, Kentucky Futurity, Hambletonian Stakes, Dexter Cup, and the Colonial Trot, with the first three securing the Trotting Triple Crown.

He was the driver of Speedy Crown in his win at the 1971 Hambletonian Stakes. He also guided his son, Speedy Somolli, to victory in the 1978 Hambletonian Stakes. After winning three times, he earned himself the nickname "Hambo Howard".

At 64, Beissinger drove Defiant One to victory in the 1987 Breeders Crown in Toronto, Ontario, becoming the oldest winner in the event's history.

Death

Beissinger died on February 6, 2018, at 94.

Legacy