story and photos by Dave Briggs
Each week, a familiar name in the sport will be in the spotlight, answering some fun, offbeat questions, giving readers a unique perspective into their personality.
Canadian and U.S. Hall of Famer John Campbell has won just shy of 11,000 races and a record $301 million in purses (by Canadian accounting). The 61-year-old Ontario native and long-time New Jersey resident is hailed as one of the greatest drivers in the history of harness racing and one of the most beloved ambassadors for the game. In fact, he is so good, we gave him six questions.
1. You can jump in a time machine and drive any horse in history - what horse and why?
“Dan Patch. I’d like to sit behind him and compare the way he traveled to our horses now. For a horse that was so far ahead of his time, I think that would be kind of cool to compare Dan Patch to what we have now.”
2. Name someone you would love to have met and what you would say to them?
“Nelson Mandela has always been someone that I have admired for his tenacity. My question would be: ‘How did he keep his optimism up for that many years and in such a dire situation.’ Beyond what he did, to be confined in such dire conditions for all that time and come out of there with the optimism and attitude that he did, is something that is remarkable.”
3. What is the secret to life?
“I think being in an environment that keeps you happy and you have something to look forward to all the time. I think that’s what people strive for is happiness and optimism.”
4. What did you learn from your parents that you’ve passed on to your children and grandchildren.
“I think just being conscious of other people with your actions and how they affect other people. That was something that was stressed in me and I think Paula and I have raised very conscientious girls in that regard.”
5. Name something that confuses you.
“Right now the thing that confuses me the most is how this is the best two people we can come up with for president.”
6. Give me three things on your bucket list.
“I want to go to the Kentucky Derby. I want to go to The Masters. I’d like to go to a Super Bowl.”
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