The 2024 U.S. Hall of Fame class was honoured in Goshen on Sunday evening at the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, with over 280 people in attendance for the annual induction dinner on the Museum lawn. Trainer Jim Campbell, trainer/driver Ed Lohmeyer, and breeder/owner David McDuffee were among the honorees, along with immortals Colonel Elisha A. Buck, James Clark, and Direct Scooter, as well as racehorses Gimpanzee, Mission Brief, Tall Dark Stranger, and Wiggle It Jiggleit, and broodmares Shyaway and Western Montana. Communicators Hall of Fame inductees included Tim Bojarski and the late Dave Brower.
Campbell, a six-time Breeders Crown winner and the 2022 USHWA Trainer of the Year, is known for his success with horses like Tagliabue, Galleria, and Broadway Schooner. He thanked his brother, Hall of Fame driver John Campbell, for his mentorship and support throughout his career.
Lohmeyer, a former Marine Corps member, achieved success as both a driver and trainer, winning titles at tracks like Green Mountain Park and Atlantic City. He retired in 2021 with over 2,000 driving wins and nearly 500 training victories.
McDuffee, who entered harness racing in the 1980s, has had success as an owner with horses like Bee A Magician and Bella Bellini. He expressed gratitude for the support of those around him in achieving this honour.
Brower, a beloved figure in the harness racing community, was remembered posthumously for his contributions as a broadcaster and handicapper at The Meadowlands. His sister, Laura Brower, accepted the Communicators Hall of Fame honour on his behalf.
Bojarski, a long-time writer for Hoof Beats and various racing organisations, expressed his gratitude for being recognised by his peers in the industry.
Overall, the evening was a celebration of the accomplishments and contributions of these individuals to the sport of harness racing, with friends, family, and fellow members of the racing community coming together to honour their achievements.