John Duncan Campbell (born April 8, 1955, in Ailsa Craig, Ontario) is a retired Canadian harness racing driver. He earned induction into the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame, the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, and Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
John Campbell, his father Duncan, and his brother Jim were prominent Standardbred horsemen. Duncan raised his family near London, Ontario, with sons Ray and Jack. JackâÂÂs sons, John and Jim Campbell, followed in the family tradition, as did RayâÂÂs son, Robert, a trainer and driver.
Campbell is widely regarded as the greatest driver in harness racing history, having amassed 11,058 career wins and nearly $304 million in purse earnings. His earnings surpass those of any active driver or jockey, and he won more prize money at The Meadowlands Racetrack than any other driver or jockey in North America, a record that cements his unparalleled legacy in the sport.
The 1976 opening of The Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey, known as the Big M, transformed harness racing. The one-mile track attracted top horses, trainers, and drivers. Before the 1970s, horses typically raced in single file until the homestretch. Owners or trainers usually drove the horses. The Meadowlands introduced the âÂÂcatch-driver,â a younger, lighter, and more athletic driver who increased race speeds. Campbell dominated as a catch-driver in the late 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, pioneering the role now common among top drivers.
In 1990, at age 35, Campbell became the youngest driver elected to the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame. He also joined the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame and the London, Ontario, Sports Hall of Fame in its inaugural class of 2002.
Campbell won the Hambletonian Stakes a record six times, with his final victory in 2006 driving Glidemaster. On July 12, 2008, he secured his 10,000th career win, guiding Share the Delight to victory in the sixth race at The Meadowlands Racetrack.
Campbell retired from driving in 2017. Before retiring, the Hambletonian Society, a nonprofit organization that administers major harness racing events and promotes Standardbred breeding, unanimously elected him president and CEO.
Campbell resides in River Vale, New Jersey.