Remembering Mal Burroughs: A Harness Racing Legend's Lasting Legacy

Mal Burroughs, a New Jersey native and member of the Harness Racing Hall of Fame, passed away on September 20th at the age of 83. Burroughs left an indelible mark on the sport, becoming the only amateur driver to ever achieve the prestigious "Hambo double" by winning both the Hambletonian and the Hambletonian Oaks.

A Self-Made Man Who Transformed the Sport of Harness Racing

From Construction to the Racetrack

Mal Burroughs was a true embodiment of the American dream. Starting with a single used dump truck, he built a thriving construction business that would go on to play a pivotal role in the development of the sport he loved. Burroughs' company was responsible for the excavation of the World Trade Center site and, more importantly, the construction of the Meadowlands Racetrack in the 1970s. This landmark facility would become the epicenter of harness racing in the years to come, hosting some of the sport's most prestigious events.Burroughs' passion for harness racing blossomed in the 1970s, as he transitioned from being an owner to an active driver. He began honing his skills behind the reins, eventually teaming up with renowned trainer Jimmy Takter, another Hall of Famer. Together, they would go on to achieve remarkable success on the racetrack.

The "Hambo Double" and Beyond

Burroughs' crowning achievement came in 1994, when he drove his horse Gleam to victory in the Hambletonian Oaks at the Meadowlands Racetrack. This remarkable feat made him the only amateur driver to ever accomplish the "Hambo double" – winning both the prestigious Hambletonian and the Hambletonian Oaks.But Burroughs' impact on the sport extended far beyond his own racing accomplishments. In 1997, he and Malabar Man captured the Hambletonian and the Orsi Mangelli in Italy, cementing Malabar Man's status as the 1997 Horse of the Year and earning him a spot in the Living Horse Hall of Fame in 2008.

A Legacy of Dedication and Philanthropy

Burroughs' contributions to the sport of harness racing went beyond the racetrack. He was deeply involved with the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, the Hambletonian Society, and the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, working tirelessly to promote the sport and inspire the next generation of enthusiasts.Burroughs' legacy as a self-made man, a champion driver, and a dedicated advocate for the sport he loved will continue to inspire and influence the world of harness racing for years to come. His passing marks the end of an era, but his impact will be felt for generations to come.