Campbell Returns to Sulky

After a spill on May 30 at Chester, Hall of Famer John Campbell resurfaced the Meadowlands Racetrack during the Thursday, July 28 qualifying session.

Campbell wanted to use to the session as a testing ground before deciding if he will drive his horse, Live Jazz in the second Hambletonian elimination.

The Hall of Fame reinsman, who suffered a broken right shoulder, right knee, collarbone and cracked ribs on May 30, didn’t waste any time getting back to the sulky.

He drove Friendly Persuader to a 2:03.2 mile in the first qualifier. He got aboard Southwind Moni in the second qualifier and drove him to a 2:00.2 mile. He came back in the third qualifier, aboard Top Billing. “Top” went a 2:03.1 mile. After a two qualifier rest, Campbell returned on Ibeza, who made a break at three-quarters; she finished last. He drove world champion Pilgrims Chuckie to a 1:55.3 second-place finish in the seventh qualifier. His last drive of the session was aboard Pirouette Hanover in the ninth qualifier. He steered “Pirouette” to a 1:54.4 victory.