Illinois Hall of Fame Inductees Selected

As the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association continues to work to restore the Pride in Illinois Racing and move our sport back into prominence, we understand the importance of honoring those who have made significant and meaningful contributions to our industry.

The IHHA’s Hall of Fame Committee is thrilled to announce that the following were recently chosen for induction into the Illinois Harness Hall of Fame:

Terry Leonard  

Terry has always been regarded as a top tier trainer in Illinois throughout his long, illustrious career. Plying his trade only in Illinois, he has been able to surpass $8 million in career winnings with over 1,000 victories. He has led the trainer standings in Illinois in five of the last six years.

Freddie Patton Jr.

Freddie hails from Clinton, Mississippi. He has been a fixture in Illinois racing since the early 80’s. Competing primarily on the County Fair circuit, Freddie has over 800 wins and $2million in earnings as a driver and along the way has trained 567 winners with just under $2 million in earnings. Although his numbers are impressive, what cannot be understated is the influence he has had on so many, in paving the way for numerous others from Mississippi to follow him to Illinois.

Bill Wright

Bill’s contributions to Illinois racing are most apparent as a noteworthy owner of quality horses, including King Mufasa, Dreamaster and Classic Photo. However, for those in the know, Bill has worked tirelessly throughout the years for the betterment of Illinois horseman. The former IHHA President has spearheaded many different think tanks including the “Strategic Planning Council” and “Trottingham.”

Tom Tetrick - posthumously

Tom’s exemplary racing career and his contributions to Illinois harness racing are very difficult to portray with just the written word. Tom was a true ambassador for Illinois harness racing and a mentor for so many.  Perhaps, however, his greatest accomplishment and legacy was not left in the horses he bred, trained, or raced, but in the three outstanding sons he and his wife Mary Alice raised. Tom T., Tim and Trace have all established themselves as well-respected horsemen and leaders within the industry.

Also being inducted into the Illinois Harness Hall of Fame for their exemplary racing careers will be:

Mucho Sleazy  

Illinois-Bred with lifetime earnings of $902,946. Multiple stakes winner not only in Illinois but nationally as well. Competed against a three-old crop which included Somebeachsomewhere and Art Official.

Fox Valley Tribal

Illinois-Bred winner of 48 races and $1,237,823. Multiple Illinois Stakes winner. Beat current Illinois Hall of Famers “My Boy David” and Thisbigdogwillfight.” As an older horse, went on to win Invitational type events at various tracks across the East Coast.

King Johnny

Illinois-Bred winner of $372,169 and 31% of his lifetime starts. He didn’t find his best stride until later in his career, winning the Dan Patch three straight years as a 7, 8, and 9-year-old. Always a fan-favorite, King Johnny took his lifetime mark at the age of nine at the Illinois State Fair in 1:48.4, which is still the record there for an aged horse.

Also being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for their dedication to Illinois Harness Racing will be Tom and LeAnn Shinn.

We look forward to honoring and celebrating them all on March 1, in Springfield at our annual Horsemen’s Banquet.

Congratulations to all.