Columbus, OH – John “Red” and Betty Shaw, recognized by industry peers throughout the Midwest for their over 40 years of involvement in racing, have been elected as the Hall of Fame Immortals, by the Ohio Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association.
Mr. Shaw was raised on a farm in Newcomerstown, was a member of 4-H, and worked showing cattle in New Philadelphia, Sunbury, and finally Mt. Vernon, where he met and married Betty, a partnership that lasted 50 years, coinciding with “Red’s” new business, John Red Shaw Auctioneer, which he operated for 52 years.
It was in Knox County where “Red” and Betty formed a liking for Harness Racing, that started at the local County Fairs, which led to attending and purchasing at horse sales throughout the region. It is said that Betty had a “good eye” at the sales and enjoyed spending time at the family farm with those that she had picked, many of whom went on to successful racing careers.
While the family was growing with a daughter Brenda and sons Tim and Andy, so was the size of their racing stable. While their great trotter, Victory is Coming, was their most successful and popular horse, over the course of 35 years the Shaw’s stable owned or bred over 325 horses. They raced all over the Midwest and were recognized by their peers not only for their talent in and around racetracks, but equally as some of the nicest, hardworking people in our industry.
“Red” passed away in October of 2020 at the age of 81 and Betty passed away in April of 2023 at the age of 84. At the time of their passing, the family had grown to include three grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Their contributions to harness racing were significant and everlasting.
The Shaws will be inducted at the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association banquet on Saturday (Jan. 10) at the Renaissance Westerville.