by Susan Schroeder, for the WHHA

Waukesha, WI — Lord Steward, a top trotter in the 1950s, will be inducted into the Wisconsin Harness Racing Hall of Fame.

Lord Steward was purchased as a yearling for $1,000 by trainer Art Shaw for owner Ed Winkelman of Whitewater. That price made the colt one of the greatest bargains of the sulky sport. Ralph Kroening had to buy out Winkelman’s entire stable, three horses and all equipment for $15,000, to get Lord Steward.

Shaw took it easy with the 2-year-old, starting him 14 times in 1949, while never finishing out of the money. That careful start probably contributed to the gelding’s later durability.

Guy Crippen took over the training duties of Lord Steward in 1950 and the 3-year-old was the nation’s leading dash winner that year, winning 23 of 38 starts. Included in those 38 starts was a third place finish in the Hambletonian.

Lord Steward kept right on collecting purses. His record for 10 seasons shows 299 starts, 76 wins, 55 seconds, and 56 thirds. His earnings totalled $338,831. In 1958, Lord Steward became the top money earning trotter and on July 30 of that year he surpassed Adios Harry to become the top money earner of any gait. Before the 1958 season ended Adios Harry pushed his earnings ahead of Lord Steward, but Lord Steward retained the top money earning trotter status.

Lord Steward’s top earnings for trotters is a triumph for consistency and durability. He was a great competitor. Heart made up for lack of brilliant speed. Lord Steward never earned more than $15,000 in a race. Most of his career he went in $10,000 events or less. But he was able to start more than many of the stars — and was always willing. Perhaps no racehorse in his era traveled more miles, on the tracks of the United States and Canada, and between them by rail and van.

Lord Steward died at the age of 18 in 1965 and was buried at the Kroening farm in Waukesha, Wis.

The induction will take place at the Wisconsin Harness Horse Association’s annual banquet on Saturday, Jan. 22, at the Howard Johnson in Madison, Wis. Tickets are going fast for this honorable and fun filled event. If you are interested in attending the banquet and fund raising auction, please contact WHHA President Gabe Wand at gabewand@yahoo.com or call 608.574.5468.