by John Pawlak, the U.S. Trotting Association

Columbus, OH — Today marks a milestone in the life of Hall of Fame driver/trainer Howard Beissinger; the native Ohioan has turned 90.

USTA/Mark Hall photo

Howard Beissinger is celebrating his 90th birthday.

Beissinger, who entered the Hall in 1974, will be forever identified with some of the top stars in the sport, including Lindy’s Pride 3,1:57.3 ($396,209), winner of the 1969 Trotting Triple Crown; the 1971 Hambletonian winner Speedy Crown 3,1:57.1 ($545,495), a homebred; and Speedy Somolli 3,1:55 ($427,550), who joined the Hambletonian honors list in 1978.

U.S. Trotting Association president Phil Langley wanted to join everyone in the sport in wishing a happy birthday to Beissinger.

“Supposedly, he’s going to celebrate by going hang gliding,” Langley joked.

We wouldn’t doubt it; if you have pictures of him soaring please let us know.

Happy birthday to one of the sport’s all-time greats.