by Lisa Simpson

Fairfield, IL — The weather on Saturday, August 4, was hot and humid just like one would expect for the first Saturday in August. Just like the weather, the Simpson family sizzled on the racetrack as three generations of horsemen all won races that day.

Buddy Simpson, the patriarch of the family and member of the Illinois Harness Horseman Hall of Fame, won three races at the Williamson County Fair in Marion, Ill. He guided M A Jackie, I’m Like Mike and Trofast to the winner’s circle, making that win numbers 994, 995 and 996 for him as he’s on the hunt for his 1,000th career win.

Buddy’s son, Clay, also posted a win at the county fair in Marion, driving Valentine Hotspur for trainer/owner Clayton Collar. Clay also trains two of the horses his father scored wins with, making it a true family effort.

The third generation was represented by Anthony Simpson, Clay’s oldest son, who currently trains and races horses at Tioga Downs in New York. Anthony owns, trains and drove Henrytheeighthiam and Where’s Bubba and posted wins with them in the first and second races on the evening’s card at Tioga. Then in the fifth race, he successfully guided Equal Space to the winner’s circle for trainer William Popfinger.

The Simpson family was recognized at the Illinois State Fair in 2002 for being the only known three-generation family racing and training harness horses in Illinois. Buddy’s other son, well-known trainer/driver Dirk Simpson, is stabled in Springfield. Dirk’s oldest son, Brandon, presently catch drives at the Chicago tracks.

Buddy has been in the harness horse business for more than 50 years. He and his wife, Dorris, own and operate Battleshoe Farm of Fairfield, Ill.