This writer was extremely saddened to hear of the passing of harness racing trainer-driver Connel Willis this past week. While at 89, Connel without a doubt lived a rich and full life and was well known to most on the Illinois racing circuit, during the heyday years of Sportsman’s Park, I had the privilege of
As mentioned in the past, my first REAL visit to see harness racing was August 22, 1959. I was barely 16 years old and was corralled there from a bowling alley in Chicago after winning a “pot game” at the Bryn Mawr Bowl and winning $15. After that match, a gentleman approached me and offered