Hall of Fame

Bion Shively's contributions to harness racing were nationally acclaimed in 1967, when he became the first driver inducted into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame. Perhaps Shively's biggest moment came in 1952 when, at the age of 74, he guided Sharp Note to victory in the Hambletonian, becoming the oldest driver ever to win the sport's premier race. In addition to Sharp Note, he trained and drove such champions as Rodney, Scottish Chief and Gay Song. Born in Indiana in 1878, Bion Shively began his career as a jockey and devoted his efforts to the runners until he entered the Spanish-American War. Upon his return from the war he turned his attention to the Standardbreds. He retired in 1959. Bion Shively died at his home in Pomona, California in 1970.

Published in the Harness Racing Museum's 1994 book, The Immortals