Hall of Fame

 



henry thomas

Year of Birth: 
1887
Immortal: 
Yes
DriverTrainer: 
Yes
Driver: 
Yes
Elected as Immortal: 
1960
Year of Death: 
1957
Biography: 

Henry Thomas was born in Joliet, Illinois in 1887. His father, Al, was one of the leading drivers of his day. Henry's early career as a trainer and driver was spent in the Midwest until he went to Laurel Hall Farm in Indianapolis in 1918. Later he returned to Illinois, where he raced many stars and was soon winning on the Grand Circuit. In 1937 Thomas went to Hanover Shoe Farms, for whom he won two Hambletonians with Shirley Hanover and McLin Hanover. He won a third Hambletonian in 1944 with Yankee Maid. Thomas was well known for his fearless drives and good horsemanship. He retired from racing in May 1956 and turned to officiating until his death in 1957.

Published in the Harness Racing Museum's 1992 book, The Immortals