rambling willie
By Rambling Fury from the mare Meadow Belle, Rambling Willie began his career as a green three-year-old in 1972, when he was purchased by trainer/driver Bob Farrington for $15,000. Farrington subsequently gave one half ownership of the horse to his wife, Vivian, as a birthday present and sold the other half to Paul Seibert of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mrs. Farrington pledged 10% of Willie's earning to the church where her father, Rev. Lloyd Harris had served as pastor. In 1981 when a book was written about him, he raced in 17 cities to promote sales. Rambling Willie earned over $2 million before his retirement in 1983, earning him the nickname, "The Horse That God Loved." Rambling Willie ended his career as a thirteen-year-old in 1983 with 305 career starts; 128 victories, 69 seconds and 43 thirds. He won 79 times in 2:00 or faster, a long-standing record only recently broken. Rambling Willie retired to the Kentucky Horse Park, where he lived in the Stable of Champions, with such Thoroughbred greats as John Henry and Forego. He died at the Horse Park, at age 25, on August 24, 1995.
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY
Published in the Harness Racing Museum's 1998 Souvenir Journal