Who remembers Mike Ditka driving in a harness race?

[balmoralfan]

We were arguing at the farm recently about the time Balmoral had a charity race. 4 celebs were drivers. Ditka, Gary Fencik, Willie Gault, and I say the 4th was George Steinbrenner (who had a piece of the track back then (late 80s ?).

Who can confirm this. I say too they did NOT tandem race and each was in the bike by themselves.

There's having to but coffee and donuts riding on this 

[Rabbi Of Racing]

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1988-01-19-8803230647-story.html    In the middle of the article it talks about it

[dukeman]

CELEBRITY RACING ALWAYS A BAD IDEA. I REMEMBER WHEN RICK BARRY THE HOOPS PLAYER AND BIG JOHN STUDD HOOKED WHEELS AND GOT DUMPED MANY YEARS AGO AT SARATOGA, NEITHER ONE HAD A CLUE WHAT THEY WERE DOING OUT THERE

[HornbyDuke]

How about George Steinbrenner?

Understand it was at Saratoga Harness back in 90's where he finally decided to trade Jay Buehner to Seattle for Kenny Phelps.

[old guy]

1986 The Plimpton amateur  series at Pompano.... George Steinbrenner, Steve Mizerak, Ken Snake Stabler, Kim Bokemper, and George Plimpton

[comeonman]

Oleg Cassini

[albitchross]

here is video of steinbrenner driving at PPK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRNScXO2KhQ

[HornbyDuke]

Thank you! Great video - not a bad drive by George. Luv the horse name - Pinstripes. 

[hasbeen]

I watched this race from Maywood. late '87 or '88.I won $20 off vampire Tony betting on Willy Gault. I figured he was the lightest on the bike and the best in shape. so long as his horse kept stride I thought it was a good bet. no one bet Fencik. most everyone bet Ditka and a few bet Steinbrenner. Willy got away 3rd or 4th but there was a duel up front so when he made his move it was obvious no one would catch him.

[captain cash]

  This goes out to comeonman or Njbest..I remember Oleg Cassini driving at freehold...I remember his colors and they weren't what he's got here...anyway..di d George ever drive at freehold? I wanna say yes..not sure..

[LUCPARK]

Ditka was a BIG FCKIN JERKOFF

AND STILL IS

[Calhoun]

Ditka was a BIG FCKIN JERKOFF

AND STILL IS

Correct.

His place on Chestnut with the upstairs Cigar bar was pathetic.  Filled with half-fags.

[Liberace]

Correct.
His place on Chestnut with the upstairs Cigar bar was pathetic.  Filled with half-fags.

DID YOU GET ANY OF THEIR NUMBERS? 

[Gregory Rich]

How about Wade Boggs as a celebrity driver? So drunk he needed help getting on the cart.

[Gregory Rich]

This guy had a thick mustache with beer suds in it and would take the day off if Randy Johnson was pitching