Joe O'Brien (harness racing)

Joe O'Brien (1917-1992) was a Canadian harness racing driver and trainer. He is considered one of the sport's all-time greats and a legendary figure in harness racing history.

Born in Alberton, Prince Edward Island, O'Brien developed a passion for horses at a young age. His career spanned several decades, during which he achieved remarkable success. He was known for his exceptional horsemanship, tactical brilliance, and calm demeanor on the racetrack.

O'Brien trained and drove numerous champion horses, including Adios Butler, a dominant pacer of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Adios Butler's record-breaking performances and widespread popularity helped to elevate harness racing's profile. Other notable horses associated with O'Brien include Fresh Yankee, a trotting mare who was Horse of the Year in 1970, and Strike Out, a top pacer of the 1970s.

His accomplishments include multiple Hambletonian Stakes wins, Little Brown Jug victories, and Breeders Crown championships. He was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1976 and the United States Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 1968.

O'Brien's impact on harness racing extended beyond his achievements on the track. He was a respected figure known for his integrity and dedication to the sport. His influence continues to be felt through the many drivers and trainers he mentored and the enduring legacy of the horses he developed. He is remembered as a true icon of harness racing.