Animal Planet to air harness racing segment

An upcoming new show on the cable television network “Animal Planet” is scheduled to feature a segment on harness racing in June, with the show, called “Untamed & Uncut,” focusing on an accident involving Banker Blue Chip and driver John Campbell in the Prix d’Ete at Blue Bonnets Raceway in Montreal in 1987. Both Campbell and Banker Blue Chip flipped over the hub rail, but were not seriously injured.

Campbell and Banker Blue Chip’s trainer Joe Holloway were interviewed Friday at the Meadowlands for the show.

According to story producer Stephen Nelson, the show will detail the accident and subsequent changes in the sport, including the removal of hub rails. It also will present an overview of harness racing and the Standardbred breed as part of the production.

“A lot of our viewers probably have never been to a harness race,” Nelson said. “I think it will be an interesting story.”

A three-man crew spent more than eight hours at the Meadowlands shooting footage for the show. Nelson said the show would be an hour in length, with each story lasting between six to eight minutes.

The air date for the show, including the Banker Blue Chip story, will be announced in the future. (HRC)

« Back