Billy Haughton

American harness-racing driver
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

Print
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

Also known as: William R. Haughton
Quick Facts
Byname of:
William R. Haughton
Born:
Nov. 23, 1923, Gloversville, N.Y., U.S.
Died:
July 15, 1986, Valhalla, N.Y. (aged 62)

Billy Haughton (born Nov. 23, 1923, Gloversville, N.Y., U.S.—died July 15, 1986, Valhalla, N.Y.) was an American harness-racing driver and trainer. He was the foremost driver in annual winnings in 1952–59, 1963, 1965, and 1967–68.

Haughton came to harness racing from a farming background in upstate New York. By the time of his death Haughton had won more than 4,900 races and earned about $40 million in purses. He was a leading trainer as well; his star Standardbred horses included Windshield Wiper, Rum Customer, Romulus Hanover, Laverne Hanover, Duke Rodney, Handle With Care, Christopher T., Rising Wind, Spartan Hanover, and Pammy Lobell. Haughton was inducted into the Harness Hall of Fame in 1968. Included among his awards was the special Grand Circuit Centennial Gold Medallion for his outstanding contributions to the sport of harness racing. He died from injuries sustained in an accident during a harness race.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.