Mr. Speaker, it is with deep regret that I inform the House of the death of a true icon in the sport of harness racing.
John G. Hayes was a legendary luminary in racing circles. He did it all. He was an owner, trainer, driver and breeder of champion horses such as Sharp N' Smart, Penn Hanover, Conquered, and the charismatic chestnut stallion Strike Out that won the world's most prestigious pace, the Little Brown Jug. John Hayes was outspoken and opinionated. He could be obstinate but above he was a winner.
My fellow parliamentarians will appreciate his commitment to horse racing by this typical Hayes comment. When asked “Why did you come to Ohio”, he replied “Sure as hell not to run as governor but to win the jug”, and win he did.
Sincere condolences to Mrs. Hayes, his daughter Elizabeth and his son John Jr., a very talented veterinarian and horseman in his own right. I know that Sam will carry on his dad's tremendous legacy in the true Hayes tradition of excellence.