The BHRC were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Hannibal Harker. A stalwart of harness racing he was a welcome sight at racing across the country.

Musselburgh was the highlight of the season for Hannibal and his love of the track started at a young age. As a kid in the 60’s he used to help Mac Miller in the stables with a horse named Lucky Miller. After this he was hooked and never missed a meeting at the track.

Hannibal also loved his trips to the Prix d’Amerique. On his first trip over with Tom Menzies Hannibal was the life and soul of the party and even made the cover of the BHRC calendar.

He trained many horses over the years including Sly Dewy, who won at the bank holiday racing festival at York, as well as Sun Burst which went to the Isle of White and won the handicap there.

In more recent years he bought the mare So Intended at Builth Wells sale, which he then sold on to Chic Armstrong who later served her and named a foal after him, “Hannibal”.

Hannibal will be greatly missed by friends, far and wide. His funeral service is set to be held on Friday 2nd June in the Church of St James The Great, Darlington at 11:30am followed by interment in West Cemetery, Darlington. Followed by refreshments at Albert Hill Workingmens Club & Institute.