The Gentle Giant
by Lisa Harkema
He was the first gelding and the first – and to date only – Canadian-bred horse to win the prestigious Elitlopp. His name was unusual – even in the trotting world. His background captured many hearts. But the gentle giant Billyjojimbob, Trotter of the Year in both Canada and the US, was at heart just the sweet baby of his owner Lori Ferguson.
He set a world record for two heats when winning the 1992 Elitlopp, one of three world records he would break in his career. Prior to travelling to Sweden, however, the owner did not have too high expectations: “Honestly, the honor was being invited. I had no expectations other than to race the best he could. He didn’t owe us anything and he had brought us this far. I just wanted him to race like he usually did. Going against horses I had only read about in a magazine, like Peace Corps, was a little intimidating so anything was fine. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to come home with the win.” Not only did Ferguson and her then-husband, trainer Mike Wade, see their star win comfortably, but the way he did it impressed everybody in attendance that day. A second favourite in what was considered a wide open elimination heat, Billyjojimbob cruised to a very impressive 1.11,7 (1:55.2f) win, easily holding off the female trio of Kit Lobell, Park Avenue Kathy and Nealy Lobell. The final set him up against the strongest of all mares, Peace Corps. Going into the final turn Peace Corps faded after being parked outside while Billyjojimbob looked, according to the Swedish commentator, “disgustingly good” (“äckligt bra”). Although Meadow Prophet challenged him hard toward the finish line, Billyjojimbob held his ground and won by half a length.