Look Back at Altamont Fair Racing Milestone

By Kurt Becker

As the 72nd annual Effingham County Fair opens today (Friday), here's a look back at a milestone moment in the history of the fair's Standardbred racing program...

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the record-setting performance by Royal Byrd, owned by John Milleville and bred by Mashall (Doc) Slingerland, both of Altamont. (Royal Byrd's sire, Timely Byrd, was also locally based, standing at stud for owners Fred Seales and Carl Becker.)

Trained by Girthel Hiatt and driven by 28-year-old Randall Finn, Royal Byrd became the first horse owned in Effingham County ever to break the all-age track record at the local fair. Small in stature but big on heart, Royal Byrd won 40 races and recorded 124 top-three finishes in 202 career starts while displaying many of the same traits as his famous grandsire, Good Time, who was a pint-sized colt twice named U.S. Horse of the Year.

Pictured with Royal Byrd are owner John Milleville and an assistant trainer from the Hiatt Stable, both standing at the head of the horse; breeder Doc Slingerland (also representing Altamont Schuetzenfest), standing behind Royal Byrd; Gene Milleville and son David, standing near driver Randall Finn's right shouler; Leland Milleville, directly behind Finn, with Jim and Gary Milleville to Leland's left; and Lois and Russell Milleville, standing near Finn's left shoulder.