David McDuffee, a prominent figure in harness racing and a two-time Little Brown Jug-winning owner, has been selected as the 40th inductee into the prestigious Little Brown Jug Wall of Fame by the Delaware County Fair.

McDuffee’s lifelong passion for harness racing began in his youth, inspired by his father’s standardbreds and a backyard half-mile track at their family home in Pepperell, Massachusetts. He entered horse ownership in the 1980s alongside his longtime partner Tom Walsh and has since built an extraordinary career in the sport.

His ownership résumé is distinguished by an impressive list of accomplishments, including winners of nine Breeders Crown titles, two Hambletonian Oaks, three Kentucky Filly Futurities, and two Little Brown Jug victories. McDuffee captured the Jug in 1994 with Magical Mike and again in 1996 with Armbro Operative. 

In 2024, McDuffee reached the pinnacle of harness racing recognition with his induction into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York. He was previously honored as the United States Harness Writers Association’s “Owner of the Year” in 2021 and has served as a trustee of the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame since 2014. 

David McDuffee will be formally honored during a special ceremony on Tuesday evening, September 16, prior to the 80th edition of the Little Brown Jug (Grade 1). He will also be recognized in the winner’s circle on Jug Day, Thursday, September 18. 

Photo Credit: David McDuffee (Mark Hall Photo)