The Innovators

[my miss storm cat]

Who are they?

I was thinking about Mr. Umphrey, the horse, who was named for and who led me to start thinking of Mr. Umphrey, the man.

Both are gone.

I don't quite know when I first heard his name. I had only followed the sport for a year and a half when he sadly died (way too young). I know why though. His innovative ideas... doesn't it say a lot about how creative he was for such a new fan to be aware that there was a person behind so many fun races and cool ideas?

My question is who else is there? Was there? Who are and were the innovators? What other names should I know / do I need to learn about / are you surprised that I don't know? Who needs to be applauded and what creative ideas of theirs have become a reality? What is or what will be their legacy?