Oct.-Dec. 2011 Archives
Subscribe to our NewsletterOctober 2011 Archives
The following items are listed below as they appeared on this website during the month of October 2011 . To view each item simply scroll down the page in the order shown .
1. - O.S.S. Plans Unveiled
2. - Can. Standardbred Horse Society Executive
3. - Lilley Farms Stallion Roster - 1985
4. - Memories of Simcoe -Norfolk County Fair
5. -Happy Thanksgiving Day
6. - Listening To The Radio (Little Brown Jug)
7. - Garden City Raceway Opens
8. - Herve Filion and Sandy Hawley Meet
9. - Late In The Season - Blue Bonnets Raceway
10. - First Breeders Crown Year
11. - Leamington Races - 1961
12. - Years Ago - 1960's
O.S.S. Plans Unveiled By ORC
October 3, 2011
September 24,1973 .
The announcement of the proposed Ontario Sires Stakes Program (referred to as the O.S.S.) was made on this date by The Hon. John T. Clement Minister of Consumer and Commercial Relations .It is believed to be the greatest opportunity for Canadian Harness Racing as a whole in recent years ,and in fact is being heralded as what may possibly be the biggest single advancement in the sport's modern day history .In making his announcement Mr. Clement cited several reasons for the institution of this program and indicated the need for increased breeding of quality standardbred horses in Ontario and also that the flow of Canadian stock and dollars to the United States needed to be curtailed .He also noted that similar programs in several U.S. States had placed the Ontario breeding industry at a competitive disadvantage .
An advisory Board has been set up with the following people representing a wide range of interests within the Industry .
Chairman : Dr. J. Glen Brown Member -Ontario Racing Commission
E.J. Boland - Ont. Standardbred Improvement Assoc.
John C Lang -Can. Standardbred Horse Society
Warren Beasley - Can. Thoroughbred Horse Society.
Les Ehrlick - Ont . Harness Horsemen's Association
H.W. Hatch - Horsemen's Benevolent Assoc.
John J Mooney - National Assoc. Racetracks Ont. Div.
William Rowe - Harness Tracks of Ontario Assoc.
Here is a brief outline of some of the details of the O.S.S . :
- The O.S.S. will provide a series of rich stake races numbering some 80 events throughout the Province starting in 1974
- Eligibility of a 2 or 3 year old will be based on the Sire standing at stud within the Province in the year of conception
- Beginning Dec.15, 1973 all stallions must be pre registered with the O.R.C . to establish eligibility of foals
- The 80 Stakes Events will be worth an estimated $1,700,000 for 1974
- Each of the 6 Major "A" extended meetings will host 4 events .The Tracks are Greenwood,Mohawk,Garden City,London,Windsor and Rideau Carleton .The value of these 24 events will be approx. $50,000 each .
- The remaining 56 events will be raced at various "B" Tracks throughout the Province .This will involve 14 Tracks and the estimated purses will be approx. $9,000 for each event
- Over the next 5 years it is projected the "A" Track events will be increased to 48 (8 per Track)
Note : The O.S.S. program became a reality when on June 1,1974 Robra Glider won the first ever event at Garden City Raceway with Ron Feagan driving .
Lilley Farms Add To Stallion Roster -1985
October 7, 2011
December 1985 - Lilley Farms
In the upcoming 1986 season, broodmare owners will have another exciting young sire as a breeding possibility with the addition of Savvy Almahurst to the Lilley Farm roster . The son of Windshield Wiper out of Savilla Almahurst has a race record of 1:54.1 and career earnings of $384,990 . In addition to his many impressive wins he also fared well when not winning as he was third in both heats behind Ralph Hanover's victory in the 1983 Little Brown Jug . His fee is set at $2000 standing his first season .
Resident Veterinarian - Dr. Robert Boyce
Also on the Lilley Farms list of outstanding sires are the following :
Springfield ............Fee $2500
Ladatross ............ Fee $1500
Zip Tar ..................Fee Private Contract
Seedling Herbert ....Fee $2500
Honest Chance ......Fee $1250
Memories Of Simcoe
October 8, 2011
Top Picture -1968- Norfolk County Fair officials make a track side presentation to driver John Roloson following his victory with Belmont Edna at that year's Fair races .
Lower Pictures :
Top Left - Presiding Judge Bev Shouldice is shown in the Simcoe judge's stand reviewing the details of an upcoming race .
Top Right - Track announcer Lee Paul of Kirkton Ont., the long time voice of the Simcoe races .His colourful calls of the races entertained fans for many years .
Bottom Left - Ben White of Norwich Ont. was the live bugler at Simcoe adding a special touch to the annual races as he called the horses and drivers onto the track .
Bottom Right - Hank Fess longtime Race Secretary at Simcoe is seen seated in his office during the annual races . He eventually handed the reins over to his son in law Bob Kowalkski who continued to serve in a similar role for many years .
In days gone by before the era of year round racing ,Thanksgiving weekend was often considered the end of the racing season .Places such as Strathroy,Madoc,Norwood ,Burford and others held their traditional Thanksgiving weekend day or days of racing .Once these meetings were over it was time to put everything away and start planning for the next year . Another great race Town that stands out vividly in my mind was the once famous Norfolk County Fair in Simcoe Ontario . I had the pleasure of being in attendance on a number of occasions and it was FUN !! Unfortunately 2009 marked the last year that racing was held at this picturesque old spot .Thankfully old pictures and personal memories remain .
The Norfolk County Fair is Canada's oldest Fall Fair and started in 1840 thus making it older than Canada's oldest postage stamp .As a Fair it is still going strong and attracts a lot of people over its 8 days of operation . I have assembled a few old photographs to tell the story of a few of those many people who once made up the show at Simcoe .
November Archives
November 2011 Archives
The following items are listed below as they appeared on this website during the month of November 2011 . To view each item simply scroll down the page in the order shown .
1. - Flashback -1928 Grattan Bars Returns Home
2. - The Futurity - 1968 Version
3. - Windsor Raceway Now & Then
4. - Wm. Rowe Elected To Top Post in CSHS
5. - The Protecto Man
6. - Remembering When 2:00 Miles were Miracles
7. - Dufferin Park Begins Final Season
8. - A Horse's Prayer
9. - Stanley Dancer Remembered
10.- Canadian Drivers Nearing Milestones
Flashback To 1928 - Grattan Bars Returns Home -A Recollections Rerun
November 1, 2011
Pictures - (Upper) - A specially designed "Kentucky Style" barn complete with the name Grattan Bars on the roof was part of the surroundings created for Canada's most famous horse of this era .
Lower - Owner Fred Thrower proudly displays one of the many silver trophies captured by his pride and joy Grattan Bars .It is believed this was taken at Seaforth Ont . .
FLASHBACK TO 1928
The great Grattan Bars 1:59 1/2 (record taken on mile track) has recently been shipped back to Canada after a tremendously successful racing campaign on the U.S.Grand Circuit . The strapping son of Grattan Royal owned by Fred Thrower of Kerwood Ont. (near Strathroy) was raced to perfection by the transplanted Canadian reins man Vic Fleming formerly of Dundas Ont. .A number of beautiful silver trophies won by this now World famous horse are on display for public viewing at Prangley's Restaurant a favourite dining spot in Strathroy .
Note : The successes of Grattan Bars racing career enabled Mr. Thrower to invest in a number of "fancy" and somewhat lavish surroundings for his World Champion .He passed out postcards and cigars with bands bearing his famous horse's name One interesting story surrounding Mr. Thrower's liking of the limelight involved his penchant for being noticed and recognized for his status in the community . Apparently he drove a very large luxury automobile (perhaps a Packard or Cadillac) and liked to have it "on display" at crucial times and places . One of his favourite spots was parking it right in front of the Queen's Hotel in downtown Strathroy on a Saturday night for all incoming patrons to notice . Once the local "Boys" caught on to his pattern, they allegedly began to park their Model A's slightly spread out to take up Mr. Thrower's coveted spot . The solution was usually a little "payola" to get a car or two moved to open up his space .
My thanks to Jack Campbell for a little 'help' on this story .
Listening To The Radio -Recollections Rerun
October 1, 2015
As the years roll by it seems one thing we face with regularity is Change ....Whatever we were once familiar and comfortable with is likely to be either changed or done away with .Why I just heard the other day that you can't even buy an Oldsmobile any more !!!!
There is some solace for us "older" folks in sticking with a few "oldies but goodies " .Growing up as I did in the "Radio" era, I don't find too much wrong with getting at least some of my information by listening to a good old fashioned Radio .I can recall the days before we had a television and your radio was about the most important device in the house . We tuned in on National things like Hockey Night In Canada ,Major League Baseball and other weekly shows .Locally we had a station with the call letters CJSP that carried all the Farm news such as "Midday Ag Report" ,local happenings and even a daily "Obit" feature .It was even OK to have a radio on while you were eating in order to get the latest news .....
I once entered a contest at that station and actually won a prize !! They played a record backwards and you sent in your guess via the mail . I can still remember the song, "Come Go With Me" sung by the Del Vikings .My prize was a record holder for 45 rpm discs .Wonder what happened to it ?????It is undoubtedly now worth at least 25 cents !! I can also remember the disc jockey "poking fun" at me for using a middle initial !!! .
Recently during Little Brown Jug Grand Circuit week at Delaware Ohio ,I had the pleasure of tuning in on some great radio coverage live from the Jug starring a couple of very affable gentlemen who are very well versed on the sport of harness racing . One is Don Berman and the other who is better known to me is Dean Hoffman .Dean is a man of many "Hats" and I must say his dulcet toned voice beaming over the air waves tells me that he could have done that for a living and done well at it had he chosen to do so .Just add it to the resume of one brilliant man .
This is the second year in a row that live radio coverage has been provided from Delaware on the local station WNIF 101.9 and it is streamed on the Internet .I guess that makes it a bit of a blend of the old and the new .They gave out some great information about the Jug's history between races and also had some of the most informative interviews imaginable . I wonder how many people know that Hanover Shoe Farm has 240 miles of fence on their property .That is the equivalent of a fence stretching from Hanover to Pittsburgh Pa. ! That and a lot of other interesting facts came from an interview with Jim Simpson President of one of the sponsors, The Hanover Shoe Farm and a member of a great racing family .In all they broadcast a total of 80 races, 24 on Jug Day alone .
The Jug draws some fantastic numbers (such as 56,129 for a record crowd in 1997), to see John Campbell drive in his record 31 consecutive appearances,but not everyone makes it there in person . If you can't be there the next best thing has to be listening on the RADIO .
[UPDATE - When this was first posted in October 2011 Messrs. Berman and Dean Hoffman were on but they may not have been on this year .]
Futurity - 1968 Version
November 3, 2011
I recently did a repeat of a feature from many years ago involving the 1946 2 Year Old Pacing Futurity . I recently came across a program from 1968 featuring that year's 3 Year old Futurity held at Greenwood Raceway on July 13,1968 .A review of the lineup tells much of the story .It is shown above and I have carefully marked the order of finish .
By this time the purse had risen somewhat and the mile time was an amazing 2:01.1,quite a step up from the 2:18 on a dry track 22 years earlier at Dufferin Park . However the fillies and colts still had to face each other . Interestingly in this field there were 3 yes three entries . That had to cause quite a bit of fun for the mutuels people and the betting public .
In case the program version is hard to follow here was the order of finish :
STANDARDBRED FUTURITY STAKES - 1 MILE PACE PURSE $7,907.50 ($4,000 ADDED)
1- Golfer Mir (Marcel Dostie)
2 - Deo Herbert (Paul Radley)3 - Tanya Herbert (Jack Herbert)4 - Armbro Infinity (Harold McKinley)5 - Bobbalou (Lloyd Davis)6 - Green River Ally ( Al Winger)7 - Chilly Sauce (Dr. John Findley)8 - Armbro Intent (Jack Kopas)9 - Poplar Duke (Ron Feagan)10 - Green River Carol (Allan Waddell)Recent Futurity Winners -3 Year Old Division1963 - Beverly Dillard (Earl Shea)1964 - Rocky Herbert (Jack Herbert)1965 - Twinkles Adios (Don Larkin)1966 - Oneida Howard (John Findley)1967 - Autumn Frost (John Findley)I love to study an old program ;it usually tends to tell a lot .
Garden City Opens -1964
October 15, 2011 – 09:02 AM
Picture - A view of the field behind the starting gate as seen from Garden City Clubhouse
The following is a recreation of the opening of the new Garden City Raceway in 1964 .
The Ontario Jockey Club has opened its newest facility located on the outskirts of St. Catharine's .It is officially know as Garden City Raceway . A state of the art facility ,it contains all of the amenities required for first class harness racing and will provide its customers a very comfortable and friendly atmosphere in which to view the races . A fully enclosed glassed in grandstand will allow racing to be viewed in all kinds of weather while enjoying a clubhouse vantage point . The track is a 5/8 th's mile stone dust surface with well banked turns and wide enough to accommodate a large field of horses .The location was chosen in an attempt to service a large portion of the Ontario population as well as being ideally located to the Canada -U.S. border crossings at either Fort Erie or Niagara Falls thus allowing quick access to Western New York State racing fans .
This addition now brings the number of OJC Tracks to three along with Greenwood and Mohawk which opened last year . In 1965 the Ontario racing scene will have 230 nights of continuous racing .The publicized price tag for the newly opened Garden City plant has been stated as $ 3,500,000 and sits in the heart of wine country on a 400 acre site .
Opening night was Monday October 26 ,1964 and a crowd of 4,687 people were on hand to wager $160,000 on the 9 race card .The opening race ,always a milestone ,was won by an 11 year old trotting gelding named Chuckmor driven by Clarence Hilliard for owner Joan Durant of Markham Ont ..(Chuckmor was a double gaited performer who munched his oats in many barns during a lengthy career .) Purses ranged from a low of $600 to $2000 for the featured 6th race a Jr. Invitational which was won by Pine Ridge Danny driven by Don McNutt .The track record for the new oval after night # 1 belonged to the rugged campaigner The McNab who stopped the new teletimer n 2:07 flat with Maritimer Archie Llewellyn handling the leather for owner Wilfred McNab of Maple Ont. .On the trotting side, Harold McKinley piloted Armbro Duke to victory in the nightcap in 2:09.4 for the fastest mile on night one .
A major access road leading into the track separated the grandstand and the horsemens' area where the stables and track kitchen were located . On race nights, people often parked their cars along the road which was on the backstretch, and watched the races ,thus avoiding the admission and parking charge which applied in those days . In order for the horses to get from the barn area to the paddock they had a fairly long trip which involved crossing this busy road .There was a strictly controlled stop light and security coverage for the crossing .
In the short term, it was a successful undertaking but in time it proved to be a poor choice of location among other things.After just 12 years in existence in 1976, it closed its doors forever thus being one of the shortest lived ventures in Canadian racing history certainly of this magnitude .
I had the pleasure of many evenings there, watching races and taking in the action on the backstretch .
Windsor - Now And Then
November 5, 2011
Above pictures depict program logos used at Windsor Raceway in the early days .
When Windsor Raceway opened its doors on the evening of October 21,1965 a new era of Canadian Harness racing was born . The plant located at the far west end of the city in a rather historic area known as Ojibway, was a work of mastery ,totally designed to meet the needs and fancies of a new breed of harness racing fan .It was perhaps a fulfillment of the passage "Build it and they will come ". And that was 46 years ago !! Its design and overall plan was a leap of faith and for many years it worked marvelously .
Previous to this time, winter racing was a rigorous and often treacherous form of the sport that was so unpredictable and sometimes unsafe that it could never be fully implemented .Accounts of old time racing at Toronto's Dufferin Park showed "snail like" race times and drivers bundled up like Eskimos! The new Windsor track took virtually everything into account to battle "Mother Nature" and "Old Man Winter" . First and foremost was an all weather Tartan track designed by the 3M Company and pioneered by Delvin Miller at his track in Pennsylvania . The stables and paddock were heated,they had hot water wash stalls and even telephones linked to the Race Secretary's office . Top that off with a state of the art grandstand ,heated and totally enclosed with a graduated view of the racing oval that one could only dream of prior to this .This apparently was a time to build new Racetracks .In 1962 Rideau Carleton opened ;the following year Mohawk welcomed its first patrons . In 1964 Garden City followed suit . Now in 1965 it was Windsor's turn to join in the parade ;but theirs was a bit different in that it was the first track designed for inclement weather racing .
As a matter of record ,the Raceway went uninterrupted for a phenomenal 1470 programs before the first night of racing was canceled due to weather . On December 1,1974 it took a 19 inch snowfall to finally put an end to the streak .In the first 20 years of operation only about 6 programs were ever canceled .
On opening night a throng of 5,136 patrons filled the new grandstand and watched 9 races . With a drizzle outside and a relatively warm 62 degree temperature ,they wagered $ 194,204. The backstretch was well populated with some fairly large stables from Ontario,Quebec,Michigan and Ohio .In the fall meeting, the leading driver was Michigan horseman Tom Merriman who racked up 29 wins .In addition to local race fans, horse owners from the area were happy to race closer to home .One such horseman was Hugh Lee of Wheatley who recorded multiple wins with his 5 year old mare Debbilands, racing for "Smiling" Fred Goudreau .
On the third night of operation the traditional Saturday night features began .In the Jr- Invitation Trot for a purse of $ 3500 ,the winner was Ardee piloted by 59 year old Harold Wellwood for The White Stables of St. Marys Ont. .The Invitational Pace went to a perennial favorite here as Philip Brian was home first for owner Gerald Mijal of Westland Michigan and driver Tom Merriman in 2:04.2 .Nearly 3 years later in October of 1968 ,this same Philip Brian became the first horse to record a sub 2:00 mile at the Windsor oval .The show was ON !!
In fairly rapid fashion Windsor grew in popularity . In March of 1966 their signature race "The Provincial Cup" was established and carried a large purse of $15,000 .Dancing David and a relatively obscure driver Charlie Goins won the inaugural before a standing room only crowd (myself among them). By this time, the stands were filled on most race nights ,long lines of cars filed in and paid for admission and parking . Special box seats with a glass front view were rented out annually . Ushers presided over these reserved seats and if they knew the coveted front row boxes were not occupied that night by the renter ,they often "sublet" them for a folded up "fin" judiciously palmed to them out of sight .Particularly on weekend nights if you wanted a seat ,you better arrive early . By night's end, a thick fog usually prevailed in the main grandstand as "No smoking" regulations were well off in the future . Early in the track's history matinée racing became popular with day night doubleheaders in effect .
Many years ago I had the pleasure of a lengthy visit with the late William Rowe ,one of the main architects of the Windsor operation . Twenty years after its building and successful opening he was still in awe of what had been created even though he was no longer personally involved. During his reign, the Raceway saw unprecedented growth, prosperity and even adversity . On March 23, 1975 a devastating fire in the Clubhouse of unknown origin caused extensive damage resulting in lost revenue estimated in excess of $2 million .It wiped out the final 14 days of racing .
Windsor became the training grounds for a whole new generation of drivers and trainers . Fathers were followed by their sons and the list of those who "apprenticed" at the Border oval soon became a long one . Locally born and raised Greg Wright,Shelly Goudreau,Western born Ray Remmen,John and Jim Campbell,Ronnie Waples,Doug and Bob McIntosh,Ken and Andy Hardy,Rod,Jerry and Dennis Duford,Ted McFadden, Randy and Terry Kerr,Bill Gale,Lew Clark,Danny Johnson,Walter Srigley ,Randy Winger who died so tragically at a young age ....The list could go on forever .
Now ,nearly half a century after its opening much has changed at Windsor and little remains intact of what existed in the beginning . Most of the stables have been demolished and pulverized other than a few needed on race nights.The old training track near Matchette Road was abandoned decades ago .The tartan track was covered in 1978 and then replaced by a traditional stone dust surface some 30 or more years ago in 1980 . The stately clubhouse,once "the centre of the universe" is often sparsely populated on race nights ,and the spacious grandstand has been closed and off limits for the past 5 or 6 years .
For those of us who remember it from the early days, I think it is safe to say that only the fond memories remain ."In time, all things change..."
February 1967
William Rowe of Newton Robinson Ont. was recently elected as the new President of the Canadian Standardbred Horse Society at the annual meeting held on January 10th at The Skyline Hotel in Toronto . Rowe the 44 year old current head of Windsor Raceway has been involved at virtually every level of the sport .He has been an owner,breeder,trainer,driver and in 1965 was part of the team that put together the plans for the now highly successful Windsor Raceway . A racing accident a few years ago ended his driving career which started after returning from a tour of duty with the RCAF during WW II , but he continues to be heavily involved in all other areas .
The outgoing President Dr. Glen Brown DVM of Brampton, has agreed to remain on in an official capacity to assist Mr. Rowe and the Society's Secretary Manager Bill McDonnell in the transition period . Elected as Vice President was Douglas Palmer of Schomberg Ont. with other Directors listed as Bob Polk,Jack Lang,J.W. Brown,H.A. Dickenson,Dr. John Findley,Jack Reid,Max Webster,Theo. Turcotte Sr.,Don Booth,Hector Cloutier,Geo. Giguere,Ed Macklin .
A number of key statistics, new developments and changes were announced at the meeting and are listed as follows :
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Bylaw 22 - Once a horse has started in an official race, its name cannot be changed due to the complexities involved
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The number of CSHS members has recently sharply increased from 1775 to 2048 with the implementation of mandatory membership in order to participate in most areas of the sport being cited as the reason
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The past year, a total of 5,271 transfers were processed and it is felt that as more horses are claimed thus involving a change of ownership, this number will continue to rise
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The successes of recent CSHS sales is regarded as a positive effect for the Association,adding over $5000 to the coffers . One recent example of improved stock for auction was the horse Armbro Gazelle a standout 3 year old trotter of 1966 .This colt sold for $6900 as a yearling and in just two years of racing has earned over $65,000 .
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The Association has recently petitioned the Ontario Government to reduce their tax from 6% to 3% which would greatly assist in increased purses .The outcome of this is as yet unknown
Remembering When a 2:00 mile was a "Miracle"
November 16, 2011
Not all that many years ago a horse or a driver recording a winning mile
time in 2:00 or less was cause for celebration . It was customary for the
racing journals to run a story after the year 's end, listing all of the
drivers (and horses) who had turned in a "Miracle Mile" in the previous
year . Shown below is such a list with a bit of commentary that included
the line up of Canadian based or born drivers who turned the "trick" in 1966 .
Ron Feagan - The twenty four year old native of Goderich scored his first
career sub 2:00 mile at Vernon with his own H A Meadowland with a clocking
in 1:58.2 .His grandfather George Feagan is co owner of this U.S. bred
youngster .
Bob Silliphant - Now a resident of Brantford Ont.,formerly of Rapid City
Manitoba (North of Brandon) recorded his first ever two minute mile behind Lynden Dodger scoring in
2:00 flat at DuQuoin Ill. This was quite a feat as this horse was just a two year old .
Roger White - White now 35 years of age had 3 record miles with two
different horses Timely Knight and Ack Ack (2) .
Jimmy Larente - Good Time Boy the fabulous pacing machine supplied the
Quebec born Larente with no less than 7 sub Two minute miles .
Joe O'Brien - Maritimer O'Brien who has been racing almost exclusively on
the U.S. side for many years made the list with Armbro Flight,Near Me, Adios Alice,
Blaze Byrd,King Noble ,Paper Boy and Red Wave .
Wm "Bud" Gilmour - The Ridgeway Ont. native who is now 33 achieved his 2:00 score
with Nibbles Bonny .
Earle Avery - High Level and Goodnuff were his two on the list .
Jack Sherrin - Paper Boy
Johnny Chapman - Tactile put Toronto born Chapman on the coveted list .
Lucien Fontaine- Pocomoonshine made the list for this talented driver who came out of the
Clint Hodgins "driving school" .
Benoit Cote - Tarport Boy gave this Quebec reinsman two "Miracle Mile" rides in 1966
Glyddon Willis -Carbon Copy
In summary, 12 native Canadian drivers scored a grand total of 32 miles in 2:00 or less during the year of 1966 .
Dufferin Park Begins Final Season
November 19, 2011
Picture - This old Dufferin Park shot shows 6 horses in the photo finish . Mud sheets are in evidence on all horses and the drivers wore no silks, just heavy winter clothing . It is labeled "Orpen Race Tracks Photo Finish Division" .
Saturday November 20,1954
A nice crowd was on hand here today as the final season of racing at Toronto's Dufferin Park got underway . Favoured by slightly warmer than usual late fall weather, a total of 5 double heat races made up the opening day card . Winner of the opening race in straight heats was Burton Hanover, a nine year old trotting gelding owned by Wm. Gilmour of Ridgeway Ont. and driven by his young 22 year old son Wm.Jr., better known as "Bud" . Other winning drivers on the program were Percy Robillard,Dick Custis,Floyd Milton and Keith Waples with several scoring multiple heat wins .The fastest mile time of the matinée was turned in by Maige Mc when the 6 year old trotting stallion was clocked in 2:20 3/5 for owner and driver Floyd Milton who now lists his address as Hamburg N.Y. . Race Day, undoubtedly one of the largest horses on the grounds scored a victory for owner Mac Cassellman of Peterboro ,driven by Percy Robillard stopping the clock in 2:22.3 for the mile .
Quite a number of stables are on the grounds including those headed by John Fisher of Owen Sound,Dick Johnson,Oscar Fraser,Almer Holmes,Vic Lutman,Delbert MacTavish,Allan Walker,Hughie McLean,Gerald Hess,Sibley Knott,Wray Turvey,Les Slack,Bill Habkirk,Joe Hodgins,Bill Madill,Allan Pacey,Henry Portelance,"Sonny" Giesel and Max Featherstone to name a few .
The First 10 Days - On Nov 27th an Invitational Trot for a purse of $1500 highlighted the first week of the meeting and was won by Bill Dubilier for U.S. interests and was driven by Dick Johnson of Hagersville . A companion Free For All Pace went to Thomas Hat a 6 year old Chief Abbedale stallion owned by Alex Parsons of London and handled by Percy Robillard . After 10 days of racing Bud Gilmour has 11 wins followed by Floyd Milton who has 7 tallies and in third place is Keith Waples and Percy Robillard each with 6 .Among the drivers who have notched double heat victories here in the early going is Londoner Bill James who turned in a two heat win behind Benson Hanover owned by Wallace Munro of Embro Ont.. His successes came on November 26. The Armstrong Bros. of Brampton have Mighty Cashier a nice 3 year old filly racing here under the care of Vic Lutman .
This famous winter racing centre will close forever in March of 1955. Changing times and aging and outdated facilities are cited for this monumental decision .Once the Track is closed, demolition will begin to make way for a new ultra modern shopping Mall .
November 21, 2011
The Horse's Prayer (Author Unknown)
To Thee My Master, I offer my Prayer :
Feed ,water and care for me, and when the day's work is done, provide me with shelter and a clean dry bed .
Always be kind to me ;pet me sometimes that I may serve you more gladly and learn to love you no matter what .
Do NOT jerk the reins, and do not whip me while going uphill .Never strike, beat or kick me when I do not understand
what you want ;but give me a chance to understand you first. Watch me, and if I fail to do your bidding ,check to see if something is wrong with my harness or my feet .
Do not overload me or hitch me where water will drip on me .Keep me well shod and examine my teeth when I do not eat ;I may have an ulcerated tooth, and that you know is very painful . Do not tie nor check my head in an unnatural position, nor take away my best defense against flies and mosquitoes, by cutting off my mane or tail . I cannot tell you when I am thirsty,so give me clean cool water often .I cannot tell you in words when I am sick ,so watch me always and by certain signs you may know my condition . Give me all possible shelter from the sun ,and put a blanket on me ,not when I am working,but when I am standing in the cold . NEVER put a frosty bit in my mouth;first warm it by holding it for moment in your warm hand .
I will always try to carry you and your burdens without a murmur ,and wait patiently for you for long hours of the day and night .Without the power to choose my shoes or pads, I may sometimes fall on the hard pavement ; please understand .I must be ready at any moment to lose my life in your service .
Finally , Oh My Master ,when my useful years are gone, do not turn me out to starve or freeze, nor sell me to some inhumane brute to be slowly tortured and starved to death . But do Thou My Master take my life in the kindest way , and your God will reward you ,here and hereafter .
Amen .....
This little poem which has been around for a very long time, (with some variations) is intended to show the special bond that is created between humans and horses . It is amazing that a horse is capable of communicating their wants,needs and feelings without the aid of "words" ......
The First Breeders Crown Year -Recollections Rerun
October 22, 2011
By historical standards the now prestigious Breeders Crown Races are pretty new as they were first staged in 1984, just a mere 27 years ago . The series was initiated by The Hambletonian Society in an attempt to provide a lucrative group of races for Standardbreds of all ages, and to perhaps establish a champion in each category .
On the evening of Sunday October 7,1984 the 2 Year Old Filly trotters invaded Mohawk Raceway for Canada's first taste of "Crown" races . Conifer , driven by George Sholty for the famous Castleton Farm of Lexington and co owners Hanley Dawson Jr.and Wm. Simon was the winner . Her mile time of 2:01.2 set a new season's record and also established a Mohawk track record erasing the one of 2:02 previously held by Armbro Blush . The purse for this race was $539,825 (Cdn.) ,the highest amount ever offered for a Trotting event in Canada up to that point in time .Second was Supreme One (Howard Beissinger) and Maxine Lobell (Hakan Walner) was third.The hopes of a local filly were dashed when Vickie's Carolynne driven by Larry Walker made a break ,taking the Harold Shipp owned miss out of contention at the 1/4 pole and she eventually finished 7th .
This event was seen as important enough in the sport's world that it was carried on both ESPN and TSN .
The second Breeders Crown Race to be held in Canada occurred on October 14,1984 at Northlands Park in Edmonton .A record crowd of 9,266 appreciative fans filled the stands . It was a 3 Year Old Colt Pace for a purse of $670,000 (Cdn.) and was won by Troublemaker driven by Bill O'Donnell and trained by Ohioan Gene Riegle who just passed away a few days ago(October 17/11 ) at the age of 83 .The winning owner was George Segal of Highland Park Illinois . The 10 horse field pitted several great three year olds against each other and also did not include one heralded match up when Legal Notice retired prior to this race following a disappointing showing in the Messenger Stake . The obvious choice of the local fans was the incomparable On The Road Again owned by Gord and Ila Rumpel and handled by Buddy Gilmour .Unfortunately OTRA finished a disappointing 4th behind Guts (McNichol) who was second and third place finisher Armbro Cadet (Doug Ackerman) .In a post race interview Bill O'Donnell said " I found a hole and got a trip ,Buddy didn't.." The winning time this day was 1:56 a new Track record by well over a full second .Driver O'Donnell made good use of the day winning a total of 5 races on the 10 race afternoon card .John Campbell in search of his second Breeders Crown victory ,competed in this event as the pilot of Present Laughter the 6th place finisher .
Just 8 days earlier on October 6th ,On The Road Again had romped home a 10 length winner in the Western Canada Pacing Derby in 1:57.1 to tie the existing track record but this clearly was not his day .
The following is a summary of the 1984 Breeders Crown Races .As can be seen no categories for "older" horses then existed .
1984
| Race | Winner | Driver | Trainer | Time | Track |
| 2YO Filly Pace | Amneris | John Campbell | Soren Nordin | 1:57 1/5 | Maywood Park |
| 2YO Colt Pace | Dragon's Lair | Jeff Mallet | Jeff Mallett | 1:54 1/5 | The Meadows |
| 2YO Filly Trot | Conifer | George Sholty | George Sholty | 2:01 2/5 | Mohawk Raceway |
| 2YO Colt Trot | Workaholic | Berndt Lindstedt | Jan Johnson | 1:57 1/5 | The Red Mile |
| 3YO Filly Pace | Naughty But Nice | Tommy Haughton | Bill Haughton | 1:56 4/5 | Liberty Bell Park |
| 3YO Colt Pace | Troublemaker | Bill O'Donnell | Gene Riegle | 1:56 | Northlands Park |
| 3YO Filly Trot | Fancy Crown | Bill O'Donnell | Ted Andrews | 1:59 2/5 | Rosecroft Raceway |
| 3YO Colt Trot | Baltic Speed | Jan Nordin | Soren Nordin | 1:57 2/5 | Pompano Park |
November 29, 2011
Pictured is Larry Walker, one of a number of drivers approaching a career milestone .His 1411 victories leave him just 89 shy of the 1500 lifetime win category .A native of Owen Sound Ont., he is from a noted racing family and is one of three driving brothers along with Robert and Paul .
July 1,1986 - U.S.T.A. Computer Data Shows Several Canadian Drivers Nearing Milestones
July 1,1986 - U.S.T.A. Computer Data Shows Several Canadian Drivers Nearing Milestones
According to statistics recently released by the U.S.T.A .office based on their computer records, a fairly large number of Canadian based drivers are nearing statistical milestones in their driving careers .Listed below are the names and pertinent statistics with wins as of July 1 shown in brackets .
Nearing the 3000 Win Plateau
Terry Kerr (2,977 wins)
Nearing the 2500 Win Plateau
Wm. Wellwood (2,477 wins)
Ray McLean Sr. (2,471 wins)
Nearing the 1500 Win Plateau
Carman Hie (1,479 wins)
Wm. Bud" Fritz (1,414 wins)
Larry Walker (1,411 wins)
Jerry Duford (1,410 wins)
Nearing the 1000 Win Plateau
Norm McKnight Jr. (951 wins)
Ross Battin (949 wins)
Wm. Megens (939 wins)
December 2011 Archives
The following items are listed below as they appeared on this website during the month of December 2011 . To view each item simply scroll down the page in the order shown .
1. - Happy Birthday Keith Waples
2. - Old Grandstands
3. - Tis The Season
4. - Killean Acres Recollections -1968
5. - Special Christmas Wishes
6. - Keen Freight -Off To A Good Start
Happy Birthday Keith Waples
December 9, 2011
Picture - Keith Waples at age 50 in 1973 in a familiar spot The Winner's Circle
The current edition of "Recollections", takes a look back to 1973 and the year that a "Young" Keith Waples was about to turn the big "50" in December of that year .Truly a "Golden" anniversary .
This is how it might have looked ......
Now in his 5th decade of "sulky sitting" Keith Gordon Waples of Victoria Harbour Ont. is in the midst of yet another career year . That fact falls under the general heading of "What else is New ?" . On December 8th of this year, he reaches the half century mark .With already a lot accomplished he seems a lot like a fine wine , getting better with age .Just last year he won the prestigious Little Brown Jug in straight heats and in record time with Strike Out . In 1959 he etched his name on the highest notch of the record books when he recorded Canada's first ever sub 2:00 mile with Mighty Dudley at Richelieu Park in Montreal .Today most of his competitors were not even born when Keith first started driving .
I recently dug out a little piece I wrote about Keith way back in 1987 when he was elected to the U.S.T.A. Hall of Fame .It appeared in the June 1987 Issue of Trot magazine . I hope it was all exactly factual and correct as that is the way it was intended .I have included an abbreviated version of my writing as it relates to Mr. Waples .
" I am very familiar with Keith Waples' career as an outstanding horseman . I don't think there has been anyone else during my years of interest in harness racing that I would rather watch in a race . His uncanny knack of always getting the most out of a horse has often made his skills seem simple . I guess that is what is called natural talent .
The story of Keith's first drive at the little Town of Sundridge Ont. behind a horse called The Grey Ghost has always fascinated me .When I think of a 12 year old boy competing at this level and winning ,it has to tell you something about his future .That was back in the 1930's and he has been visiting the winner's circle ever since .
I have heard it told that his father Jack Waples was approached by J.T. Payette a noted horse owner from Penetang Ontario with a suggestion . His idea was that since the sand track at Sundridge was a bit heavy due to the recent rains, that his lightweight son would make the difference between winning and finishing "up the track" . Father Jack replied that he would like to oblige, but that the young boy's mother would strongly object .The reply came " but his mother isn't here today ..." Jack relented and a great career was born .
I once read a newspaper account describing the driving abilities and personal qualities of this man who has been a Canadian legend throughout six decades in the sulky . It used the word "taciturn" to describe his personal demeanor .That is a word not found in my everyday vocabulary . A trip to the dictionary revealed the definition as "inclined to be silent" . Keith has always let his talents on the track do his talking . Best wishes to Keith and his family on such a great honor ;it is certainly deserved .
I would like to offer my personal best wishes to this humble man on the occasion of his 88th Birthday which officially occurred on Thursday December 8th . Keith you are special indeed !!
Tis The Season .......
This vintage illustration done by famed artist Harold Burton shows how children used to entertain themselves long before the days of highly organized sports and recreational activities were popular . Children skated and played various games on makeshift ice surfaces wherever they could be found . This picture is entitled "Evening Shadows" .
December 17, 2011
Recollections From 1968 - Killean Acres
Two young aspiring horsemen from Ingersoll Ont. are looking back at a successful year in 1967 with their Standardbred breeding operation and also looking forward to an even better 1968 .Two brothers, Jack and Don McNiven have high hopes for the future of their farm and also the harness racing sport in general .
Stallion Roster
Standing at Ingersoll Farm
- Frisco Byrd 2:04 By Poplar Byrd - Cloudsaway by Billy Direct . Already the sire of a number of consistent performers including Lachlana,Admiral Byrd and the 3 year old of the 1967 season Hello Killean who took a record of 2:07.2 and was separately timed in 2:06 on a 1/2 mile track .In a very short racing career ,Frisco Byrd took his record as a two year old at DuQuoin Illinois over a mile track.He was the winner of both heats of a two heat race in identical times of 2:04 and was driven to victory by Frank Ervin .
- Majestic Hanover 2:04.1-By Adios out of Maggie Counsel . Standing at Harry Harvey's Loch Arden Farm in Washington Pa. His first crop raced as two year olds in 1967 and included 6 in 2:10 headed by Majestic Peter who took a mark of 2:01.2 .Majestic Hanover is owned by a syndicate .
- Both of these sires have great futures ahead of them
The Killean Broodmare Band Includes :
Mary Byrd currently in foal to Majestic Hanover
Mystic Hanover by Nibble Hanover (barren)
Chica Mia in foal to Frisco Byrd
Pitch Freight in foal to Dancer Hanover
Scottish Rose in foal to Bengazi Hanover
Sultry Nite in foal to Bengazi Hanover
From Yearling Sales of 1967 :
Liz Killean by Frisco Byrd sold for $2200 at the CSHS Selected Yearling Sale where the average was $1050
Bret Killean by Majestic Hanover sold at Tattersalls Fall Sale for $7,000
Majestic Killean by Majestic Hanover sold for $5300 at Tattersalls
Centennial Year Foals
Canadian Killean by Meadow Battles - Mary Byrd
Sir John A Killean by Majestic Hanover - Sultry Nite
Century Killean by Majestic Hanover - Scottish Rose
The McNivens invite all of their horse friends to come by the farm and view their yearlings and other horses and have a "chat" .They welcome all visitors .
Years Ago -The 1960's
October 29, 2011
Today's posting on Recollections takes a look back at some of the events and people in the sport during the 1960's in the ongoing monthly feature "Years Ago" .
1961
Excellent Racing At Quebec City
August 1961
The spring meeting which began May 13th has been very successful to date with racing being held 4 nights per week . Among the busiest and most successful drivers is young Denis Larochelle .Included in his stable are several promising three year olds including Adios Allen,Success Knight and Allen Volo as well as a number of aged performers such as the trotter Virgne's Jimmie.Denis is the son of well known Quebec horseman Honorat Larochelle who has been among the Province's top trainers and drivers for several decades .
A few of the other popular drivers competing are Jules Giguere,Meddy Gougen,Robert & Alexandre Page,Bernard Gervais,Yvon Catelier,Marcel Cournoyer,Roger Trudel,Leon St. Jacques,Yvon Gamache,Gilles LaChance,Bruno Ferron,Jacques Hebert,Chas. Poulin,Denis Beauchemin,Ray Moreau,Victor LaRose,Claude Denault,Paul Grenier,Albert St. Onge,Andre St. Amour,Gilbert Michaud,Wilfred Lepine ,Albert Hanna,Mack Holt and Harry Ingles .Racing continues here until October 22nd, when a special 10 race card will signal the end of the season .
1962
Interesting Time Trials at Lexington Red Mile
October 19,1962
Several interesting and unusual time trials were held today with varying successes . While most time trials are staged for the purpose of establishing records for racehorses,broodmares and potential sires ,a couple of other records were featured today .
The sensational trotter Matastar attempted to break his own mile record of 1:55.4 set earlier this year but came up short in 1:56.1 for driver Harry Pownall Sr..This 4 year old son of Stars Pride has career earnings of over $200,000 for The Arden Homestead Stable .
A new record for "Team to Pole" was set when Impish and Sprite Rodney both 3 year old trotting fillies toured the mile course in 1:59.2 for driver Frank Ervin . This established the first record mile for fillies or mares while the existing record of 1:58.1 set by Greyhound a gelding and Rosalind a mare remains in the books .
A record which was set in 1915 was broken when Ben F White III rode his father's horse Rhodes Conklin a 3 year old Tar Heel gelding in 2:09.4 . This particular record is listed as "Pacing Under Saddle " . The young trainer driver and "jockey" is the son of Gibson White and the grandson of former Canadian Ben White racing icon after whom the famous winter training centre at Orlando is named . Interestingly this horse participated in a more traditional time trial setting a mile mark of 2:00.1 just one week previous to this .
1964
Winning Streak for Canadian Intrusion Ends at Six
Canadian Intrusion, the now 6 year old trotting son of the 1956 Hambeltonian winner The Intruder out of Lady Pearl, is in the midst of a career year for owners Ross and Colin MacKinnon of Owen Sound Ont. . Racing out of the Wilbert Hopkins stable, this speedster has reeled off a 6 race winning streak which started at Mohawk on May 15th and ended with a second place finish at Greenwood on July 4th in The Leaside Stakes event . The dam of Canadian Intrusion was raised and raced by the MacKinnon's father Ken who has been a long time fixture in the sport .The family also operates Grey Motors ,a GM dealership in Owen Sound . A bit of irony surrounds the ending of this horse's win streak as the winning driver of Leaside winner Cadenza was Allan Walker, a long time friend and associate of the MacKinnon connections dating back a couple of generations . Friends off the racetrack is one thing ; once on the track other rules apply .Mr. Hopkins will now try to begin a new win streak with this talented trotter .
Note : Canadian Intrusion ended the season with 10 wins from 23 trips behind the gate and earnings of just over $16,000 .
1967 Gerald Aiken Doing Well In His New Career
November 1967
Gerald Aiken of Glanworth Ont. seems to be taking well to his new career as a trainer and driver . After many years of "slinging hash" at his own restaurant in Talbotville, he has hung up the chef's hat and apron and donned his red blue and white racing silks and helmet . Although he has been involved in the sport for a number of years as an owner ,the driving part is new . One of his charges is the western bred Weybird a horse he secured earlier this season . The now 9 year old gelded son of Thunderbird has 6 wins this season racing in the claiming ranks and has over $4,000 banked . Gerald is looking to expand his now small stable and plans to do even more driving and will soon shed his provisional status . His best known horse of the past few years is Direct Duke who is also having a successful season as well as the double gaited mare Wendy Lee L. .
Keen Freight - Off To A Good Start
December 28, 2011
Recollections from 1964
Back in 1964, London based veterinarian Dr. George Boyce (pictured above) co-owned a very nice two year old colt in partnership with noted horseman and tobacco farmer Ed Arthur of Otterville Ontario .His name was Keen Freight ,a son of Tar Heel out of the unraced Hal Dale mare Kitty Hal .While Dr. Boyce went on to own some world class performers, namely the two full brothers Springfield and Hall of Famer Super Wave ,this was his first "good" horse .What constituted a so called "good" horse or colt in those days was somewhat different from today .One might say that a very different "yardstick" was used back then .
Keen Freight was purchased in the U.S. and undoubtedly one of the dominant factors leading to his choice was that he was a half brother to another Arthur owned colt named Kwik Kat, a foal of 1961 sired by Torrid out of the same mare Kitty Hal . Kwik Kat showed well as a colt performer taking a 3 year old mark of 2:03.1 over a half mile oval .
Keen Freight's 1964 season began at Buffalo Raceway on May 7th in the first of a series of 2 year old events that each carried a purse of $250 .He finished 6th with the winner clocked in 2:09.1, considered a decent mile for mainly first time starters . The early part of Keen Freight's season saw him start in more weekly 2 Year Old events which eventually escalated into what was classed as "Invitations" carrying a very respectable purse of $1500 each . While the youngster raced well, he managed just 5 third pace finishes in his first 11 starts in May and June . On June 16th, the "Big Boys" came to Buffalo to compete in the prestigious W.N. Reynolds Colt Stakes which went for a $8752 purse .Keen Freight finished a rather disappointing 7th and joined a long list of colts who were "also rans" in races won by the mighty Bret Hanover .
After two months at Buffalo, the Arthur Stable returned to Canada and settled in at Greenwood Raceway in Toronto . On July 27th in a Maiden-2 Y.O. event, Keen Freight scored his maiden victory in 2:08.1 taking home the lion's share of a $500 purse . From this point onward the colt began to live up to his early promise .On September 10th, he paced to his season's record of 2:07 at Mohawk and repeated the same clocking one week later .He won 6 of his last 7 season's starts,finishing second in the other .
In his season's final start on September 25th, Keen Freight scored his largest victory in winning the Peninsula Stakes Pace for 2 Year Olds held that year at the Ancaster Fairgrounds. Racing for a purse of $5200, the colt driven as always by co-owner Ed Arthur ,was a winner in both heats .The opener went in 2:14.2 and the final was timed in 2:10 flat . Eight starters were in that day and included Ben Herbert,Kelly Mac Hal,Barbara G, Nifty's Judge and 3 Kawartha colts Kawartha Star,Babe and Mighty Kawartha .
In 1964 Keen Freight faced the starter 20 times and ended the season with 7 wins,one second and 5 third place finishes for earnings of $5,743 . That was considered a very good season ,and undoubtedly Dr. Boyce and Ed Arthur were extremely pleased ,knowing that based on this season's performance more good things were in store .
