May-Aug. 2012 Archives
Subscribe to our NewsletterMay 2012 Archives
The following items are listed below as they appeared on this website during the month of May 2012 . To view each item, simply scroll down the page and it will appear in the order shown .
1.-1980's Recollections
2.- Firlotte Standouts retire
3.- Photo Finish & Triple Dead Heats
4.- Striking Sun Tops Sale
5.- Mothers Day Message
6.- Horses & Cars
7. - Horses & Banks
8. - Paying A Fine "On Time"
9. - New Judges Appointed -1964
10. - May 24th Let The Season Begin
11. - Fastest Mile Ever - 1973
12. - Old Ads
13. - Rideau Carleton - Recollections from 1964
May 3, 2012
1983
Firlotte Bids Good Bye to Two Standouts
Nov 9,1983
Photo - Stew Firlotte left is interviewed by Jug announcer Roger Huston at Delaware following Ralph Hanover's victory romp.
Noted trainer Stew Firlotte is no stranger to welcoming new "pupils" into his stable operation and watching them grow and prosper with each passing day . A more difficult task may be saying "good bye" to his stars when their racing days are over . Currently he is bracing to bid "Adieu" to two special favourites Ralph Hanover and Programmed .
Ralph Hanover who has just completed his racing career was on show in the grandstand for all Mohawk fans to see .He will now move on to Almahurst Farm in Lexington Ky. to begin his new career as a stallion .His connections are still basking in the glow of his Little Brown Jug victory which secured his Triple Crown title .
Programmed closed out her racing career on a winning note taking her final race in a Preferred Handicap for a purse of $11,000 .She stopped the timer in a swift 1:59 flat beating Enlightening and Disc Drive who finished third . A further note to her closing chapter on the track was that she was the only distaffer in the field . The now wealthiest daughter to date of Bret Hanover - Anna Verna is likely headed to co-owner Brian Webster's farm at St. George and is scheduled to be mated with Niatross in the upcoming breeding season .Programmed who is owned by the Surge Stable comprised of Webster and Ray Bednarz, has been driven to her many victories by Doug Brown .
Firlotte who is at the end of his finest season ever is soon to depart for Florida to begin working on training some future stars to hopefully replace these two standouts .
Horses And Cars .....Cars And Horses
May 12, 2012
A vintage car dealer's lot ,location unknown .
For whatever reason, down through the years a lot of automobile dealers have been Harness Horse owners and enthusiasts .Why ? I couldn't really say, other than to surmise that it may have been a sort a natural "link" as people changed from horses to cars as their mode of transportation way back when .Wasn't there a term "horseless carriage " ?
I do know of one notable instance where a car dealer procured his first horse as a "trade in" on an automobile purchase . The man who received the horse was the noted horseman of days gone by Floyd Milton ,then of Drumbo Ont. . The story goes that he was offered a mare named Evelyn Patch as part of an automobile transaction and decided to seal the deal by including the "trade" . Thus began a life long involvement in the sport which saw Mr. Milton establish himself as one of the premiere horsemen on the Continent . His name is forever etched in the history of our sport as the winner of the Inaugural Canadian Pacing Derby at New Hamburg Ont. in 1936 with a horse aptly called Better Times .
He eventually left the driving and training of horses and served many years as a Judge .Members of his family remain involved .
Here are a few I can readily recall and I have listed them alphabetically along with their location .There are undoubtedly more who combined their business and hobby interests involving automobiles and horses .I have not included any U.S. based auto dealers .
J.C. "Bert" Cameron - Smiths Falls Ont.
Dominion Motors (Jim Keeling and Harry Lumley) Owen Sound Ont.
Vern Evans - Brantford Ont.
Jack Fenton - Chesley Ont.
Bill Gardner - Goderich Ont.
Gray Motors (Ken MacKinnon & Family) - Owen Sound Ont.
Robert Hamather - Exeter Ont.
Bert James - Windsor Ont.
Clarence Lockhart - Collingwood Ont.
Harvey Hyatt - Leamington Ont.
Reg McGee - Goderich Ont.
Max Newham - Merlin Ont.
Claire Smith - Ottawa Ont.
Max Webster - Brantford Ont.
I know there are more and certainly some in the reading audience know about them . Don't be afraid to email an "add on" .
Happy Mother's Day
We all owe so much to our mothers that we can never repay them for ,and rightfully there should be a lot more than just one day set aside each year . I have a wealth of happy memories created by my own mother and despite the fact that she departed this earth many years ago her positive influence lives on . There is scarcely a day goes by and often many times a day, I reflect on the lessons she imparted ,not necessarily as a "teacher" but rather as a caring role model .
She grew up in an era when "less was often more" and was a master at making do with what you had ,not worrying about what you wanted and didn't have . She could perform the proverbial "loaves and fishes" act and often did so on a daily basis .
I have continued to be blessed with a great wife whose mothering skills have now moved to yet another generation as our daughters are also mothers. I am most thankful for her emphasis on the simpler and more meaningful things in life .
I am grateful to them one and all for making a good life all that much better, and for their devotion to "Hearth & Home" .
Again Happy Mother's Day !!
Wilcos Comet Wins Governor General Cup - 1985
July 13, 2012
Photo - Wilcos Comet and trainer Lew Clark appear in the Rideau Carleton winner's circle with Dr. Roly Armitage (centre) and Maurice Sauve .[Photo by Heather MacKay]
Rideau's Governor General's Cup Won By Wilcos Comet
The first ever Governor General's Cup for three year old pacing colts was contested on Saturday July 13,1985 in Ottawa at Rideau Carleton Raceway . It drew a large number of entries (16), and was raced in two elimination heats with the top 5 finishers qualifying for the final .Total purse for the event was a rather large $160,000 .
In the first heat carrying a purse of $52,125 the winner was Wilcos Comet driven by Ron Henderson ,trained by Lew Clark and owned by The Golden Horseshoe Stable of Michigan .Finishing second was Hy Class Minbar (Al Bowman) with Adjudicator third handled by Dr. Scott Anderson .Time for the mile on a very hot afternoon was 1:56.3 equalling the winner's best ever .
In the second heat, Bold Talent a grey son of Smog-Keystone Warwick prevailed over his 7 rivals with Buddy Gilmour handling the driving duties for the partnership of trainer Bob McIntosh and The Warner Stable of Alvinston Ont. .Gilmour chose to cut the mile and it undoubtedly paid off as he won handily in 1:57.4 .In the trailing horses a number of "road problems" occurred which eventually affected the outcome of the race as Twin B Playboy and driver Dennis Duke were set back to 5th .This moved Armbro Dryden(Harold Stead) into second and Cupid Connection (Doug Brown) advanced to a third place finish .
Although the first 5 finishers from each heat were eligible for the final, only 8 started as Cupid Connection and Jans Challenge declined to start in the main event . It is doubtful that any of these young horses had ever been asked to go two heats in the same day .
In the finale, the script played out much like the first elimination with Wilcos Comet and Ron Henderson immediately heading for the front end where they were able to record a rather slow half in 59 seconds . From here he motored home with a 57 second last half ,thus almost duplicating the heat time .Closing for second was Hy Class Minbar who tried valiantly to collar the leader but was still a length in arrears at the wire having passed third place finisher Bold Talent in the lane . The other two money earners were Twin B Playboy and Armbro Dryden .Driver Henderson knew a bit about some of the competition as he had piloted heat winner Bold Talent to victory just a week previous to this event .
Wilcos Comet with this big earnings day which marked his sixth win in 11 starts , jumped his bankroll to over the $150,000 mark for owners Ermen Lanzilloffi,Gerald Fauber and Fred Ese . The colt who was sired by Armbro Splurge was purchased at the 1983 Canadian Classic sale for $30,000 and at this point appeared to be a wise investment .
Following the event, Maurice Sauve husband of Canada's Governor General Jeanne Sauve , made the trophy presentation along with Rideau General Manager Dr. Roly Armitage . This was a great day of racing and a very special day not only for the horse's owners, but also for a young 30 year old Windsor based horseman Ron Henderson who drove the winner . Additionally it was a banner day for Lew Clark, a non driving trainer who prepared Wilcos Comet for this event .
Lew , a native of Strathroy Ontario and a former pupil of the noted yesteryear trainer of that same area Morris MacDonald, trained a number of good horses during this era . He eventually gave up training and accepted a job as Paddock Judge at Windsor Raceway in later years . Lew passed away a couple of years ago and is still remembered by many .
Horses And Banks
May 15, 2012
In this mid 1960's photo a horse was actually captured on camera "in the act" ,thus leaving little doubt about what was happening . When the County Trust Company Bank opened in Goshen New York ,one of the bank's first customers was a horse .This seemed fitting since this branch was built on property adjacent to the famed Historic Track, an area that is often referred to as "The Cradle of the Trotter " .The bank which is also a neighbour of The Hall of Fame of the Trotter, is a successor to the Goshen National Bank which dates back to 1851 the year that the great horse Hambletonian was first introduced to the public .
The pictured horse is York Boy owned by his driver Mrs. Mary Stein of nearby Chester New York.He is a Sharpshooter colt that is stabled at the nearby track .A slogan which the new Bank issued with this news release says ...."You can always bank on the Standardbred horse in Goshen New York " .
The next time you suspect that your horse is "dipping" into your account ,it might be advisable to check some Bank security camera footage just to make sure .
Paying a Fine "On Time"
May 16, 2012
A couple of years ago on another venue, I had the pleasure of doing a story about one of the great horsemen of the modern era, he being Dr. John S. Findley . It was a lot of fun and quite a learning experience for me personally .
I had a cute note from someone who had known "Doc" from way back when and later encountered him in an official capacity as this person eventually served as a racing judge .
The story goes that Doc was racing at Rideau Carleton Raceway on the date of his 65th birthday . Shortly after the race was completed and all the participants were back in the paddock ,a call came for Dr. Findley . On the phone was the Presiding Judge . He started off the conversation by wishing him a Happy Birthday but soon added that he had no choice but to impose a $50.00 fine for what he termed "a ridiculously slow quarter " in the just finished race .
Somewhat shocked Doc replied "I thought for sure you were just calling to wish me Happy Birthday ,but I suspected something worse ...By the way can I wait to pay my fine until after my first pension cheque comes in ?? "
My thanks to the late Ron McGee for his anecdotal assistance .
May 17, 2012
At about this time, harness racing was on quite an "upswing" as a couple of new Tracks, Rideau Carleton
and Mohawk had just recently opened . Also London's Western Fair Raceway was in its 4th year of racing under
the lights .Additionally Windsor Raceway was slated for opening the following year, in the fall of 1965 .Hence the
need for more racing officials .
The following written item and accompanying picture appeared in the March 11,1964 edition of The Harness Horse magazine :
"In a move intended to bring about more uniform interpretation of rules and
regulations, the Canadian Trotting Association has appointed Claire Smith
(left) of Ottawa, and Claude Brissette (right) of Montreal as full-time
presiding judges under the direction of the parent body of harness racing in
Canada.
regulations, the Canadian Trotting Association has appointed Claire Smith
(left) of Ottawa, and Claude Brissette (right) of Montreal as full-time
presiding judges under the direction of the parent body of harness racing in
Canada.
Shown here with CTA President H. Allen Dickenson, Mount Hope, Ont.,
the two officials, both of whom have served in official capacities
throughout Canada, will be rotated among the various tracks."
the two officials, both of whom have served in official capacities
throughout Canada, will be rotated among the various tracks."
Claire Smith was a fourth generation horseman who first entered the officiating ranks
in the 1950's at Connaught Park at the request of Mr. Hugh Proudfoot the C.T.A. President
at that time .Mr. Smith in addition to his horse interests at one time operated an auto dealership
and Esso gas station in the nation's Capital .He eventually became the supervisor of all racing
officials for the C.T.A .
Mr. Smith was the father of Ted Smith former President and CEO of Standarbred Canada .
Allan Dickenson a long time figure in the sport is the father of Herb Dickenson and grandfather of
Bob Dickenson the well known auctioneer.
May 24th Let The Season Begin
May 20, 2012
In days past, the weekend on which the 24 th of May Victoria Day Holiday was observed ,invariably it signalled the opening of the racing season in most areas across the country . Certain Towns year after year staged racing, and like many things it was an annual tradition that everyone looked forward to with great anticipation .
Here is a sampling of where racing was held and what happened 60 years ago ,way back in 1952 .
Truro N.S. - Ten heats of racing were held with each race offering a $200 purse . All races were contested at a 1/2 mile distance . Some of the winning drivers were Frank Daniels,Scott Weeks,Wilfred Shea,Geo. Turner and Kirk Pinkney .
Edmonton Alta. - Two full days of racing were held May 24 and May 26 . A few winning drivers were Hamp Hoover,Vern Waddell,J.D. Sampson,James Findlay,Ralph Parker . Two double heat races went for a huge $700 purse .
Kingston Ont. - Each race was for $250 ,going three heats . Herb Payne was the driving star taking all three heats behind Miss Chipso and a single victory with Gadabout F. .Also hitting the winner's circle were drivers Bob Polk, W. Cook and Cecil Carleton .
Quebec City P.Q. - Purses of $400 were offered and a sampling of drivers included Henri Portelance,Hilaire Barbeau,Henri Cantin,Alex Page and Louis Praught who won the featured Jr. Free For All with Star Boy .
Colborne Ont. - A $120 purse for each 2 heat race brought out a good showing of horses . Blacklock a 9 year old stallion by Bennett Volo was a double heat winner for owner Tom Fritz of Brighton and was handily driven by Burns McKane ,no stranger in these parts . Other drivers "getting the job done" included Orval Fallis, Messrs. Brown,Cox, Howden and McMillan .
Petrolia Ont. - A full card of races drew a large early season crowd who witnessed some fine racing . All eyes were on the up and coming Argyel Grattan a double heat winner in the 20 class for owner driver Duncan Campbell .This horse went on to win a phenomenal 38 races this season . A number of well known area drivers had their mounts in mid season form as evidenced by wins from Charlie Chips (Neil McRann),Great Queen Jr. (Ellis Dell),Trigger Grattan (Lyle Bogart) and Argyel Lee a 3 year old for the aforementioned Duncan Campbell . The big race Free For All was divided between Merry England (Wilbur Apthorpe) and Mac Dale, locally owned by Cecil Stone and capably piloted by Marshall Moore in 2:16 flat .
Wawanesa Man. - A huge day of 12 heats saw several double heat winners . Tops in the driving category were Bob Silliphant and Jim Wiener who each piloted horses to 3 heat victories . Other teamsters in the charmed circle included Dunc McAdam,Jim McGregor,Robt. Page and Jim Wallace . The Free For All went in the fastest time of the meeting with both heats in an identical 2:12 4/5 .Highlawn Direct at age 14 was the second heat winner ,showing no signs of aging .
North Sydney N.S. -Always a popular May 24th spot for Maritime fans and horse people alike . Two heat races offered $200 in purse money . Jos. MacDonald was a 3 time winner,Don Ratchford took 2,Lorne Ratchford 1,Jim Moffat 2,and Michael Chiasson one win . All races were contested at a distance of 1/2 mile with the quickest in 1:05 1/5 by Redwood Grattan (Moffat up) .
Curran Ont. -Racing in this far Eastern Ontario hamlet not far from the Quebec border featured four two heat races with each carrying a purse of $50 . A 10 year old chestnut mare named Nell Grattan won the feature for local owner Roland Lavigne who lists Curran as home .Her season's earnings later totalled up to $95 earned in 18 starts .Her clocking of 2:18 was best for the day .
Fort Qu'Appelle Sask. -Race organizers divided up the purse money into $140 for each race which went two heats . The first was a 9/16 mile dash,the second at the mile distance . Some well known horsemen entered the charmed circle including Norman Temple(4 wins),Lloyd Teece,Lucien Cormier,Leo Malhoit and Frank Niebergall of Neudorf Sask. .
Spencerville Ont. - Eight heats of racing highlighted the day with 3 double heat winners and one split . Bob Grattan took the $150 Free For All for C.H. Baker of Iroquois Ont. . Other winner's with owners shown were Lady J Stewart (Stan McQuaig) ,Laura Irene for Russ Hanna of Cardinal and the roan mare Quicksilver owned and driven by Hillary Lawson of Harrison's Corners . Ormonde Star was a winner for Tom Smith of Renfrew .
LOTS OF RACING LIES AHEAD THIS SEASON ............
Old Advertisements
May 26, 2012
In the current Recollections I have copied a few old advertisements from days gone by .I have always enjoyed looking at old ads such as these, and marvel at the prices that were then in effect,along with the art work . Today the practice of mail ordering (or perhaps more correctly Internet ordering) has again become popular . Years ago, probably because of the nature of the goods and products horse people required ,they tended to often send away for a lot of things .
Catalogue shopping was once the staple of rural life ,where people did not have ready access to the wide range of items they could be easily procured through mail order or catalogue shopping .You simply filled out an order form,mailed it, and within a few days the mail carrier had your parcel !! .
Many of the older folks in the audience probably recall when the "Eatons'" catalogue was about the most important book in any one's house .The first Eatons'catalogue came out in 1884 and you could buy virtually anything from it . In the first few decades of the 1900's you could actually buy a House right out of the catalogue !! Many existed especially in Western Canada .
There was even an ongoing suspicion of where the out of date catalogues ended up ??If you guessed the once popular "Outhouse" you get the prize .....
May 29, 2012
Rideau Carleton Raceway - 1964 Recollections
Photo - Brother Hy and driver Stan Williams following a lifetime mile of 2:05.1 at Rideau Carleton in 1964
Rideau Carleton Raceway , the Albion Road racing facility in Ottawa was in its third season of operation,having opened in 1962 .
The racing season opened on August 1st with a 10 race card .First across the line in the opener was Solons Memory under the guidance of Wilf Duford . Completing the daily double was Uncle Davis piloted by local favourite Ross Curran .The feature of the opening night was a $1000 Invitation won by the great mare Barbara Johnston handled by Gerald Johnston with Gina Guinea second and Poplar Citation third with a winning time of 2:05.4 .One week later, Barbara Johnson was again a winner and this time in 2:03.1 besting Baron Adios and driver Maurice Monroe an Ottawa clothier turned horseman who was driving for his wife Connie .
On September 19,1964 what has to be considered a racing rarity if nothing else occurred .In the 9th race feature, an Invitation Handicap Pace the 8 year old Brother Hy was the winner for driver Stan Williams . In winning, he took a new lifetime mark of 2:05.1 .So far nothing too rare but the oddity creeps in when you realize this was the 65th win of his lengthy career . "Brother" was owned for his entire career by Alex Hyatt of Petrolia Ont. and at this time was racing out of the Stan Williams stable .Much of his career he was handled by Earl Hyatt the son of owner Alex Hyatt .
Brother Hy was one of the winningest horses of his era as he posted a huge 85 visits to the winner's circle over a lengthy racing career that spanned 10 racing seasons .During the years 1959 through 1968, he faced the starter a total of 237 times but earned just over $18,000 a sign of the low purse structure in that time of Canadian racing .
Horses like Brother Hy brought much joy to their owners and also had a great fan following .The gelded chestnut son of Brother Harmony started his racing career at age 3 in 1959 racing for Ken Bogart.He was part of the opening night program when London's Western fair Raceway started night racing in 1961 winning one heat of the inaugural night's feature race .
June 2012 Archives
June 2012 Archives
The following items are listed below as they appeared on this website during the month of June 2012 . To view each item, simply scroll down the page and it will appear in the order shown .
1. - John Campbell Forty Years and Counting
2. - More about John Campbell's first win
3. - The One Room School
4. - Leamington Fair Races Scheduled
5. - A Smile For The Day
6 .- Fathers Day
7. - Jack Campbell Remembered
8. - Fan Hanover Stakes
9. - Clinton Drivers Competition - 1985
10. - Memories of Dominion Day Races
More About John Campbell's First Winning Drive
June 4, 2012
A nice note was received following my Saturday posting about John Campbell's first career victory at London on June 2,1972 .
Recollections reader and long time London area horseman Joe Carr emailed to ask that I confirm that he may have been in that now historic race 40 years ago . Indeed he was a participant and in fact may have had "the best seat in the house" as he finished 7th and last that evening as he drove Azucar Candy a 5 year old mare which he co owned with his brother James Carr .Joe is still very interested in the sport and is often in attendance at The Western Fair District .I thank him for being in touch .
I have listed the entire field below although I do not have an exact list of drivers .
Joe Carr enjoyed a rather unusual combination of occupations for many of the years that he trained and drove horses at the London oval . By day he handled "the hickory stick" as he pursued his profession as a teacher, while at night he often drove at London and other area tracks .Early in his career he captured the interest of long time London Free Press sport's writer Harry Eisen and was frequently the subject of Harry's long running and popular column "Mostly About Horses" that appeared regularly in The London Free Press .
As it turns out that race from 40 years ago included more than one young fellow driving with the initials J C .....
Results from June 2,1972
Noble Will - 1 (John Campbell)
Cindy's Hunch - 2 (Ken Bogart)
Carolyn Doo Little - 3 (Palmer Kerr)
Armbro Kommand - 4 (Martin Maylard)
Royal Baby -5 (D Flynn ?)
Miss Lee Dale -6 (?) owned by Mel Whittaker & Wm. Worrell
Azucar Candy - 7 (Joe Carr)
As I researched this race, two interesting "tidbits" emerged from the participants . Carolyn Doo Little was owned by noted racing historian Margaret Neal of Stratford . Miss Lee Dale was a 6 year old mare sired by Championdale who won the 3rd race on this same evening .Championdale by Jimmy Chief was a memorable performer owned by Neil McRann and was 11 years old at this time. He took a new lifetime record of 2:03.3 during the 1972 season .
The One Room School
June 7, 2012
Pictured is the " Zion" Public School in Rural Essex County - 1924 .
Occasionally I feel compelled to write a little something about a topic other than horses,records,times,wins ,etc. ...Maybe nobody will read it, but when you have your own website I guess you can do as you please, at least once in a while .Maybe I'll end up getting fired !!
I recently came across this great 1924 picture of a One Room School and it brought back a flood of memories of a time less hurried and one much less complicated .It was part of the great system that was in place for a couple of Centuries as our Country grew out of the proverbial wilderness . As recently as 50 years ago the "One Room School" was still a familiar landmark across the countryside .The beauty of the system was that no child had to be any further away from home than they could walk .It gave parents a better chance to hold on to their children and see them grow and learn close to home . In many cases that was the extent of one's formal education .Today's so called health experts have also concluded that our population was a lot healthier (and trimmer) when everyone walked to school .
I remember these old structures well ,even though I did not attend one . Our farm was close enough to "Town" that I went to a multiple room school which was very modern in design and quite "new" as it was built in 1948, and embodied many upgrades of the day .We had indoor plumbing,pretty much a separate room for every class and even an electric buzzer and a bell that called us into class .The once familiar bell tower had faded from the scene .In our Township and Town, no less than 14 schools provided the educational needs of the community . When a person graduated from Grade 8 (or passed their "Entrance" as it was one called) we all went to one High School, and even it didn't amount to a great deal .
Schools followed a certain design or at least were supposed to, and it was said that Ontario schools provided a model for other Provinces and even other countries .They were to be set well back from the road to reduce noise and dust . They were to face a blank North wall with windows on the sides, so that natural sunlight passed around as the day progressed .Also the teacher's desk was to face the door ....all the better to observe the comings and goings .
Our humble little one room places of learning turned out some pretty spectacular and upstanding people . They went on to become Doctors and Lawyers and Teachers and Nurses plus a lot of other worthwhile careers like mothers and wives (that's where I got lucky).
Also I'm certain that quite a few "Grads" even became owners,caretakers, trainers and drivers in the good old sport of Harness Racing !!
About The Leamington Fair Races
Upper Photo - A very old view of the Leamington Fairgrounds on race day at the Fair .Circa 1910
Lower Photo - Long time Leamington horseman the late "Bud" Gibson driving SHOE POLISH hits the wire a winner in 2:18, ahead of Fancy Farr reaching out for driver Jim Harrison in this 1971 shot . The old arena now demolished is in the background .
Leamington Fair Still Holds Fair Racing
Country Fairs were once the very backbone of harness racing . Long before the advent of large Raceways , virtually every fair in the country included harness racing as one of their main attractions . Today though like many things in our modern world, that has all changed .
One locality that still stages racing is The Leamington Fair, which is about to stage the 164th edition ,making it one of the oldest fairs still in existence .Leamington also known as "The Tomato Capital of Canada", is located in the far South Western corner of Ontario in Essex County, on the north shore of Lake Erie . As far as holding races ,you might coin the old phrase in saying that it is "One of the last of the Mohican's..."
Positioned in what has sometimes been called "The Banana Belt" or "The Sun Parlour" because of its moderate climate,the Town of Leamington has a long and storied history in harness racing circles . Its existence as a racing centre dates back to the 1800's, thus covering 3 centuries .In the 1930's, it was considered one of the major stops for most of the best horses racing in any given year .Most years, racing took place as part of the Town's Fair which was then held at the more traditional time of late Fall .Sometimes racing stretched over a full week in October .The fairgrounds which are located at the northern boundary of the Town have long been a landmark and a welcome spot for visitors .
In 1936 a new track record for the old original track was established .Tom Grattan owned by London hotelier Alex Parsons and driven by one of the top horsemen of the day Lew James set an amazing clocking of 2:07 1/2 which stood as long as the old track remained . In 1954 a new track was constructed as the building of a Community Arena necessitated moving its location farther back from Erie Street also known as Highway 77 .That repositioned track remains to this day .
In the 1960's, a number of major racing stables migrated to Leamington and used the Fairgrounds as a winter training centre .
Traditionally an area with lower snowfall and less severe weather than most parts of Canada ,it was an ideal spot for breaking colts and training older horses .Noted trainers of the day such as Del & Duncan MacTavish, Jim Weiner,John Charbonneau, Dave O'Dare,Albert Rogers and Bert Madill were a few who wintered at Leamington .Harley Harrison came as a blacksmith .Most of these trainers raced on the popular Montreal circuit in those days .
Several fires claimed many of the old original structures that were once part of the scenic grounds and housed activities at the annual Fair .One devastating fire almost ended the racing career of trainer Richard Carroll as he lost nearly his entire string of horses .At the time the fire occurred, Richard was racing at Windsor and he fortunately had a few horses in that evening or he may have lost everything . Thankfully Richard recovered from the trauma of such a catastrophic event and is still active today and is being followed by his son Alfie who is now an accomplished reinsman .
Part of the track's folklore includes the story of several kind and caring people who stepped forth and made generous donations after the last fire to keep the track and grounds in existence .
Over the years several revivals of racing were seen at this venerable track, especially when local service clubs such as the Kinsmen operated the Track for a number of years . In 1971 Sunday racing was a popular pastime and eventually as the Ontario Sires Stakes program came into being, Leamington hosted many such events starting in 1974 .Racing under the lights followed and by the decade of the 80's, its popularity rose even more as a "B" track .Many noted trainers, drivers and horses visited Leamington at this time .
Gradually as time passed, the Track lost momentum and no longer held regular racing . It has always been home to several trainers, many of whom raced at Windsor Raceway located some 30 miles to the west .A few years ago Windsor Raceway owner Tom Joy envisioned a revival of the Leamington operation but despite his efforts and plans for the future, nothing materialized .When Mr. Joy passed away a number of years ago, many believed that with him went the vision for a "New" Leamington Raceway .
However in a recent interview, the current Leamington Agricultural Society President Tammy Wiper was quoted as saying something to the effect that "You never know what might be in store for this old Track ..." .
This year's races scheduled for Friday June 15 will see 10 races, each one carrying a purse of $1000 .Race secretary Ian Fleming will be imported from London to organize the evening .The featured event will be "The Carlyle Hope Memorial Trot " .It is held annually in remembrance of local horse owner and long time enthusiast Carlyle who for many years worked on the Fairgrounds keeping everything in tip top shape .I had the pleasure of having him for a neighbour for many years and we shared many "horse" conversations during that time .
Good Luck to the folks at Leamington .
Your comments on this and all postings are welcomed at oldrecollections@gmail.com
June 27, 2012
Photo - Peachbottom wins the first heat of the 1984 Fan Hanover Pace for driver Richie Silverman .Second is New Miss Wiper driven by Ron Waples . (Steve Tambosso photo)
The Fan Hanover Stakes - Now and Then
Back in 1984 a young U.S. driver made a profitable trip across the border to compete in that year's edition of the great annual classic for three year old pacing fillies "The Fan Hanover " .It was held at Greenwood Raceway on July 6,1984 .This was just the second renewal of this race which began at Greenwood in 1983 .The very first winner was Armbro Bramble driven to victory by Jack Kopas for the Armstrong Stable.The inaugural race carried a purse of $36,200 .
That young 19 year old driver was Richard "Richie" Silverman and he was the pilot of the 1984 winner Peachbottom who outpaced second place finisher New Miss Wiper (Ron Waples) .This was Silverman's first ever Stakes win and obviously the largest triumph of his young career .Peachbottom was a full sister to the outstanding No Nukes who at the time had a record of 1:52.1 .
In 1984 this race carried what was considered a sizable purse of $ 90,500 .Because the event drew a total of 13 entrants, it was split into two elimination heats followed by a final, all held on the same evening .Today not too many people are in favour of the old time heat racing so eliminations are held a week prior to the final .
Summary Of 1984 Fan Hanover 3 Y.O. Filly Pace
First Heat -$27,150
Peachbottom (R. Silverman) - 1
New Miss Wiper (Ron Waples) - 2
Little Stinker (Dave Wall) - 3
Black Narcissus (Glen Garnsey ) - 4
Winning owners -Lessee: The Fielding Farms Group Bethesda Maryland
Trainer - Jerry Silverman
Times : :28.2; :59.2 ;1:28.3; 1:57.2
Second Heat -$27,150
Homemade Lovin (Trevor Ritchie) - 1
Cookin With Gas (Doug Brown) - 2
Super Fortune - 3
Highland Song - 4
Winning owner - Audrey Smith London Ont. .
Trainer - Bob McIntosh
Time - 1:59.0
Final -$ 36,200
Peachbottom (R. Silverman) - 1
Little Miss Wiper (Ron Waples) - 2
Homemade Lovin (Trevor Ritchie) - 3
Time - 1:56.4 - New Stakes Record
Following the race a trackside presentation was made by Pat Brown ,Mrs. Dr. Glen Brown, accompanied by her daughter Lynn Brown and Diane Bittner of Brampton . Receiving the trophy was trainer Jerry Silverman the driver's father, who accepted on behalf of the owners .
The Fan Hanover Filly Pace was instituted as an annual race honoring great horses of the past in 1983 .She holds a special place in harness racing history as the only mare to ever win The Little Brown Jug when she won it in 1981 for owner Dr. Glen Brown and was driven by Glen Garnsey who guided her through a stellar career .
Fast Forward To 2012 - June 16,2012
In 2012 The Fan Hanover Stakes carried a purse of $642,000 and was won by American Jewel in 1:48.2 driven by Tim Tietrick . Interestingly the first and second place finishers were both trained by Jimmy Takter while the 3rd and 4th place finishers were both trained by Ben Wallace . That left only 5% of the purse up for grabs which was taken by 3-1 shot Economy Terror handled by Brian Sears .Ironically that sum almost equaled the total purse for the final back in 1984,and surpassed the winner's share that went to Peachbottom .
The following note was received from Dr. Glen Brown the owner of Fan Hanover and adds nicely to my story . My thanks to Dr. Brown .
Hi Robert:
I do read your stories and find them very interesting, especially when you're old enough to have known some of these historical characters.
The first edition of the stake in her honour was raced at Greenwood in 1983 and was won by Armstrong's Armbro Bramble with JackKopas. They raced it there until 1993, then to Woodbine from 1994 to 2004. from there it made its last move to Mohawk.
Fan had been horse of the year in Canada at 2 and 3 , with her final season at 4 in 1982. She was the star filly here, and in the fall of 1982 when the Ontario Jockey Club were planning a top stakes race for 3 year old fillies, you can understand how they chose her to honour. That first purse was $36.200, pretty big for that era.
I've attached below a copy of her obituary.
Glen Brown
FAN HANOVER DEAD AT AGE 33
Fan Hanover, the only filly to win the Little Brown Jug, died on August 23, 2011 at Inglewood, Ontario. She has been leading a life of well deserved retirement since producing her last foal in 2001. At the time of her death, she was the oldest living Horse Of The Year, Standardbred or Thoroughbred.
Purchased as a yearling at Harrisburg in 1979 for $20,000 by Dr. Glen Brown, the daughter of Albatross from Farm Norah was trained and driven by the late GlenGarnsey during her three racing seasons. The late Odell Short was her caretaker throughout that career. She remained in Dr. Brown’s ownership until her death.
At two, she won 16 of 19 starts, with 2 seconds and a third for earnings of $201,264. Her record at two of 1:56.4f was a new World Record. She set three track records at two and was voted Horse Of The Year in Canada.
Her three year old season saw records set with nearly every race. She won 17 of 23 starts with 3 seconds and a third, for $497,718. Her earnings are even more remarkable when it’s considered that only three of her starts carried purses of $100,000 or more. She won the Little Brown Jug in straight heats, with her 1:56.3h heat equalling the World’s Record for a filly. She also set a new World Record at The Meadows of 1:55.3f. In fact, at three, she set 14 different track records, won on 11 different tracks and set a track record on 6 of those tracks. She had 17 wins in 2:00 or better at three, more than any filly or mare in history. She was voted Horse Of The Year in both Canada and the United States.
At four, she added another 12 wins and $270,643 to end her career with 45 wins in 72 lifetime starts for $969,724. She became the fastest female of all time with her sensational 1:50.4 time trial at Lexington. She was voted the top Older Pacing Mare at four, while winning the Milton and Roses Are Red Stakes.
Fan Hanover had been inducted into both the Hall Of Fame at Goshen, New York, and the Canadian Horse Racing Hall Of Fame. The richest stakes in the sport for 3 year old pacing fillies has been named in her honour by Woodbine Entertainment Group.
As a broodmare, she never re-produced her own brilliant qualities, although she left six winners with 4 in 1:57 and three winners of over $100,000.
December 19, 2015
Clinton Raceway Drivers Day Plans Announced - 1985
Details for the third annual Clinton Raceway Driver Contest have been finalized and published . The date chosen is Sunday July 28,1985 with a post time of 1:30 .Proceeds are being donated to The Clinton Hospital Building Fund .
Following the 11 race card a Beef Barbecue will be held with tickets priced at $6 each .This has been a sold out event the past two years and it is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance .
Ten popular drivers have signed up for the day .They are Ross Battin,Pat Crowe,Jerry Duford,Terry Kerr,Tom Strauss,Dave Wall, Fred Sadler,Ray McLean,Ken Hardy and Bill Lambertus .The winning driver in this competition will receive a trip to Las Vegas .
The featured event of the afternoon will be The Fleming Feed Mill Invitation Pace .
June 30, 2012
Upper Photo - An old advertisement For Dominion Day Races at Strathroy Ont. -1940's
Lower Photo - An early starting gate is shown at Virden Manitoba during Dominion day races
Remembering The Old Dominion Day Races
Dominion Day later renamed Canada Day, was once one of the BIG days of racing across the Country .Many small Towns staged a huge day of racing to celebrate the holiday .It was usually a time of excellent weather (sometimes too hot) ,children were out of school and horses were often in top form by this time . It was truly a great time to have an afternoon of racing .Some places like Strathroy Ont. had much more than racing . They had track and field events, baseball games and bands played in the infield between heats to entertain the audience .
I have chosen a few places where holiday races were held in the decade of the 1950's , a period in time when Dominion Day Races were at their peak of popularity .
1951 -June 30 - Virden Manitoba
With July 1 falling on a Sunday, the annual race day was moved ahead and a large crowd gathered to witness the Dominion Day races which consisted of a total of 14 heats . On hand to start the races using his recent model (Packard?) mobile starting gate was Andy Foster of High River Alberta .His efficient starting helped move the program along quickly and drew the praise of all in attendance .A total of $1400 was offered in purse money as all races consisted of 3 heats with the exception of the two year olds who went just two trips . The winners came from far and wide with the Provinces of Alberta , Manitoba and Saskatchewan represented as well as horses from North Dakota and Montana. The Free For All went to Azoff Guy who won the first two heats for owner Arthur Decorte of Deloraine Man. and driver James W Kealey but unfortunately they did not finish in the finale .The only three heat winner was Dale Riggs for J.K. Tutt of Roleau Sask. in the Class 20 Pace .
1952 -July 1,Kingston Ont.
Today's holiday race program at the Kingston track featured 10 heats of racing and produced a total of 8 different heat winners . In the 20 class Pace the heavily favored Supremus from the Harry Ingles stable of Brighton made a break in the opener and finished eighth and last .In the next two heats he was flawless ,winning both trips in identical times of 2:11.3 . Other winning drivers were Sted Craig,Jim McIntyre,Burns McKane,Ken Keys and Henry "Hank" Corcoran Sr. . The trotter Lord Brookville was impressive for owners Joseph and Claire Smith of Ottawa with a 2-1 standing in the 30 class,coasting home in 2:13.4 for driver Craig .This is just one of five race days to be held here this season .
1953 July 1,Hull Que.
Racing under the lights got underway at Connaught Park in Hull Quebec with the featured race on opening night "The Dominion Day Trot" attracting a small field of 5 starters . Going for a purse of $1000, the first heat was won by Glendale Ace for owners Craig and McNab of Smith Falls with veteran Sted Craig on the bike . In the second heat ,Cheerful Lad trotted home in 2:12.2 for owner Colborne Hess of Morrisburg and driver Percy Robillard .Glendale Ace was a bang up second .Lynchburg Lady owned by Smith Bros. of Ottawa gave driver Robillard another winner's circle visit in the 4th race a classified Pace. Also winning on this card was the consistent mare Sally Sue for owner driver Dr. John Findley of nearby Arnprior .
Note : This was the first ever program of Harness Racing held at Connaught Park .
1955 - July 1, Leamington Ont.
Canada's most southerly racetrack played host to a 5 race card ,all events consisting of two heats .The track here was new last year as construction of a community arena necessitated relocating the old original race course that has been here for decades .The driving star of the afternoon was Cecil Coke of Petrolia who steered a total of three winners .Winners of two heats each were Glen Tiffen of Dresden and Herb Craig from Chatham .Two races were maiden events or for class 30 horses, thus providing a start for green horses . The main event of the afternoon resulted in split heat winners . In the first ,Billy Deluxe from the stable of Harold North of Florence was home first with Bud Gibson driving . In the second tilt, the winner was Johnnie G for Roy Inch of St. Thomas .The first ever race held over the new track was won last year by Margaret H Direct owned by Allan Drew and driven by none other than Cecil Coke today's most productive reinsman .
1956 - July 2, Sydney N.S.
With flags flying in observance of the holiday, race fans here witnessed a fine card of 8 heats in total .All were hotly contested resulting in 7 different winners .Winning drivers were Ernest Frost (2),Shirley Scott,Douglas Ratchford,Joe MacDonald ,Percy "Pinky" Guam and Archie Shore (2). The Free For All for a purse of $400 drew just 4 entrants and was won in straight heats by Tronia's Bob owned and piloted by Archie Shore of Glace Bay .The two fastest miles came from the FFA winner as the first heat went in 2:15.4 followed by the closer in 2:12.1 .Grey Eagle was second in both heats for Duncan MacDonald . Donald C Rankin, one of the most popular and successful drivers here was held off the winner's list but had several in the money finishers .
Your comments are welcomed at oldrecollections@gmail.com
August 2012 Archives
The following items are listed below as they appeared on this website during the month of August 2012 . To view each item, simply scroll down the page and it will appear in the order shown .
1. - Driving Helmet from 1967
2. - Hambletonian Recollections
3. - John Simpson Sr. Remembered
4. - Barrie Raceway Final Program
5. - Top Drivers Golden Horseshoe Circuit - 1967
6. - Stew Firlotte Remembered
7. - Buffalo Raceway "Canadian Friendly"
8. - Quebec Racing - 1940's
9. - Two Year Old Trotters at Greenwood -1965
10. - Powder Puff Derby - 1970
11. - Canadian Pacing Derby Recalled From 1941
August 1, 2012
A Driving Helmet From 45 Years Ago -1967
As I have written on other occasions, around 1960 the traditional old soft silk hats that harness drivers wore since the beginning of time were abandoned . They were replaced by a succession of helmets aimed at providing more safety for a driver . Over the years the technology has changed fairly drastically with more and more safety features built into the entire structure .
Back in 1967 which was Canada's Centennial Year, the pictured helmet was offered for sale by well known Tack supplier Les Ehrlick . It sold for the princely sum of $21.00 and came in any colour you wanted as long as it was white!! .
John Simpson Sr. Remembered
August 10, 2012
Photo - John Simpson Sr. and 1957 Hambletonian winner Hickory Smoke (Courtesy Hambletonian Society)
I would like to thank those of you who take the time to write (email) from time to time . A number of the emails I receive I do not post as they are often not topical to items I have published, or are more personal in nature . In any event, Thank You and please continue to keep in touch .
I recently received a most interesting email from a reader who lives in South Carolina and she shared a rather interesting and informative story from her memories of years ago .
Her reference to the name Simpson refers to the late great John Simpson Sr. , a man whose name is synonymous with excellence in every area of the sport .Once one of the greatest horsemen in the business, he eventually became the head of the huge Hanover Shoe Farms in York Pa. . His son James is the current top executive at Hanover and his elder son John Jr. has had a distinguished career in multiple areas of the sport . I had the pleasure many years ago of meeting both John Sr. and John Jr. thanks to Delvin Miller .I believe the Mr.Fraiser mentioned in the letter was the grandfather of John Simpson Sr. .The horse My Birthday 2:00 was one of the earliest real good horses to be trained and driven by Mr. Simpson dating back to pre WW II days .
Mr. Smith :
Thank you so much for a great web site… When I was a little girl in Chester,SC . I used to visit the old stable on the top of the hill behind the fire house. On the wall was a picture of John Simpson driving his black stallion My Birthday. The stable was owned by Sam Fraiser. I took art at that time and I guess I was around 11 or 12 . Mrs. Brice our teacher took me and the other ladies ( all old enough to be my mother or grandmother ) out to a farm to paint the old barns and other out buildings. I finished early and took a walk around the farm…. I found an old black stallion whom I climbed over the fence to pet… and sketch… wish I still had that sketch….. I even looked at his teeth to see about how old he was…. He was a great old horse with a great disposition…. I later asked Mr. Sam F about the horse and was told that he was My Birthday and some of his history. He looked stunned when I told him I had even checked My Birthday’s teeth. It seems that just a few days before it took 4 or more men to get him to open his mouth and float his teeth… I’ve loved horses every since I could say horsey… I’m now 65 and too much arthritis to ride, but I’m still trying to train a pony to cart…I guess the favorite horse I ever owned was a cross I’ll never find again… He had to long thick mane and tail and the build of a Standard, but did 5 gaits and more…. He had the basic walk trot gallop and then in harness he would pace or trot, he racked under saddle, and had a fantastic single foot……. Just my memories..
Mary Anne Campbell, Clinton, SC,
Stew Firlotte Remembered
I extend my condolences to the family of Stew Firlotte who passed away on Wednesday August 15 . He was truly one of the most outstanding horsemen of the past 30 years and his role as a non driving trainer placed him at the top of any category imaginable . The photo shown was in a recent post on this website and was taken in 1983 on Jug Day following that year's victory by Ralph Hanover .I know that Stew has been ill for quite some time but his passing is still a sad time for many ,especially his family and many close friends .
Buffalo Raceway "Canadian Friendly"
August 18, 2012
July 1955 - Buffalo Raceway
A view of a 1955 Buffalo Raceway Program Cost - 25 cents
A number of Canadian based stables are currently competing at Buffalo Raceway as has been the case dating back to the track's opening in 1942 . One horse who has just arrived and travelled quite a distance is Country Lad by Oxford Lad owned by Garnet Kirkpatrick of Odessa Ont. . He raced at the final winter meeting in Toronto at Dufferin Park and then moved closer to home and started 5 times at Connaught Park for Allan Pacey and owner Kirkpatrick . Now a member of the Charlie Pack stable, he is hoping to return to the form of last season when the now 6 year old stallion won $3436.25 winning 13 out of 38 starts and paced in 2: 10 flat . In his very first start here he showed his heels to a field of Class CC pacers and was a winner in 2:08.2 .To top the victory off he paid $ 67.10 for a two dollar win investment !! .Hope his connections had a couple of those lucky tickets .
Perennial Canadian competitor Harold Wellwood recently won a race here with Mr Oakley ,a standout performer from his stable of a few years ago .Plagued by lameness recently, his latest win was his first in 2 seasons and came in an event carrying a purse of $ 1000 which almost doubled his current bank account
A few other popular drivers with Canadian roots who are campaigning here are Johnny Chapman ,Joe Hodgins,Ed Arthur,Dick Johnson and Buddy Gilmour .
At this time the weekly Invitational Pace and Trot went for a purse of $3,000 . Also there were No claiming races written .
The current Buffalo Raceway track records belong to :
Yankee Hanover 2:02.4 - All age trotters
Roadmaster 2:00.4 - All age pacers
The two oldest records on the books belong to trotter Proximity 2:11 ( 1 1/16 Miles)
and Dr. Stanton pacer 2:11 ( 1 1/16 Miles) both set in 1949 .
On August 19 Phil Stewart wrote :
"Country Lad" was a great favourite of mine. In 1954 when I was in my first year at Ryerson (then Ryerson Institute of Technology) I skipped school quite few afternoons to go out to Dufferin Park to
Hi Robert :
watch Allan Pacey race him or the trotting mare "Alayne Regent" owned by Robert Polk of Kingston. Then after Country Lad moved to Charlie Pack's stable I went quite a few times to see him race
at Vernon Downs. Then I graduated and got in the race business in 1957 and in 1962 bred my mare "Mildred Chips" to Country Lad. Cliff Hie was training him and Carmen Hie, who was quite young then, was driving him at Connaught. It's a long and adventurous story of why we had to truck the mare with an "Alpha Hal" filly at her side to Connaught to breed but you know all about how "The best laid plans'
often work out! Anyway the resulting colt was "Quinte Lad" who was, while not the fastest I ever trained, probably my favourite all time race horse. And, although a lot smaller, he was just like his dad in
that they both loved a good muddy track!
And, BTW, Garnie Kirkpatrick's farm was at Odessa, Ont.
August 25, 2012
Photo - Driver Allan Walker receiving trophy .Presenter unidentified .
Two Year old C.S.H.S. Trotting Futurity Raced at Greenwood August 1965
Race fans at Greenwood were introduced to the future stars of the trotting world on two successive weeks in August 1965 . On August 19 two divisions of this year's Futurity candidates raced for a place in the final held on August 25. The results of each week are shown below .
August 19 ,1965 Two Year Old Trotting Futurity Purse $ 4268.50 each elimination heat
1 St Division - Time 2:14.1
Stemwinder (Eric Langille) - 1
Armbro Gazelle -2
Simcoe - 3
Donzella - 4
Kelly Tod -5
Royal Mint -6
Lela Sharpshooter - 7
Rainbow Peggy - 8
Winning owner - Dr A.J. Finlayson Paris Ont.
Stemwinder a gelding by Philbrick Hanover was a winner of 4 of his 8 starts at two, winning $7,488 on the season taking a record of 2:10.4 .
2nd Division - Time 2:21.3
Flemingtons Jane-1 (Jack Reid)
Marchessa -2
Eds Dream -3
Janet Bars -4
Flemingtons Cindy - 5
Mars Imp -6
Winning Owner - Lorraine Armstrong & Betty Faskin Port Credit Ont.
Flemingtons Jane a filly by Flemington won 4 of her 7 starts and banked $11,388 taking a record of 2:09.3 in her two year old season .
August 25 - Final C.S.H.S. 2 YO Trotting Futurity $5,692 Total - $ 14,228 (divided)
Simcoe -1 (Allan Walker)
Armbro Gazelle -2
Stemwinder -3
Marchessa -4
Flemingtons Jane -5
Flemingtons Cindy - 6
Eds Dream -7
Donzella -8
Time - 2:11
Winning Owner - Rowelands Stable Newton Robinson Ont.
Simcoe was a stallion by Flemington and this was his lone victory of a 5 start season in which he earned $ 4,175 trotting to a season's best of 2:11 in this race .This young horse was truly a homebred .
Armbro Gazelle
Although he was not an elimination or final winner in this event, Armbro Gazelle a two year old son of Jamie owned by Brantford Ont. horse enthusiast Max Webster had an outstanding season in 1965 . In 16 starts he racked up a bankroll of $15,161 winning on 4 occasions posting a season's best of 2:14 winning that year's Supertest Stake at Garden City . He was handled throughout the season by Bob Siliphant an excellent colt trainer .His victories were scored at Vernon Downs,Garden City and in Montreal .He closed out the season taking the Peninsula Stakes .Winning this kind of money in the years prior to the OSS was considered a very successful campaign .
Powder Puff Derby -1970
August 29, 2012
Picture - Rear (l-r) Callie Hillman,Jacki Hillman,Hilda Doleschell,Viola Walker
Front (l-r) Sandy Burrison,Shirley McLean
Dating back to 1969, the Grand Circuit Races made an annual appearance as part of the Canadian racing season .At that time the races took place at Greenwood Raceway in Toronto and it was the "event" of the summer season . In addition to the great races on the track that drew the very best in racing talent from both sides of the border ,it was also cause for a week long celebration .
At times such as in 1970 ,part of the festivities included a "Powder Puff Derby" .The participants are pictured above .
Mrs. Jacki Hillman of Campbelleville was the winner of this race driving Ben Ben owned by the partnership of Jack Milne and Ray McKelvie of Owen Sound .This trotter raced out of the John Hayes barn and was trained by Serge Dubord . Second was Frosty Homestead handled by Sandy Burrison of Harwood with Pretty Speedy taking third for Shirley McLean . Taking down fourth spot was Corker Dean and Viola Walker followed in fifth by Jackpot Lobell and Hilda Doleschell .Callie Hillman the daughter of Jacki was sixth with Little Lad.
The eight year old trotter Ben Ben came from off the pace in the final stages to pick up the victory by a head and in so doing set a new season's mark of 2:09 . Following the race Mrs. Hillman was presented with a sterling silver compact in recognition of her fine drive .This was but one of many so called "Powder Puff " races held down through the years ,clearly demonstrating that distaff drivers are a pretty capable group .
Readers comment :
Hi, In the ladies drivers race from 1970 , I paddocked Corker Dean for Viola Walker and we were so happy with 4th. He was a green trotter in with Homestead Dan etc. Also, I just went to a wedding where Sandy Burrison's niece (Lisa, daughter of Rick and Patty (Burrison) Webb) got married and Sandy and I sat beside each other. Aren't coincidences Great. Thanks again for the memories . Al Casselman
Top - Better Times the winner of the first ever Canadian Pacing Derby in 1936 with driver Floyd Milton
Lower - A view of a field during the 1946 Derby at New Hamburg on Derby Day .This photo shows the huge crowd on hand for this special annual event .
