On This Date
Subscribe to our NewsletterOn This Date -Oct. 21,1965 Windsor Opens
October 21, 2013
Looking Back to October 21,1965
A sign still stands that once beckoned fans to return for another evening of fun at Windsor Raceway (Authors Collection)
On the evening of October 21,1965 North America's newest and most "State of the Art" Race Track opened its doors for business . This new enterprise known as WINDSOR RACEWAY was a completely new design ,specifically detailed in every way for winter racing . From the ultra modern heated grandstand to the winter oriented stabling along with a synthetic Tartan all weather track surface ,no detail was left out . Much of the input and design was the work of a group headed up by William Rowe and his father The Hon. Earl Rowe who were even then very well versed in all aspects of the sport .
From the opening meeting ,the new venture was an immediate success . Horse people from several Provinces and a number of U.S. States soon began to race at the border oval . Winter racing in Canada had ceased in March of 1955 when the antiquated Dufferin Park in Toronto closed its doors .It was a very old and well worn race course that dated back to the 1800's . Racing there was often conducted under the worst of conditions . A slow track,substandard stabling and minimal "creature comforts " for the fans .
For several decades the Windsor operation thrived .It became the model for other racetracks and places like Flamboro studied and copied some of its design .I can personally recall the "Glory" days when thousands of people lined up to do everything from parking,to betting to even getting into the washrooms .It was common practice especially on weekends for patrons to show up hours before first post time and spread newspapers or blankets to save seats for their friends . I knew a fellow who waited outside the grandstand and asked early exiting patrons for their "Slightly used" programs . He then resold them at a reduced rate before incoming customers entered the stands .
It is hard to imagine but at one time people were turned away in cars due to the lack of parking . Taxicabs were still admitted so people parked their cars elsewhere and taxied in . When the Provincial Cup was inaugurated in March of 1966 ,it became an instant success as well ,drawing the best pacers on the Continent . It was even raced during the week and still played to a capacity crowd .A man named Roy Hoffman presided over the front row box seats at Windsor . He watched for "squatters" and was also not above accepting a well hidden "five spot" in exchange for a seat in some one's reserved box who was not in attendance .
In later years I was also witness to the sad demise of the track . A disinterested and "for profit only" business plan saw the Raceway decline and fall into a literal collapse . What was once the toast of the Harness Racing World, literally became the laughing stock of all who observed it . When it finally closed its doors a couple of years ago it had become a sad and dilapidated place ;a place that few if any cared to visit .
I am pleased to have often been there .....through good times and bad .
A current view of the parking lot and partially fallen fence at the now shuttered Windsor Raceway property (Authors Collection)
READER'S COMMENTS :
Windsor's innovations didn't end in 1965 . In 1996 they were the first harness track to activate a website .
From Don Daniels
On This Date - July 20,1968 - Super Wave Sets New Record
July 18, 2013
Jack Kopas and Super Wave (U.S.T.A Publicity Photo)
A Saturday night crowd of 10,034 fans at Montreal's Richelieu Park on July 20,1968 saw the crack two year old pacer Super Wave set a new Canadian record for age and gait . The youngster, owned by Dr. George Boyce a London Ont. veterinarian was a convincing winner as driver Jack Kopas gave the colt a flawless drive to defeat his 9 rivals in the $17,750 Canadian Juvenile 2 Yr Old Stake for colts and geldings .The record of 2:01 4/5 was the fastest mile ever for a 2 year old pacer on a Canadian track .
Super Wave had to score from the tough 10th position but it did not seem to deter his winning effort . Away rather cautiously Kopas edged up to 4th place on the backstretch and from there took control of the race as he literally coasted to the wire . The heavily favoured Del MacTavish Sr. Stable entry of Byron Dares and Greg Hanover were installed as the betting choice and finished 2-3 behind the Shadow Wave sired colt ,with Byron the only real threat .
Fractions for the mile were 30:0 ;1:01.3 ;1:33.3 and the mile in 2:01 .4 .The record mile eclipsed the former standard established by the ill fated Golden Blend in 1965 when that colt twice set the mark of 2:02 .He first turned the trick at the Three Rivers Track and later duplicated the identical time at Richelieu Park .
The victory was Super Wave's 6th in 8 season starts and boosted his current earnings to $14,651 . He is fast becoming one of the most talked about horses in the entire sport .
* * *
Note : I did not ever get to meet Dr. Boyce Sr. but I have been fortunate enough to know his son Dr. Robert Boyce and I thank him for his encouragement in my attempts to chronicle the history of our sport .
On This Date - July 1,1961 Woodbine Under The Lights
July 1, 2013
This is what Old Woodbine looked like with the lights on as night time racing made its debut at this track on Saturday July 1,1961
Old Woodbine Turns On The Lights
Back in 1961, July 1 fell on a Saturday . What better time to have a "light show" ? and that is just what happened at the downtown Toronto oval . A time long awaited had arrived just a few weeks previous to this when London's Western Fair Raceway officially ushered in racing under the lights in Ontario on May 17th .Now it was Old Woodbine's turn .
On that historic night ,a huge crowd flocked to the track that traced its history back to 1875 ,but up to this point all racing had been conducted in the daylight or at times in the "twilight" .
Piper Boy Wins the Opener
The first race winner on Old Woodbine's first night of racing was PIPER BOY. a horse who had a long and memorable career in Ontario racing circles. Piloted by Norm Bayne and owned by Buff McQuarrie of Fergus Ont., the striking 5 year old roan gelding beat a field of 7 starters pacing in 2:o9 4/5 ,just a few ticks off his lifetime best of 2:09 taken the year previous .
Following this, 7 more races were held including 3 divisions of the Inaugural Stakes ,all carrying a purse of $3,200 . The winners were Gene Putney (Francois Leboeuf) ,Baron Atom(Neil McRann) and Tami Herbert (Jack Herbert) . The fastest mile of opening night was recorded by Baron Atom who scored in 2:04 flat over the 3/4 Mile oval .
Winning drives on this night belonged to Frenchy Leboeuf (2),Norm Bayne,Ron Feagan,Harold McKinley,Gord Kingston,Jack Herbert and Neil McRann.
The following day Sunday was dark as was the custom, and on Monday July 3 Keystone Killean won the first race of the week for Osler Burrison and racing continued for a total of 52 nights . At the conclusion of the meeting, Harold McKinley was awarded the prize for winning the most races ,a total of 36 dashes, most from the powerful Armbro Stable .
Harold McKinley receives one of many driving trophies he won at Old Woodbine and later Greenwood .Dave Groombridge of Carling Breweries is the presenter . (Harness Horse Happenings)
Comments can be sent to oldrecollections@gmail.com
On This Date - February 1,1940 - "It's A Boy !"
February 1,1940 - The population of the small Ottawa Valley municipality of Angers Quebec increased by 1 today with the safe arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Edmond Filion's baby son . They have named him Herve .
Fast Forward to Sunday September 21,1952
Rigaud Quebec - The 11 year old pacing gelding Guy Grattan finished 7-5 in today's harness races at the Rigaud Track . Owned by Edmond Filion of Angers Quebec, he was driven by his 12 year old son Herve . This was his first public appearance in the sulky .
A Quotable Quote from Herve
Herve was once asked by a reporter about his voracious appetite for cigarettes and questioned the wisdom of consuming almost 3 packs a day . He replied " If I take care of myself I will live to be old and die ...If I don't take care of myself I will just do the second part ...."
The above photo shows World Famous horseman Herve Filion in 1986 after reaching the 9000 win plateau .
On This Date - Late January 1990
January 23, 2013
Greenwood Closed Four Days Due To Unsafe Track Conditions
Greenwood officials were forced to cancel 4 consecutive days of racing from January 25th to January 28,1990 when "Old Man Winter" played a nasty trick by bringing in unusually warm temperatures at a time of year when extreme cold is normally on the menu .This wiped out an entire weekend of racing .The unseasonably warm weather resulted in "frost boils" and a number of very dangerous soft spots along the backstretch .
Track crews worked around the clock to finally ready the track for racing again on Monday January 29 when the normal schedule resumed .
Barely Visible Wins Presidential Series -January 27,1990
In the 12 year history of the Presidential series at The Meadowlands, no horse had ever swept all of the legs . That all changed on Saturday January 27th when Barely Visible driven by Canadian ace Bill O'Donnell won the race in a stunning 1:53.3 with an almost 4 length margin over Direct Current . Keystone Raider was a nose back in third spot .Rumpus Hanover racing for P.E.I. owner Ian Smith was fourth driven by Jim Doherty and trained by Dale Pinkney .
This marked the ninth straight win for this 5 year old gelding owned by Antonio Chiaravalle and trained by another Canadian Bill Robinson . His last defeat came way back on October 1,1989 .With the 1990 season barely a month old Barely Visible is the fastest and richest horse of the new decade and has a lifetime bankroll of $ 575,600 .He was second last fall in the fastest race mile ever in Canada when Matts Scooter stopped the clock in 1:51 .
Readers Comment :
Bill O'Donnell wrote to say ....
Those were the good old days for me and I'm forever grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of it.
Pictured below is Wm . "Magic" O'Donnell top reinsman at the Meadowlands for several decades .Originally from Springhill Nova Scotia and born into a racing family , Bill starred on the sport's largest stage for many years prior to returning to Canada and settling in Ontario .After starting out in the late 1960's as a groom in the Bill Wellwood stable, Bill O' moved to the very tough U.S. circuit .By 1979 he was in full stride when he recorded a phenomenal 279 victories at the Saratoga Springs Track .Many great years and accomplishments followed .
On This Date - January 21,1955
January 21, 2013
Photo above - Belmont Lady trots home a winner in 2:21.1 on the afternoon of January 21,1955 for driver Alex McDonnell at Dufferin Park Toronto Ont..The race was a Class C Trot for a purse of $200 and marked the only victory of the season for the 5 year old daughter of Mr. Van .
(See further note below)
Dufferin Park Toronto -January 1955
A full month of racing at this fabled old winter racing centre is underway as the countdown to its final closure begins . Races are held 4-5 days per week . Each afternoon's program which has a post time of 1:30 p.m. consists of 5 races ,each going two heats . The purse for most races is $400 with weekly features going slightly higher at $600 .Many attending the races take advantage of the full course meal served on premises each racing day beginning at noon . Price - 50 cents .
A number of well known Canadian and U.S. drivers are competing here this winter .Among the driver's colony are Bud Gilmour,Joe Hodgins,Del MacTavish,Bob Bomar,Floyd Milton,Keith Waples,Hugh McLean,Almer Holmes,Max Feathersone,Allen Walker,Wm. Habkirk,Dick Johnson,Gordon Ramsey,Beryl Manning, Forrest Gerry Jr.,Gordon Kitchen,Pem Caldwell and Gerald Hess to name just a few .
After many decades as the Capital of winter racing Dufferin Park will close its doors forever in March of 1955 .The aging facilities and a general change in the sport's direction has led the Orpens the Track's owners, to make this decision . Once the facility is closed ,demolition will begin immediately and soon a new modern shopping Mall will be erected bearing the name "The Dufferin Mall" .
Alex McDonnell
The pictured driver Alex McDonnell of Hamilton was a member of one of Canada's oldest racing families ,and one that is still quite involved to this day .Alex's two sons Terry and George McDonnell and Terry's son Gord who is a trainer, continue the family tradition . Alex in later years served as a starter at a number of tracks ,most notably at Rideau Carleton in Ottawa .Terry has served in a multitude of roles over the years including starter, Race Secretary and as an organizer of Horse sales ,while George has been involved as a starting gate driver and starter .
Shown below is another photo taken at Dufferin Park during the summer meeting August 21,1946 .The winning horse is The Lee Express owned by A R McDonnell & Sons Hamilton and driven by Alex McDonnell . Notice the Head # 13 which apparently was NOT unlucky that day .
[Photos courtesy of Wm. R. McDonnell nephew of Alex ]
On This Date - September 1,1967
September 3, 2012
Pictured from left with Nevele Dancer and driver Stanley Dancer are Frank White(Vernon),E.B. Morris (Saratoga),Herman Grannis (Batavia), Hon. Ray Connell Ont. Minister Public Works and J.J. Mooney V.P Ont. Jockey Club
In most year's past, the appearance of such top flight world class drivers and horses seldom happened as the purses offered at Canadian events was rarely sufficient to attract their participation . This was a great time of growth in Ontario racing and Ontario Jockey Club tracks were quickly rising in prominence .
Indicative of the status and importance of this race was the fact that representatives from three member tracks in the U.S. were on hand for the winner's circle ceremonies ;in fact there were as many dignitaries present as horses in the race .
Results of Can Am 3 Y.O. Pace -Sept. 1,1967
Nevele Dancer (Dancer) - 1
Meadow Paige (Haughton) -2
Action Jack -3
McByrd -4
Armbro Huck (Ken Galbraith) -5
August 13, 2012
August 13,1989 - Nealies Ten Spot Wins Nat Christie at Stampede Park
This year's edition of the Nat Christie Memorial drew an outstanding crowd of 4,288 who were treated to a fine show of all local talent in search of the $90,000 purse for the final . For the first time in years, no horses travelled from the East to compete in this great race. This year's winner was Nealies Ten Spot an Alberta sired colt by Bobby Hanover - Freshly Minted ,owned and bred by Nealies Stable of Millet Alberta .An excellent mille time of 1:54.4 was recorded by the winner and driver Jerv Clifton was in control at every marker cutting his own fractions of 27.3;:57.3; and 1:25.3 en route to victory over second place finisher Autocracy handled by John Baxter who ruled as the betting favourite .Third place went to Artful Hanover driven by Keith Clark .
The race required eliminations with the first going to Autocracy (Baxter) and the other was taken by Ryans Prince driven by Brent Grundy who had to settle for 5th in the final contest .
In a post race interview reinsman Jerv Clifton a Saskatchewan native was high in his praise of the winning trainer Doug Stout .He said "Doug keeps this colt tight all the time" .His $52,500 winnings in this event including the elimination brought his season's total to $101,289 with a standing of 7-3-2 in 13 starts .
The winner of this race revives the name of one of the true pioneers of harness racing in western Canada Nealie Oliver , a name synonymous with dedication and horsemanship .His son Elroy is the owner of today's victorious performer .
On This Date - August 5,1972
August 7, 2012
August 5,1972 - Batavia Downs Batavia N.Y. - 40 Years Ago
Canadian born and trained driver Clint Hodgins scored an impressive victory here with Skipper Thorpe to capture the top prize in the New York Sires Stake for 3 Year Old Colts and Geldings . He paced the Batavia half miler in 2:01.3 to beat a field of 13 contestants and take home the major portion of the $21,000 purse . Clint who now lists his home as Orlando Fla. is also the owner of this fine colt .Hodgins who is now 65 years of age has been driving competitively in 6 decades and as shown here this evening ,he can still get the job done .
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ON THIS DATE - July 16,1972
July 16, 2012
July 16,1972 - Connaught Park
Photo - Driver Stanley Dancer who set a new track record at Connaught Park with Silent Majority
A huge Sunday crowd was on hand to witness a great race , a great horse and a new track record .On top of that throw in the appearance of a world famous driver . Silent Majority and Stanley Dancer powered their way to a new track record for Connaught Park by stopping the clock in 1:58.3 .In so doing they captured the lion's share of the $15,000 Purse in The Connaught Cup for owners Irving Liverman and Mrs. Roger White . In a small filed of just 5 starters the 3 year old son of Henry T Adios defeated E B Time,Mr Peter Ray, Shreik and Sir Aladoh . Silent Majority now owns both the 2 and three year old track records at this oval .This race is intended to serve as a tune up for next week's Queen City Pace at Greenwood where he will be among those favoured .
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July 10, 2012
July 10, 1985 - Jayport Worthy Vic Dominates O.S.S. Action at Hanover
Hanover Raceway was the scene of this year's two year old trotting sensation Jayport Worthy Vic's latest triumph .This victory marked his fourth consecutive winning effort and the son of Worthy Bowl is now just a few dollars shy of the $27,000 earning's mark for the season .With Ray McLean at the controls, the long striding youngster won by a margin of 2 1/2 lengths stopping the timer in 2:08.4, and is thus far undefeated in OSS competition going 3 for 3 . The race was decided fairly early as the second choice Arawana Rasputin made a break leaving and never regained any momentum, finishing last . Owners which include the Danko family's Nadus Stable of Simcoe and partner Earl Gee of St. Williams, shelled out $6300 for this fine colt who was raised by Tom and Roger Porchak who operate a breeding operation near Woodstock Ont. .In this contest, Please Be Worthy was second for Gerry Mehlenbacher with Worthy Speed third handled by Dave Wall.
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ON THIS DATE - July 6,7 ,1984
July 7, 2012
July 6- 7,1984 - Canadians Doing Well at The Meadowlands
On Friday evening July 6th On The Road Again walked away with a victory in The New Jersey Classic and took home the major portion of the $460,000 purse when he defeated Butler BG who had won a phenomenal 16 of 18 lifetime starts .When the mile time of 1:53.3 was hung out it was the fastest of the season here but the record would not last long .Buddy Gilmour was in the sulky as usual behind "Road" and drove a brilliant race as the two top contenders alternated in the lead down the lane with Gilmour getting past driver Ted Wing in the final strides .
The following night the fastest mile of the week at The Meadowlands was recorded in "the Armbro Splurge Invitational Pace" for a purse of $35,000 .Glen Almahurst (Meadow Skipper) was the recipient of the honour when the 4 year old stallion paced in 1:52.4 for driver John Campbell and trainer David Rovine . In another speedy mile on the same program,Village Jackpot won the $25,000 Open Pace in 1:54.3 with Bill O'Donnell driving for the partnership of Al McIntosh and Dan Smith and trained by Bob McIntosh . Village Jackpot is now 5 years old and the altered son of Horton Hanover seems to really love the big mile track in New Jersey .He was previously a part of the Richard Carroll Stable prior to moving to the McIntosh camp .
July 1-8 ,1961 - Old Woodbine Opens Summer Meeting
Racing at this venerable old spot started with a card of 8 races on Saturday July 1 .The season's first race winner was Piper Boy in rein to Norm Bayne ,pacing home in front in a Class 26 Pace in 2:09.4 for owner Buff McQuarrie of Fergus Ont..The traditional Inaugural Day Pace was raced in two divisions with Baron Atom driven by Neil McRann taking the first in a field of 11 in 2:04 .In the second division,Tami Herbert was the winner with Jack Herbert in the bike, besting a slightly smaller field of 10 .A purse of $3200 was offered for each of the featured events .A number of drivers scored multiple victories during opening week .That list would include Del MacTavish Sr.,Murray Waples,Harley MacFarland,Ronnie Feagan,Dunc Campbell,Gord Kingston,Neil McRann,Frenchy Lebeouf,Ken Galbraith,Harold McKinley and Jiggs McFadden . Also on the multiple winner's list was Wm. Wellwood who is in charge of a good sized stable and is also picking up a lot of catch drives . "Young Will" will turn 21 during this meeting . An outstanding mile was turned in here by the two year old Cole Tar handled by Peter Miller (father of Tom) nosing out McCarr Hanover in 2:03.3 on the Thursday program . Racing will continue here until the end of August and is held 6 days a week with Sundays dark .
June 28, 2012
June 28,1987 - Wm. Herbert Passes Away in London - 25 Years Ago
One of the sport's best known personalities William Henry Herbert passed away in a London Hospital on June 28 at the age of 88 . Bill began his career in the sport in the 1920's in his native Niagara Peninsula area and has been involved for well over 60 years . In addition to owning The Brunswick Hotel in downtown London for many years Herbert bred, raised,trained and raced some of the most outstanding horses the sport has seen .Bill and his son Jack handled the majority of the driving duties and his wife Ruth was also an integral part of the huge operation .Dating back to the early 1940's, the Herberts started naming all of their horses with the name "Herbert" and it has been one of the most recognizable and successful names in the history of Canadian harness racing .Betsy,Oro G.,Dean,Blaze,Brisco,Replica Herbert ...the list was endless and numbered in the many 100's . Bill Herbert was a colourful, talented and very important part of the sport in its formative years and he will be forever remembered.
To read other "On This Date" items be sure to click on the heading at the top of the Welcome page .June 26, 2012
June 26,1968 - Owen Sound Ont.
Wednesday night racing fans who packed an umbrella and rain gear were well advised this evening as weather played havoc throughout the night . The 9 race card opened with a mile in 2:15.3 recorded by Attorneys Flash with Charlie Lawson driving . He went on to a "Hat Trick" night also scoring with Devoted Pick and Diller Rod .In the feature event of the evening, Collingwood Boy was the winner driven by trainer Ted Hughes for owner Clarence Lockhart in 2:12 flat for the quickest mile of the night .This was carded as an Invitation Trot & Pace for $300 . In the co feature for a purse of $240, Patty Mist was victorious over Hazel's Boy and Crystal Hal with Clarence Lockhart in the sulky .Other winning drivers were Grant Betts,Wm. "Bud" Fritz,Mac Pollard and Russ Gudmann .The slowest mile over an "off" track was hung out when Russ Gudmann won with Laurie Dean in 2:21.2 owned by Bob & Wilma Cameron of Wasaga Beach .Racing continues here until early October .
ON THIS DATE - June 20,1966
June 20, 2012
Woodlawn Drummond Wins Canada Pace at Richelieu Park
Fans at Richelieu Park held their breath in anticipation at the beginning of today's featured $12,950 Canada Pace, as an accident marred the start of the race but resulted in minimal damage . As the race began ,driver Claude Pelletier driving the 3-5 favourite Golden Blend cut over sharply going into the first turn resulting in interference.The affected horse was Senator Burton who went down, unseating driver Denis Filion who thankfully was not injured .Unaffected by the early race mixup Woodlawn Drummond driven by Keith Waples went to the front and cut out the entire mile,fending off a late challenge by Jackie Wayne driven by Chas. Poulin .In a winning effort Woodlawn Drummond, owned by The Drummond Stables paid $7.70 $4.70 and $4.10 across the board and stopped the timer in 2:03.3 a second slower than her lifetime record taken last season as a three year old .Finishing second was Dandy Scott a 90-1 shot with Monseiur Richelieu at 15-1 in for third, just nipping Baron Adios .Although Golden Blend was out of contention early, he finished the race 6th but was placed last in the 8 horse field for the early race interference .Earlier on the card,Keith Waples was also victorious winning the third race with Rhythm Man .
This was the 11 renewal of this very popular race and drew the largest crowd of the season with 12,234 fans passing through the turnstiles on this day .
In an unrelated matter ,Presiding Judge Don Perfect recently handed down a 10 day suspension to horseman Roger Ponton citing " a lack of effort "while driving Phantom Hanover in a recent race at this track .
ON THIS DATE - June 16,1972
June 16, 2012
June 16,1972 - Garden City Raceway St. Catharines Ont.
Three drivers accounted for 7 wins on this evening's 10 race card .Wes Coke led the way with 3 wins behind Painter McGoo,Sun Bo and Whitty's Ace . Young 28 year old Ron Waples had 2 winner's circle visits with Win Soky and Hootin Homestead and his cousin Keith Waples scored two wins behind Rob Ron Hal and Keystone Spirit .That didn't leave too much "winning" for anyone else .This is the 9th season for racing at Garden City which opened in the fall of 1964 .
ON THIS DATE - June 14,1933
June 14, 2012
June 14,1933 -Racing At Glencoe Ont.
A great day of racing was held at this small Southwestern Ontario Town with a large crowd in attendance . Two popular horses were victorious as Billy Hugo owned trained and driven by Will Fraser of Ridgetown took all 3 heats of his race and took home the major share of the $150 purse . Also successful was Margaret V Dillon the entry of Moore Bros. of Sarnia taking 2 of 3 heats and finishing third in the other giving her the best summary in the Class 17 Pace .Also the honour of the fastest mile of the afternoon went to the Moore mare as she stopped the timer's watch in 2:12 flat .
Note :Wm. Fraser mentioned above was quite a horseman in his day .In 1946 he was the trainer of the great Blue Again who won the sport's largest pursed event taking the Inaugural $50,000 Golden West Pace at Hollywood Park in California driven by Jimmy Cruise. This pair also won that year's Canadian Pacing Derby at New Hamburg Ont. with Harold Wellwood driving .
ON THIS DATE - June 10,1972
June 10, 2012
June 10,1972 - Western Fair Raceway London Ont. 40 Years Ago
Tonight's two co-featured events were carded as a Preferred Handicap Pace and both carried an $1800 purse . Winner of the first event was the 4 year old mare Edgewood Sharon the property of Carl Payne of Elmira Ont. and driven by his son Gary Payne .Second was Mighty Fleet with Pleasant Cash taking the show spot .Time was 2:07.3 .
In the other event, Robust King now a 10 year old was the winner driven by Ken Hardy for owner Norm Hardy of Lucan Ont. in a slightly faster time of 2:07 flat .In for place was Frosted Flakes with Champ Herbert taking third spot .This was the 5th season win for Robust King .
October 1, 2011
October 1,1985 - Mohawk Raceway Wrap up
On the evening of October 1,1985 a total of 6,238 fans were on hand to wager $ 996,992 on a 10 race card . The night's feature, a Conditioned Pace for $7500 went to Doyce a three year old filly owned by the threesome of Ken Parke,Paul Larabee and Paul Adams .Driven by Paul Larabee she covered the mile in 2:00.4 . Other winning horses and drivers that evening were as follows :
Daily Jet KV (Mike Grabarczyk) Deep Valley Stable
Seilson Bret (Doug Brown) Edmond Chu
Maple Grove Leroy (Roger Mayotte) Schultz,Hay,Kingshott Stables
Pollys Mike (Mitch Saheley) Larry J. Pollard,Lynn Lypps,Nelson Shay
Fashionate (Paul Larabee) Sanlea Stable
Treasure Trail (Anthony Kerwood) Brian Smith,Ernie Quinn,Gerald Connolly
Bar Tune (Anthony Kerwood) J Slater,Craig Watkins,Wayne Willis
C P Hennessy (Roger Mayotte) Brett Goodall,Gerald Morello
SQS Express (Paul Macdonnell) Karl Schmed,Fred Brunner
October 6, 2011
40 Years Ago - The week of October 3-9 ,1971
The Jockey Club horsemen were racing at Garden City Raceway in St. Catharines Ont. at this time . A few of the week's highlights are listed below :
- The first race of the week was won by Knee Boots in 2:05 for driver Carman Hie
- The fastest pacing mile of the week was 2:03 ,turned in by the 4 year old Linworth Brat for veteran driver Harold Wellwood, also the horse's owner and trainer
- Fastest trotting mile of 2:05.2 by Smokeway Lad (Keith Waples) and Claybrook Van (Jerry Duford)
- A two year old Early Closing Trot for the week's highest purse $9675 went to Dnalel Blue driven by Neil Curran
- Preferred Pace for $4,000 won by Romeo Lee (Gary Feagan)
- Winning drivers of the week included Doug Arthur,Tom Artandi,Norm Bayne, Ron Bosada,Bill Carroll,Neil Curran,Ross Curran,Brent Davies,Alex Duncan,Jerry Duford,Gary Feagan,Ron Feagan,Russ Furness,Marcel Hebert,G.M. Galbraith,Laurence Giesel,Stan Henderson,Carman Hie,Robin James Murphy,Jim Muttart,Don Pierce,Ron Pestell,Percy Robillard,Bob Silliphant,Tom Strauss,Rodger Toth,George Wain,Larry Walker,Ron Waples Sr.,Keith Waples,Wm Wellwood,Harold Wellwood,Nelson White,
Aug. 26,1985 - This year's Maple Leaf Trot for a purse of $140,00 was captured by a U.S. invader Manfred Hanover who prevailed over Sandy Bowl driven by Trevor Ritchie . This now five year old son of Super Bowl was purchased for the bargain price of $8500 after starting his career in the fabled Haughton Stable . The winner is the property of Walter and John Szczepanski of Clare Michigan and was driven by Patsy Rapone . A large Greenwood crowd of 7,392 watched another milestone, as Bridger the winner of both the 1983 and 1984 Classic was honoured as he led the post parade driven by Dave Green for owners Martin Starr and Lawrence Ball .
August 15,1944 - An open letter has been issued to all Canadian horsemen inviting them to participate at the inaugural meeting at Northville Downs in Northville Michigan . For the first time ever, racing will be conducted under the lights with a nightly post time of 8 P.M. .The meeting is scheduled to open Friday September 1st and will continue for a 30 night stand . Races are guaranteed for all classes of horses and a minimum purse of $150 is guaranteed .There will be Pari-Mutuels, a Daily Double and Photo Finish .
