Reader's Comments
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August 27, 2014
Recently a few readers have sent in some nice notes and I am finally getting around to posting them . I would like to thank everyone who is so supportive of my writings .
Thanks for doing this Robert . I think it is appreciated by most of us older folk, who remember the salad days of harness racing .Look forward to seeing "Recollections" postings on SC .
From Ron Francis
Hi Bob ,
I would like to thank you for all your hard work over the years . It is always a treat to read the stories and see the pictures from days gone by .In my advanced years I still try to head back to the old tracks such as Hanover and Dresden ;the landscape has certainly changed .They might be going faster these days but many never knew the good times we had back in the 60's and 70's .My last horse got claimed at Mohawk in '78 and that was it for me .I stay interested from a distance now .
All the best ,
Bob Adams
You have been as helpful as ever in understanding my late great grandfather Jack Leslie Mehlenbacher Sr. Thank you very much !!
From Dylan Mehlenbacher
March 31, 2014
Hi Robert,
Reading the article about Tory Gregg took me back a long way. When I was still living in my hometown of Kincardine ON I remember Tory Gregg would announce the annual Civic Holiday race programme put on by the local Kinsmen. My father, John Pollock was a member of the Kinsmen Club and was one of the many volunteers you referred to in your article. I particularly remember when Ben Ruttle would win a race, most often with Argyle Fanny he would give the patrons quite a performance when he returned to the winners circle, and usually Mr Gregg would end up saying "drive on Mr. Ruttle drive on. If I recall correctly Dave Wall would also have many memories of this annual one day race meet.
Love your articles,Thanks
Deb Williams (Mrs.Stan W.)
March 31, 2014
Hi Robert
What a great article on the late Tory Gregg . The picture was exactly as I remember him some 60 years ago . Tory & Jack Climie officiated at most of the Fairs & one day race meets in Southern Ontario and were household names to anyone in the business . Tory also is remembered for one of his favourite expressions " Every day is a show day and every day is a hum dinger ...".This line I believe he used every time I ever heard him and he was also very adept at putting in some extra verbiage when calling a race . This was necessary since at most of the fairs everything including the Midway was in the infield and you were lucky to see the horses briefly 5 times in a mile .Tory also knew that in order to keep the crowd in the stands he had to have the final racing heat as the last event of the day which suited his purpose . However as a hungry teenager all I thought about was "when are these races going to get over and where are we going to stop for supper on the way home .." ? . KEEP up the good work .
From Bill McDonnell
Editor's note : Nice note from a gentleman who knows of what he speaks . In case anyone has forgotten Bill was an accomplished announcer at one time ,calling his first day of racing back in 1951 .He was also London's first race caller in 1961 under the lights .
March 30, 2014
Thanks Robert;
Your article on Tory Gregg made my day. I would love to have a tape of one of his race calls, I know he did some announcing at London when they opened in 1961,
will have to see if by chance there would be any possibility of them having any audio archives that far back. Most recordings back then were still reel to reel .From Bev Heywood
March 22, 2014
Reader's comments : Re Lynden Bye Bye Wins Queens City Pace
Hi Robert : A great article,I enjoyed this one .I love the picture with Elgin Armstrong hiding Audrey and the cigar in his mouth .He was quite a man ! I got to be around him quite a bit with Mr. Rowe Sr. .Keep up the good work and Take Care .
From Marvin Chantler
March 23, 2014
Reader's Comments re "Lindsay Fair"
I liked your picture and comments re the Lindsay Fair. I drove many races at the Lindsay Fair. They always had a
green horse stake on the Friday and the classified races on Saturday. From the look of the sparse crowd I'd guess this was a Friday 'cause on Saturday
you'd never get a seat in the grandstand. I used to go on Friday if I had a horse in the stake and sleep over in the barn and race the older horses, like
"Quinte Lad" on Saturday. The Anglican church ran a fantastic restaurant upstairs in the Grandstand.
The homestretch of that track had a slight curve in it but was wide enough for about 8 horses but the backstretch and top turn were only about 4 horses wide!
Those trees in the back of the picture had roots growing under the track which caused some quite large bumps along the inside! There was a tunnel
under the first turn to allow cars to park in the infield. Eventually the bridge became too dangerous so it was filled in and you had to drive over the track.
Now the real fun was the top turn which also had a tunnel under it to access the pig barn outside the track and was quite a sharp turn and only 4 wide. So to
start the outside 4 horses lined up on the gait with the inside 4 trailing and when the gait reached the wide stretch the outside 4 had to move out so the
inside horses could get on the gait! Needless to say this made for some wild, wacky and wonderful starts!
Of course that top turn was known to everyone as "The Pig Pen Turn".
I raced Quinte Lad in the stake as a 3 year old and the top 4 in each elim went in the final and the rest in the consolation. I knew I had a shot in the consolation
and no chance in the final so in our elim Mickey Coliton and me were about 25 lengths behind the 3rd horse pulling our arms off to try and not finish 4th
and Mickey out pulled me! So I got nothing in the final and Mickey won the consolation!
Lindsay was a super fair to race at and always a lot of fun and good entertainment!
From Philip Stewart
March 17, 2014
Readers Comment Re:Ray Gemmill
I read with interest your piece on Ray Gemmill. a family friend for close to 50 years, a bear of a man with a heart of gold, a top horseman and master storyteller. We shared many an excursion and created some memories back in the day.
From Brian Webster
Readers Comment Re:Tom McDonnell (Starting Gates)
Your recent piece on Tom McDonnell brought back other memories. For several winters in the early 60,s Tom would help out with the young horses (soft hands when getting them started) that my Dad had in training. He was a fountain of information for me at the time, he was known as a mechanic whether it was a horse's rigging or developing a starting gate.Thanks for what you do Robert,
From Brian Webster
March 15, 2014
READERS COMMENTS : RE Starting gate article
Rob you did a good job on the old starting gates and the vehicles back then were very interesting . One old picture mentioned Santa Anita .Last December while in California visiting my son ; he and his wife and I attended the "runners" there as it is just a few miles from their place in Pasadena ,and I made history as I cashed a ticket for a winner if you can imagine that !!
From Larry Smith
[ Florida]
March 8, 2014
Reader's Comments :[Re Picture Parade posted March 8,2014]
Hi Robert :
Just a heads up to you that we still love and enjoy all your "Recollections" .GREAT winter to be in Florida, you agree ?? We often talk about our old friend Ernie Sherman
From Al Casselman "Cass"
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Great old pictures Robert , a fantastic job as always
From Mac Sewers
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Thanks for the memories Robert and particularly the photo of Dad.I was interested in the winners circle picture of Blue Again (a son of Scotland ,out of a Guy Axworthy mare); he was bred by Walnut Hall Farm and foaled in 1940. To win a $50,000 race was outstanding in 1946.To put this in perspective, good farms (100 acres ) around here were selling for $10,000 and today sell for $15,000 an acre. Warren Leatherdale came to our farm often and I can remember him and this horse well. William "Will" Fraser was the trainer of Blue Again and was well into his seventies when he and Leatherdale trucked that horse to California with his car and trailer,staying at a farm or ranch that could put them and the horse up for the night. Horsemen and women and Standardbreds are tough!
From Charles Lawrence ( Chas Lawrence's father Gordon is part of today's "Picture Parade" )
*******************************************
I was there for the BR v Flamboro tussle. Guindon is retired in Que now; we had him down to Batavia last year for a legends race and he is doing very well. Columbo no longer drives, Swift is a part-time judge and also still drives in Ohio periodically and Phil Laspino is dead.
Whitey Dennison was an early star at Batavia Downs, and his primary occupation was bus driver in Rochester, NY. I actually have a signed purse check of his from the 1950's.
And I can't help but notice how far the breed has come by looking at the John Chapman photo. That horse is HUGE! It's a classic example of how refined the Standardbred has become and why they are going so fast now.
Good work my friend!
From Tim Bojarski
March 5, 2014
Readers Comments re Ray Gemmill
Hi Robert ,
Nice article on Ray Gemmill .It did not mention that he lived just outside Owen Sound for a while .That's likely how he ended up in B.C. .Jim Keeling from Owen Sound was the head of operations out there with Keith Waples,Tommy Burlington,Harry Lumley the retired goalie for the Maple Leafs and also a man named Doug Gillespie .They were all partners in the two racetracks out there .I went to school with Jim Keeling Jr. who was also out there but he drowned in a boating accident .
From Paul Warwick
March 2, 2014
Thank you again for what you do !! Would love to know though who was driving for Alex Parsons ?? [Re Old Woodbine story from 1958-59 era ] Was it my grandfather Lew James ??? Love the article with my other Grandpa Vern Waddell in it .Thanks again !!
From Karen Waddell
Editor's note - At this time Mr. Parson's stable was being handled by a U.S. based horseman named Austin "Ned" Galentine ,racing at both U.S. & Canadian tracks . I believe at about this time your grandfather Lew James was embarking on his new calling as a racing official and had set aside his long and successful driving and training career .
March 2, 2014
Readers Comments re O.S.S. 1984 Season Posted Feb. 28,2014
I enjoyed your article and picture on Carman Hie whom I have known since he was a teenager and always found him to be a sincere and upright individual and a real asset to the business .
From Wm McDonnell
February 24, 2014
Readers Comments : Re "Trip Back to Old Woodbine - 1959 55 Years Ago
Your trip to the Old Woodbine, now covered with high density housing, was jam packed with nostalgia and the rather humble beginnings of big time harness racing in Ontario , which grew yearly by leaps and bounds and eventually grew to become Canada's leading spectator sport in the 1980's. The lights went on at Greenwood in 1961 and Winter harness racing began in 1966. In 1973 Greenwood hosted four harness meetings and both attendance and mutuel handle continued to climb, as did purse distribution. It was truly a significant period in the steady and spectacular golden growth years of Canadian harness racing.
P.S. -Twilight racing in 1954 started with a 4:30 pm post time and racing had to be completed before dark. That was the order of the Provincial Government of the day.
From Bill Galvin
February 9, 2014
READERS COMMENTS : Re "O'Briens Turn Silver "
Your piece on the O'Briens and Joe O'Brien was such a fine and fitting tribute on the occasion of the 25th renewal of the annual awards in his home province .
Joe had many fine attributes and above all he was a humanitarian.
When I worked for Floyd Milton, one his grooms, and a friend of mine,was a fellow by the name of Percy Lindsay. Percy, a cousin of Ted Lindsay of the famous Howe, Abel and Lindsay line of the Detroit Red Wings, was born with polio. One leg was a little shorter than the other and he walked with a limp, but he was a good and loyal man and one of the best grooms you could find anywhere.
When Joe O'Brien moved his stable to California he offered Percy a job and Percy spent his remaining years in the warmer climes of California. When Percy passed away, Joe looked after all of the arrangements and payment for Percy's funeral.
Percy was not buried in a Potters Field.
From Bill Galvin
Editor's note : Thanks Bill ,your note emphasizes the value of remembering the good deeds that people do and we should always strive to keep these memories alive . "An act of kindness is rewarded many times ..."
Hi Robert :
My wife and I attended the 2013 O'Brien awards held at the Delta Convention Centre on Saturday February 8,2014 .It was a huge success with a reported 500 people in attendance .An excellent dinner was followed by Awards presentations made to 19 contestants from all over Canada .Your informative and well-written article was very timely .Thank you and best regards .
From Jack and Bea O'Brien
[Note : Jack is a nephew of Jos. O"Brien and curator of the O'Brien Museum]
Robert , a fine story on Joe O'Brien .I hope the young drivers who are enjoying a pretty good life style read it ,so they understand and respect the pioneers who paved the highway to success .
From Ron Francis
Charles Lawrence wrote to say :
A real fine article on the great Joe O'Brien . Years ago a friend of mine visited the Del Mar Farm (California) ;one of O'Brien's owners told him that Joe was a highly intelligent man and horses aside, he could have run General Motors .
We enjoy your work immensely
Regards Chuck
Editor's note : Thank you Chuck for taking time to write ...very much appreciated
Great job Robert .Very timely for tonight .Hope all is well ,Take care
From Marv Chantler
February 2, 2014
Readers Comments : Herve Hits 400
Hi Robert Great story on Filion. Here is one on Ron Waples when he was going for 400 wins. He phoned the farm where I was having a little mare trained and asked my trainer if he could drive the mare at Barrie. It was a trainer and driver by the name of Russ Gudman who worked for Allan Walker. I told him it was up him if he wanted Ronny to drive. In his accent he said Ron was one of the best drivers in the world why not. He won by six lengths.
From Paul Warwick
January 12, 2014
Comments re Dufferin Park article of Jan. 11,2014
Robert:
Again, your Recollections story on old Dufferin Park brought back memories for me. I dug out my ORC groom's licences from 1954 and 1955 which I received for $2.00 at Dufferin and recalled those times. The pay was $50. a week, and you worked seven days a week, but you could get a good meal under the old grandstand for 50 cents. The ORC office was a double vacant stall fixed up to accommodate Commission clerk Jim Irvine, who made sure everyone was licensed. Centrefield Willie was the resident bootlegger and Buddy Gilmour was fearless driving in the muddy track conditions.
It was a different time.
bill Galvin
I never stabled at Dufferin but raced there parts of two seasons ,shipping from Thorncliffe for one and Long Branch the next .Yes it was a great deal of fun,stories that cannot be told .
By the way ,that load of logs would only be a half load in the Ottawa Valley . I have known of loads of over 100 logs . Of course the sleighs and the "bunks" were wagon size .Many woods jobbers owned harness horses including A.G. & Hugh Proudfoot of Fort Coulonge P.Q. ,Felix Turcotte Mattawa (the ancestor of the Turcotte clan) Tom McCool Pembroke ,P.D. Keon Chichester P.Q. ,my own father J.H. Findley and Hector Clouthier of Pembroke .
From John S Findley
Note from the Editor - Thanks Doc for the great comment and all of the attendant information . I think things were just naturally bigger in the Ottawa Valley (including the stories) . My experience in logging was all with hardwoods ,our logs had "weight" not just size .
As one who attended the races there , I especially appreciated the picture contained in the Dufferin Park article and visualized all the "Damon Runyan" characters who would go with it . Such as "Dirty Dick","Peg Leg" Jones,"Lucky" the tailor who made most of the driving silks at the time ,along with "Wicksey" who was Orpen's right hand man at the time and also Al Washington from Chicago (one of the first black drivers that I encountered) and on & on . Very interesting topic .
From Bill McDonnell
Hi Robert :
Great article about Dufferin Park !!
I wasn't there in 1953 or for the winter of '54 as I started college in Toronto in Sept. 1954 but I sure went to a lot of races at Dufferin that fall and over the winter of '55 ! Alan Pacey was another that was there then ( I don't know about 53-54) but I played hooky many afternoons that fall and winter and rode the Harbord car out to Bloor and Dufferin to walk down to the track to watch Alan race Alayne Regent for Bob Polk or Country Lad for Garnie Kilpatrick ! If I remember correctly ,Tuesdays were "Ladies Days" when all the ladies got Free Admission !
Cliff Chapman Sr's house overlooked the backstretch and he had a viewing stand on the roof where you could sit and watch the races .Cliff Jr. "Chappie" was one of the Bookmakers in the betting shed ! That's where I first met Chappie ! And it was cozy under the grandstand with all the roaring wood fires in the big old stoves .There was a Public school right next to the track and when school got out there were many kids that snuck in .It was quite common to have a 13 year old come up to say "Sir would you buy (or cash) a ticket for me ? And they were mostly better handicappers than me !
Over the years I met a lot of drivers in your list including Wilmer Hillock who often came to Belleville for some reason . Bob Givens wintered at Belleville a few years with Alan Pacey , Vern Waddell and Morley Fleet .Bob later worked as a starter for Art Whitesell at a lot of Southern Ontario Fairs .
Keep these SUPER articles coming ..eh ?
From Phil Stewart
January 11, 2014
Thanx for another year of great stories and photos .They bring back some good memories when I was younger , and older,and went to the racetrack with Dad.It will be 6 years on Feb.9th that he passed away, and as Dad always said "time marches on !!! "
From Bill Sherman
Editors note : Bill's father was Ernie Sherman a very dear friend of mine and well known to many horse people .
Holiday Season Notes ....
December 29, 2013
Season's Greetings from "Recollections"
I would like to extend all my best of the season to the followers of "Recollections" and thank you for reading my stories of bygone days .I would also like to thank so many of you who take time not only at Christmas but throughout the year to be in touch .It is much appreciated .
Here are a few recent notes from Recollections readers :
All the best to you and your family
From Bill O'Donnell
Another great racing "Recollection" .Was at Hollywood Park on a few occasions ,most memorable was for Johnny Longden Day in June '93 . I entered at the Press entrance just behind an ashen, unhappy looking Willy Shoemaker ,confined to a wheelchair .
Best of 2014 to you and your family ,and keep the memories comin' .
From Ron Francis
All the best for 2014 !! I enjoy reading your articles and seeing the old racing pictures .
From Mary Moore
Hi Robert : From Our House to Yours !
Christmas Greetings and A Happy New Year .I never miss a day checking your website .Your stories are great ,keep up the good articles .May Health and Happiness follow you always .
From Mac & Muriel (and Lucky) Sewers
Merry Christmas Robert to you and your family . May Health and Happiness be in abundance in the upcoming New Year .Take good care !
From Marv Chantler
A very Merry Christmas and the best in 2014 to you and your family .Enjoyed the recent piece on the Western Fair driver's night . It is hard to believe it happened that long ago .
From Bill McDonnell
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas
From Lori McKelvie
All the best to you and a happy and healthy 2014 - love reading your stuff .
From Moira Fanning (Hambletonian Society)
Have a very Merry Christmas and all the best to you and yours in 2014 .Keep up the good work .It's great to read your stories from the past .
From Anne & Terry Mullen
Hi Robert : I am a regular follower of your column .My only comment is that I am remembering waaaaaay too much of the "old Recollections" .Thanks so much for putting for the effort to do this . Merry Christmas
From Jane Belore
Thank you for providing these great historical recollections .I always enjoy them .Canadian harness racing has such a rich and colourful past and we're very lucky to have someone like yourself, who is so passionate about the history of our sport and takes time to share it .
From Kathy Wade Vlaar
Hope you have a great holiday season .Thanks for the great article on my Dad
From Lisa Gilmour
Hello Robert ,
Great reminders of days gone by .I liked the piece about Rejean Boily and the mention of R Yankee Wann .I lived across the street from the Greenwood track so had an early introduction to the sport .R Yankee Wann was one of my favourite horses at that time .I was sorry to hear he has passed away in his prime ;do you know what from ? Thanks for the great service you provide .
From Marty Archer
I enjoy reading all of your Ontario memories as I grew up in Buffalo and spent a lot of time at the Golden Horseshoe Circuit . Not to mention all your horsemen who raced at Batavia and Buffalo .Thanks and Merry Christmas
From Tim Bojarski
Hi Robert Just a short note wishing you the Blessings of Christmas .It is a most special time of year . May peace be with you and your family this Christmas and may 2014 be a year of great "Recollections" Happy to see you could use the cover I sent re the Confederation Cup .Another of your good stories .
Blessings From Keith Nethery
I really enjoy reading your articles on your Old Recollections website. The industry needs a site like yours to keep us in touch with our roots. That was a great idea to get that up and going.
Hope you and your family have a great Christmas and best wishes for the 2014.
From Karen Hauver
November 23, 2013
READERS COMMENTS :On Armbro "Excellence Defined"
Charles Lawrence wrote :
In the photo of the yearling being broken, the driver is Stewart (Buddy) Howard. He broke horses for years for Armbro. He also owned a yearling called Walvis Bay at that time . He sent that colt to my father, Gordon Lawrence to break. Along with that colt Dad had his own colt Tom Jones and one for Dr. Beth Forbes called Adios Lobell . All three took two year old records. Walvis Bay was a difficult colt to handle but very talented and went on to be a good one as did Tom Jones.Tough horses never bothered Dad. Keep up the excellent articles.
Editor's note : Thanks Chas. - Stew Howard was from Chatham and was among the group honoured at the "Dresden Reunion" in 1987 which I profiled earlier this year .Gordon Lawrence ,Charles' father, was a great horseman and a even greater gentleman .He lived past the age of 90 and loved every day of it !!
Ron Francis wrote :
Hi Robert ,Again a wonderful and informing piece on the history of harness racing. Having watched Armbro horses for decades ,I never really knew the story .Now I do . Well done , and keep 'em coming .
October 31, 2013
Comment re Remembering Elzear Cournoyer "Quebec Souvenirs"
Dear Robert,
It is with a lot of emotion that I looked at your web site a few minutes ago. I was fortunate, as a Young boy, to spend a lot of time with my grand-father. He was not a big talker but he did made a very strong impression on me by his way of living. He died sudently
from a busted hernia in March 1973.
I will send the link to your web site to my family members and friends and I am sure that they will appreciate it a lot. Through your web site I was able to get in touch with Honorat Larochelle's grand-daughter Marion and her father, Denis sent me many pictures of GUH H.
MERCI BEAUCOUP ROBERT, you certainly made my day.
November 1, 2013
Again, familiar names keep popping up in your Recollections which I haven't heard in a long time. Vi Walker and Sadie Habkirk were so well known on the Golden Horseshoe Circuit, and beyond. They were both excellent horsewomen, so well respected and admired.
Last week I had a long chat with an old friend, Bob Habkirk, son of Bill. I told him about your website so he will be a regular visitor there from now on.
I worked with Ed Bradley for many years, but never knew that his mother drove harness horses.
Your piece on the Winter Fair and those old photos are precious.
bill Galvin
October 26, 2013
Comment re "Ladies On The Track" ....
Good morning Robert. Boy you did a bang up job this week. Some great articles and wonderful pictures.
Keep up the good work. Enjoy your weekend.
Marv Chantler
October 24, 2013
READER'S COMMENTS Re Windsor Opening in 1965 :
Windsor's innovations didn't end in 1965 . In 1996 they were the first harness track to activate a website .
From Don Daniels
October 12, 2013
Marvin Chantler wrote :
Happy Thanksgiving Robert. Dec 12th 1973 Barrie Raceway opened. I remember it well.
Earl Rowe Jr., Sandra Downs, Bill Rowe's secretary in Windsor and now Mrs Dave Downey and myself were the working staff
Marv
Serge Dubord wrote :
Robert ....I really enjoy reading the site of Recollections .Thanks for the good wishes for my birthday .Keep up the good work .
Serge
October 8, 2013
Wm. McDonnell wrote to say :
That was a great article on The old Supertest Stakes and it reminded me of what a good sire Bob Lee was .Johnny Lee Hal that you mentioned was a nice little race horse and he was one of Bob Lee's offspring .He was raised and owned by my Aunt & Uncle Jack and Edna Kenny.
October 6, 2013
Charles Lawrence wrote regarding The Supertest Stakes :
Bob it was just great to see your article on these events from the past. I groomed for Dad in the late 1940- early 1950`s and recall that day vividly. As well I had the privilege of knowing so many of the people in that article. I never missed going to the Herberts stable even if we were in against them. Bill Herbert called the winner that day in 1951. The press asked him if he was going to win it and he replied that Gordon Lawrence likely would be tough to beat.
Editor's note - Thanks Chas. Notes such as these are very much appreciated .I neglected to mention in my story that Charles' father Gordon served for many years on the Supertest committee as well as participating in a number of events .
October 5, 2013
Al Casselman wrote to say :
GREAT STUFF ROBERT !!!!!! You must dig hard to find all these great memories .From "Cass"
Marv Chantler wrote :
Great job Robert .I see "The Guv" and his son(Earl & Wm. Rowe) were winning races in 1950 and 1954.Keep up the good work. Marv
The following comment was received from Don Daniels which identifies the trophy presenter as John Beauchemin as gleaned from the Nov. 5,1958 issue of The Harness Horse .
Jim Wallace of Kenton, Manitoba receives trophy from John Beauchemin after Grattan Baker won the annual 5-mile race at Richelieu in 11:5211/5.A Canadian racing tradition-the five-mile race-was upheld at the Richelieu meeting recently when Jim Wallace's Grattan Baker covered the extended route in 11: 5 21/5. Winner of only $570 thus far this season, the nine-year-old gelding had to turn back a field of 12 in the $2,000 test. His closest rival was Bannock Bay, the even money favorite and winner of three "five-milers" earlier this fall, two at Quebec and one at Three Rivers.
October 3, 2013
Readers Comments : Re 5 Mile Races in Quebec
Hi Robert
Many thanks for this very nice article on five milers events who were very popular here in the province of Quebec in the 40 and 50's. I was a great fan of Grattan Baker (Doctor Baker-Ruby Grattan G) and believe it or not I was one of the lucky winner of the $60,40 winning ticket I was fourteen YO at this time and like you I had difficulty to be admit because at this time the age limit was 16 but after the daily double the guys at the entrance wicket were nice with me and permit me to enter the track as the troopers has gone. I don't remember exactly but I think That Grattan Baker trot the last mile in a time of 2,15 or something like that he was incredible Off course Bannock bay, Judge Adamson, Sir George all pacers were good five milers but in my heart Grattan Baker is the more impressive one.
Just a word about U.N.O. (Palmer Cold Cash-Lou Cumban) This has been lost in the memory of time that he won the two fastest five miles of the history in one week on two different tracks.First he established what should be a world record but not recognize at this time by U.S.T.A. of 11,25 3/5 at Quebec City race track over Judge Adamson and Deerfield on Oct 10 1954 and a week later in Montreal (Richelieu Park) Oct 17, he won in 11,28 2/5 over Afton Prince and Sir Harris. U.N.O. retired in 1960 at the age of 14 with a earning of $25,000 with a lifetime record of 2,03 2/5 on mile track.
On other subject good bios on Percy Robillard and Marcel l'Heureux two good drivers of this era I would like to point out that Ephrem l'Heureux Marcel's dad gave the lifetime record of 2,01 4/5 to Bay State Pat in 1956 in New York (Roosevelt Raceway) and finally one of my favorite Empire Song (Peter Song-Hollyrood Ollie) retired in 1965 at the age of 14 with a lifetime record of 2,03 4/5 at the age of 12 with a total earning of $91,754.
If some one has a picture of Grattan Baker it will be very appreciated
Thank you again for your very nice subjects
Best to you Michel Ledoux
September 27, 2013
Readers Comments :Re Quebec Souvenirs -Robillard & L'Heureux
Wm. McDonnell wrote :
Really enjoyed the article on Percy & Marcel. Up until a month ago I had a win picture of "Protocol" that my uncle had but unfortunately I threw it out along with some others as it was near the end of his career. He was owned most of his life by Al Reid of Hamilton. This horse
had a skin virus that left him with patches on his coat where hair would not grow so he really wasn't a pretty horse. Marcel & his Dad were
stabled at the old Ancaster Fairgrounds for about three years .Looking back there were a number of pretty good horsemen stabled there
over the years including Marcel L'Heureux & his Dad, Lorne Tolhurst & his Dad, Ancaster Bill Harvey, Art Stroud ,Bill Habkirk, Benny LaRocque plus many more .
HATE TOO CORRECT THE WRITER BUT THE TRUTH NEEDS TO BE TOLD. EMPIRE SONG WAS TRAINED BY A GREAT TROTTING TRAINER MARCEL L,HEUREX UNCLE EFFIE L,HEUREX THE WHOLE L,HEUREX FAMILY WERE VERY CLOSE FRIENDS OF MY FAMILY YOUR TRULY BRIAN LAWSON
September 21, 2013
Readers Comments -1950 Little Brown Jug
Al Casselman wrote :
Colour Pictures !!
Update with colour photos ! Way to go Robert . John Williamson second in the Jug ...Well done for having the balls to go .John was at Spring Garden Ranch last winter and we renewed our acquaintance from years ago .He has been very active in OHHA for years .LOVE the small guy's success .If the purse was $ 1,000,000 they would all go . Cass
Comments re 1984 Classic Sale
September 14, 2013
Readers Comments (2)
Thanks for the memory. The horse was worth what we paid ,minus one zero !!!! Cantario ran their Jonquils up and gave their partners shares in those yearlings instead of any money their past horses had earned !!! No bad eh. Sold that horse to Mark Steacy. At least I didn't ruin his career. Keep up the good work Robert. "Cass" (Allan Casselman)
P.S. Lloyd Smith just died. What a upbeat guy he was.
Way to go… Glad to see your website doing so good.
Al Terwilliger
Protecto Horse Equipment
September 7, 2013
Reader's Comments : The Odd & Unusual
I was happy to see the story about my childhood friend Larry Hill's father Fred Hill .
Thank you Barb Genier
August 31, 2013
Canadian Pacing Derby Comments :(Story posted Aug. 31,2013)
HI ROBERT - SEEING KEITH QUINLAN'S NAME IN THE CANADIAN PACING DERBY STORY REMINDED ME OF ANOTHER STORY TOLD TO ME BY MY PARENTS . THE QUINLANS WERE FROM MIDLAND. KEITH'S FATHER RAY WAS ONE THE FIRST CATCH DRIVERS. DURING WORLD WAR 2. MANY HORSEMEN WERE OVERSEAS BUT THEIR FAMILIES STILL HAD HORSES. MANY PEOPLE COULD TRAIN SO RAY WAS ASKED TO DRIVE AT ALL THE SIMCOE COUNTY FAIRS. HE DROVE MY FATHERS HORSES THAT WERE TRAINED BY MY GRANDPA ALEX.HE ALSO DROVE WITH MUCH SUCCESS WITH HORSES TRAINED BY MANY OTHERS. RAY"S OTHER SON BERT, WAS A VERY RESPECTED HORSEMAN BUT HE DIED AT A FAIRLY YOUNG AGE .
KEEP THE GOOD WORK UP ........ READING YOUR STORIES IS JUST LIKE WATCHING A VIDEO OF ALMOST A CENTURY OF RACING..... THANKS BRIAN LAWSON
Larry Smith wrote to say :
Do they still serve pie at the races or is that only in the old times ? Note the nice mud flaps on the '55 Dodge starting gate of Art's !
Editors note : No... I think pies went out when they stopped wearing silk hats . Art Whitesell always used a late model Chrysler vehicle for his gate as he owned and operated a dealership in Tillsonburg that sold Chryslers .At one time Art was empowered by the C.T.A. to grant driver's licences (for driving horses) . In about 1954 he was approached by Earl Hyatt who wanted a licence so he could drive at the Dresden Fair . Art told him he would have to answer a question before he could issue his licence .
The question was ....."Do you know what the lines (meaning the reins) are for ? "
Great article Robert Congratulations ! The time was hard to read for Peter Chilcoot, but I believe it would be 2:10 that he won the first heat of the Derby .I came past New Hamburg not too long ago and what a magnificent setting for a racetrack .The people would make it that much better .I'm sure they got huge crowds .
P.S - Does Standardbred Canada ever pick up your articles ?
Have a great long weekend
Marv Chantler
Editor's note : My apologies for not putting in the correct mile time for Peter Chilcoot which was 2:07 in the inaugural Derby . The correction has now been made .
HI ROBERT I JUST WANTED TO CONGRATULATE YOU ON YOUR PIECE ON THE CANADIAN PACING DERBY THERE WAS A LOT OF HARD WORK PUT IN THAT PIECE AND HAS ALWAYS YOU COME UP WITH A VERY GOOD STORY TO READ BEST WISHES IN YOUR WORK AND THANKS BRIAN LAWSON
August 30, 2013
You stirred some memories ...
Well you certainly managed to stir some old recollections this week. The stories on Hugh McLean and Allan Walker both took me back a lot of years. Interesting that your stories are from the big tracks, while I remember them both as Saturday night regulars at Hanover Raceway. The stories of Hugh McLean are legend. He and George Galbraith from Wingham had a running rivalry (which apparently at times was rather heated.) Anytime that George and Hugh were in the same race they either finished in a photo for first or a dead heat for last, because one almost always parked the other. This takes me all the way back to the early 60's when I was a lad of just a single digit in age and the drivers like Hugh McLean and Allan Walker were larger than life heros to a little boy who fell in love with harness racing the first time he went to Hanover at the tender age of 5 or 6. When first I went to the races I didn't understand that the names in the program were the horses names - I somehow thought it was the drivers name (remember I was barely in school) Apparently I told my dad one night that "F.W. Dudley" was the best driver I had ever seen! It was actually a driver by the name of Lloyd Wagner who drove F.W. Dudley who oft raced in the top class at Hanover. Even after I learned of my mistake, I seem to remember that I always referred to Lloyd as FW! Keep the recollections coming!
From Keith Nethery
August 30, 2013
It was great to see a picture of Hugh McLean .He was a terrific driver in the 60's and after losing his hand he did not lose a beat .He was hard to beat in a race plus he and his son Jack looked after a huge farm .I hope Port Elgin has a Hall of Fame because he surely belongs in it .
From Barber Genier
August 26, 2013
Readers comments on Danny Wilmac story :
Great work Robert .Thanks for last week's story on Bill Rowe .Much appreciated .Keep up the great weekly articles .
From Marvin Chantler
Robert :
That was an excellent piece on Bill MacMillan & Danny Wilmac .It was a tragedy that they were only able to race Danny a limited number of times but I guess those things happen irrespective of the care you give them .Bill was a great caretaker and had all kinds of patience with all of his horses .
From Wm. McDonnell
August 25, 2013
Michel Ledoux wrote :
Hi Robert,
You made quite a job in relating these match races which were very popular in the province in 40 and 50 decades. Adage and Saratoga were top pacers in these years but for me Highland Frisco was the best of all excluding Guy H who made his better performances south of the border. Highland Frisco died at Richelieu park between two heats in 1951 at the age of 14 yo. I was there and it was extremely sad to see his owner crying alone sitting nearby.
If someone has a photograph of Highland Frisco I will appreciate it a lot. This horse was issued from Highland Scott but I don't remember the dam if someone is aware thanks in advance.
To help Brian Lawson to remember the horse driven by Phil Dussault, it was in 1957 and the horse name was Senator Spangler (Direct Spangler - Romola Hal) who won most of the races schedule under The Canadian Juvenile Circuits this year The contenders were Queen Express and Bucky Frisco
Thank you again for the good work
August 21, 2013
Reader's Comments : Re Quebec Match Race posted August 20,2013
Hi Robert :
Seeing Phil Dussault's name in the match race triggered my memory .When I was a very young boy Phil won with a two year old in around 2:07 and it was the talk of the racing world .He won by many lengths ,I think it was something like 15 .
From Brian Lawson
August 18, 2013
Readers Comments :
Re William Rowe Article -August 17,2013
I knew Bill all my life,from preschool until he passed away .My father worked for Bill after he had sold his farm which was just three farms east of Bill's place .He was a great man with a fantastic sense of humour and an infectious smile .I will always remember Bill as a great host . On many many occasions he entertained guests at Windsor Raceway,including myself ,and always made us all feel very welcome and part of his team .He was a great trainer of talent and a team builder .
His induction into The Hall of Fame is long overdue ;I am just sorry that it didn't happen while Bill was still alive to accept his award in person . Our next job is to get his father The Honourable Earl Rowe into the Hall in Goshen N.Y.
I was so pleased and honoured to be present for this memorable occasion on Thursday .
From Marv Chantler
Hi Robert,
Very interesting article on Bill Rowe and on his father the Hon Earl Rowe, I remember them so well and also all the young trotters they breed on their farm in Newton Robinson Ont. in a future article could you recall us "The Riddell family" all issued from Van Riddell. To my souvenirs this is an important part of the canadian history of trotters. Naturally photographs will be very appreciated
Best to you Michel Ledoux
Keith Nethery wrote :
I was struck by two things reading on your site today and they are related. The first was Bill Rowe's story of being on a fair track and having someone push a baby buggy across in front of the horses (I saw something similar many years ago at the Teeswater Fair and thankfully the same result, no one was hurt) The second was the wonderful picture of racing at Norwood fair. Old, narrow, dirt track with the fans right on top of the races. Both brought me back to days of fair races in places like Teeswater and Exeter. Great memories. When I read of fair races in your column, I often think "I didn't know they raced there?"
Hi Robert,
Reading of the near-miss baby buggy incident in your column today, I’m reminded of an afternoon at Brigden Fair on a Thanksgiving weekend in the early 1970’s, or so.
Along with various other family members, Anne and I were standing by an old stable in the first turn. Marshall Moore my wife's uncle was driving in one of the races and as the field raced past us just after the start, a near torrential downpour drove everyone for cover. The field came by us again as they passed the half and we watched from our cover of the stable waiting for them to “come home”. They didn’t come into sight for a few minutes and then it was the wrong way on the track! As it turns out, Marshall had been in the lead and as they were in the back stretch he saw a line of cars blocking the track as people exited the infield parking lot. It’s hard to imagine how they managed to avoid a complete disaster...”
Keep up the good work!
From Terry Mullen
August 12, 2013
I am very excited with your new page of QUEBEC RACING .When I was a young girl we spent a bus man's holiday at Richelieu Park. Besides Herve Filion I think Roger White was one of the most exciting horsemen to come out of Quebec in that era .Keep the good work up .
Your fan,
Barber Genier
August 10, 2013
Hi Robert,
I am a long time email friend of Dan Daniels and I am from Joliette Qc. I appreciate a lot your chronicles on harness racing and now especially stories from Quebec. I was a great fan of Roger White and a great supporter of Sir Winston Pick (Gene Abbe-Winnie Direct) who competed with Dares Direct at the age of 2 and 3 in the Canadian Juvenile Circuit.
A note on the photo of Timely Knight the second horse is Cloverland Direct incidently a colt issued from Dares Direct first crop I think and it is good to note that Monsieur Richelieu the third horse in the photo has been the first Quebec bred horse to win in 2:00
If I remember well Roger was Allan LeBlanc's nephew.
Hoping that my english writing is OK it will be a pleasure to hear from you
From Michel Ledoux
July 31, 2013
Hello Sir I just found out about your site I also was a kid at OLD WOODBINE and remember playing with BRIAN LAWSON LARRY HILL PAUL WALKER BOB STEWART JOHN FRENCH BRIAN MARCHAND. it was the best child hood a kid could have THANKS for the memories TERRY WILLCOX
Submitted July 30,2013
I'd like to commend you on the website and the email newsletter, it's fascinating to go back and remember what has gone before. I watched Trevor Ritchie commenting on the Standardbred site about favorite rivalries, he talked about Blaze Herbert, Claybrook Van, Beau Winter, and Keystone Gary. I started to look around for information on Blaze Herbert but the only mention of him was on your website about him winning a stakes race. I'd love to see something written about these terrific trotters and their rivalry, I think that'd be something special. Thanks again for the great work on keeping the stories alive. Marty Archer
Hi Robert
Everyone in the Owen Sound Meaford area love your site.
You do many hours of work.
It is appreciated.
Paul Warwick
July 27,2013
July 23, 2013
Readers Comments : ( Racing at South Mountain -1938)
Thanks Robert, you had to dig deep into the archives for that one. Local small time horsepeople could race almost every week from the May long weekend until Mid-September, through the 60"s in Eastern Ontario.
Racing in South Mountain was July 1st, and the Fair in later August. I called the races there in 91, 92 and
not sure if they continued beyond. A shame. I hope they can continue the long tradition in those few
venues that still hold Fair racing.
Best regards, ron francis
Readers Comments : (July 2013) The Dresden Reunion
Robert : Thank you for the recent article on the 1987 Dresden Reunion . My father, Marshall Moore was one of the pioneers honoured that evening in Dresden .It was an evening my family will never forget .My father so enjoyed it !!
Thank you again
Mary Moore
Great memories of that night in Dresden. Anne and I were there with our kids, her parents and many of the Moore clan. We even have a VHS video kicking around here somewhere! Sad to see what has become of Dresden and much of the entire industry in general. Glad to see your pictures of a happier time in racing.
All the best,Terry Mullen
Hi Robert : Once again thank you for preparing and distribution of Old Recollections .
In a previous email Allan Waddell was mentioned .Allan drove our horses in the early-mid 1960's starting at age 17 I believe .He was also the star of our local Jr. B hockey team at that time .Haven't heard or seen of him in years ,but think he may be in your area.He may have been training horses up until a few years ago .
Keep the memories comin'
Ron Francis
A Nice Note From Mr. Bradley
July 15, 2013
Mr. Smith; I recently came across your site today, and I have been transfixed to it for hours now. I have pretty much looked at every article and picture, and have found 2 pictures of my Uncle Edmund Bradley, and 1 of my Grandfather Clifford Ross Bradley, all of which I have never seen, so I must thank you for that. I can see that this site must be a true passion for you, since it is put together most excellently. With my Uncle's passing in 2006, it has always been in the back of my mind to try to get my Grandfather into the hall of fame. I believe that with his death, he was forgotten too soon, at a time when the industry was at full gallop (pardon the pun) Every day I look at the Trophy presented to my Grandmother by the United Harness Horseman's Association as the Founder, and wonder what would have happened if not for his untimely death in 1961, when the UHHA changed to the Ontario Harness Horse Association. Thank you again, and when I have time on my hands, I will try to look through my books and see if there are any interesting photos that you might find interesting. Sincerely, Scott Bradley
July 3, 2013
Readers Comments :
Brian Lawson wrote :
HI ROBERT I ENJOYED YOUR STORY ON DOMINION DAY .MY FATHER ROY LAWSON TRAINED A HORSE IN THE 50S CALLED DOMINION DAY LAD .HE WAS BORN ON JULY 1 THANKS BRIAN
bill Galvin wrote :
Robert:
You continue to rake the ashes of the past and turn back the pages of time with your Recollections of special and memorable moments in Canadian harness racing. Your Recollections website fills a valuable and welcome niche in the lore and rich history of the sport. You are to be heartily congratulated for bringing the feats of legendary horses, horsemen and horsewomen from the shelves of equine libraries and private collections to life on your website, for all who remember, to enjoy.
Your last two posts showing the crowds shots at Fredericton and Strathroy are magnificent, and point out the popularity of harness racing from the early days of Confederation and beyond. I noted in all the photos that in the packed throngs of people there was not a single person sitting. They were all on their feet.
Best regards,
bill
ps: It will be interesting to see how many can identify the young drivers in your Photo Contest.
John McKnight Wrote :
I enjoy receiving the memoirs very much-keep up the good work
Comments re Walter Dale Memorial
Reader's Comments :
My Dad trained Firebolt, when he won the 1970-71 Walter Dale Memorial.
Sincerely,
Bill O'Donnell
June 24, 2013
Robert we sure look forward to your articles. I went to the races with Dad starting around 1946- I remember clearly men like Tom Yearly & Amber Grattan; Warren Leatherdale & Will Fraser(trainer) & Blue Again and Nate Neely from Petrolia. Nate had a free for all mare ( cant remember her name at the moment ) but she was a handful for sure. I know he was a relative of Larry Ainsworth. Best regards .Charles Lawrence
May 31, 2013
Reader's Comments : RE : Jim Brown Article posted May 25,2013
Wm. McDonnell wrote:
That was sure a nice article on Jim Brown for he truly was one of the major pioneers of racing in Canada .He was involved with every aspect of its development and was deeply involved with both the CTA & the CSHS . My fondest memories of Jim were when we first started to do inspections of the entries in the Yearling Sales and how tactful Jim was in telling some of the consignors that we just wouldn't be able to take their colts in the sale for various reasons .Somehow he was able to pacify them and they always thanked him for his advice .He surely was a great ambassador for the business .
Brian Webster wrote :
Morning Robert,
Enjoyed reading your article about Jim Brown who I had the pleasure of knowing in the early 60's. The first standardbred I owned was a little trotter named Glendale Fred . I raced him at the fairs in 1961, at Western Fair in the Fall and at the first Spring meet in Toronto (Old Woodbine/Greenwood), he most always got a cheque and from then on I was hooked on Harness Racing. I looked after a couple of horses the summer of 1962 in Toronto and was stabled beside Jim Brown and his long time trainer Jack McClelland and because of the Glendale Fred connection we became acquainted. He was a real gentleman, full of stories and a wealth of knowledge.
Sandra Downey wrote :
This is great! Whoever is doing this ... Keep it up!
A Nice Note From bill Galvin
May 18, 2013
I would like to thank Bill Galvin for his very informative "note" regarding recent posts on "Recollections" .It is reproduced below .
Robert:
More very interesting stories which bring back pleasant memories for me. Remembering Dalyce Blue, Ron Waples and Del Miller are special.
I remember cleaning the stall of Miss Chilcoot at Findley's farm. She produced (as I recall), 12 trotters and one pacer. Her last foal was Sheila Lee, the dam of Dalyce Blue. Sheila Lee was a really good trotter, tough to knock off her feet. She raced mostly at the fair meetings.
Ron Waples had a dry wit. Following a big win in a stakes event at Greenwood when being congratulated by the trophy presenter he remarked with an old farmer's expression "It never rained in a dryer spot".
When I was in Publicity with the Jockey Club, I brought Toronto television sportscasters to New York's Roosevelt Raceway each year for the Roosevelt International Trot, which attracted the very best trotters in the world. They, in turn, produced promos and driver interviews which were used as advance material for the Maple Leaf Trot. One year I brought CFTO's Fergie Olver with his cameraman.
On the day before the big race I brought Fergie to Fresh Yankee's barn for a photo shoot and interview with Duncan MacDonald. Fergie was running down the shedrow looking for an electric outlet to plug in his camera when Del Miller came around the corner of the barn and down in between the shedrows driving one of the starters for the International. He hollered at Fergie . . "Fergie what are you looking for" Fergie replied, " I am looking for a plug", to which Del promptly replied "I have one here". I can't for the life of me recall the name of the horse Del was driving, but it had to be one of the tops in the country.
Del was such a nice person and always went out of his way to thank me for the work that I did promoting the Grand Circuit
Thanks again, Robert, for the great memories.
Best regards,
bill
How Long Does A Memory Last?
April 15, 2013
Following the little story I wrote about the start up of Hazel Park Raceway 60 years ago and the introduction of the 5/8 mile track in harness racing, the following note was received from Diane Sherman .She is the daughter of George "Buck" Sherman owner and trainer of one of the pictured horses Ginnie Lee C who took a new lifetime record at the newly opened track .I also received an equally nice note from her sister the following day .
Diane wrote " We received the post about Ginnie Lee and Dad . I still have the stable door sign with the 2:03 2/5 record on it .If you come up with anything else we would appreciate it . Thanks .....
Thank you for the email - great write up. I remember Hazel Park Raceway
like it was yesterday. Ginnie Lee C was more than a race horse to us growing
up - she was our pet. I was 13 when she passed giving birth to twins. We mostly
lived at the race track, slept in the stalls when we first arrived - simple life but happy .
From
Mary Ann Sherman
like it was yesterday. Ginnie Lee C was more than a race horse to us growing
up - she was our pet. I was 13 when she passed giving birth to twins. We mostly
lived at the race track, slept in the stalls when we first arrived - simple life but happy .
From
Mary Ann Sherman
Note - I had the privilege of seeing Ginnie Lee and getting to know the Sherman family many years ago . This horse was their pride and joy and travelled all the way to California to race . Obviously she still occupies a special place in their hearts .
From The Mail Bag
April 6, 2013
Following the piece I recently did about Clint Hodgins, a nice note was received from a gentleman named Terry Culbert who resides in Prince Edward County which is located at the Eastern end of Lake Ontario .A few years ago, Terry who is an artist as well as an author, wrote a book entitled " Lucan Home of the Donnellys".Included in his book is a chapter dedicated to the many harness horse people who sprang up from the Lucan area.
Terry said ....
Good Morning Robert ...My father ,a farm boy from the Lucan - Clandeboye area was indeed a good friend of Clint Hodgins .
They saw each other every time Clint returned home .I am attaching a copy of a painting I did in 2010 entitled "Kentucky of the North"
after Lucan's involvement in harness racing .It's acrylic on canvas .The number 13 is my favourite, and the colours were from my imagination .
It is shown below .
In closing Terry said " Now Sir ...you have a gem of a website ...I am totally impressed !!.
My thanks to Terry for sharing his thoughts and his talents and for his compliments .....
My thanks to Terry for sharing his thoughts and his talents and for his compliments .....
Reader's Comments Re Provincial Cup Remembered :
Keep up the good work.From Marv Chantler
G'Day Robert :
Another excellent read I will have to admit to a twinge of sadness as I had out hope if just for a fleeting second that it would be chronicling the history of the lesser known Provincial Cup from my hometown and track of Exhibition Park Raceway in Saint John, New Brunswick which ran from 1978 - 2000 before like Windsor's better known version management no longer felt the need to continue the tradition Thanks for sharing Robert
Regards,
Patrick Eastwood
Another excellent read I will have to admit to a twinge of sadness as I had out hope if just for a fleeting second that it would be chronicling the history of the lesser known Provincial Cup from my hometown and track of Exhibition Park Raceway in Saint John, New Brunswick which ran from 1978 - 2000 before like Windsor's better known version management no longer felt the need to continue the tradition Thanks for sharing Robert
Regards,
Patrick Eastwood
Great article on The Provincial Cup
From Wm. R McDonnell
I enjoyed the article very much .I had a chance to be at a couple of Provincial Cups in the 90's, and it was always a fun evening with the place being so full and busy .From Lisa Learn
Thank you Robert for another very interesting trip back to the good old days of horse racing .
From Marg (Campbell) Bowra
February 9, 2013
Readers Comments On "Remembering The Hon. Earl Rowe" :
It is hard to believe it has been 29 years since Mr. Rowe's passing .Your story had a very nice touch .Thanks for doing this, it brings back wonderful memories .
From Marvin Chantler
Thanks a lot ;the time is hard to believe .I have sent it on to my family .
From Jane (Rowe) Rees (Granddaughter)
It was a sad day when we lost Grandpa .Hard to believe that he has been gone longer than
the number of years that I knew him.
From Scott Rowe (Grandson)
Thanks .Very well done
From Joe Carbone
Great Article .I thought of Marv.( Chantler) as soon as I read it .
From Jane Belore
Comments On Joe O'Brien story
Dear Robert:
Congratulations on another great issue of Old Recollections. Your story on Joe O'Brien was heart warming, and the flashback showing photos of past O'Brien winners, balanced out an excellent presentation.
Also, thank you for the story on the OJC Publicity Department and Harness Horse Happenings. It was much appreciated.
From Bill Galvin
Hi Robert. Great job on the Joe O'Brien article. One minor item that was incorrect was the name of Joe's father. His christian name was Michael Joseph O'Brien but he had picked up the nickname "Harry" while a young man working in Boston. It stayed with him the rest of his life but I don't think he ever had it legally registered. Harry's father's name was James.
Again, thanks for you getting Joe's story out just in time for the awards night. I read recently where Ron Pierce was quoted as saying that he'd rather wih an O'Brien Award than be elected to the Hall of Fame. All the best, Jack O'Brien .
From The Christmas Mailbag
December 27, 2012
I would like to thank those of you who have sent Christmas Greetings and I have reprinted portions of some of them below .I always enjoy hearing from you folks !
******************
Hope this Christmas season finds that all things are well at the Smith house . We continue to enjoy your column and reading about the horses,tracks and people from years gone by . From A & T Mullen
Thanks so much for your attention to the history of our sport .
Christmas Blessings -From Mark McLennan
Thanks for your greeting & Merry Christmas to your family and best wishes for good health and happiness in 2013.Keep those good stories coming .From M. Bowra
Wishing you the blessings of Christmas .Keep those old recollections coming . From Keith Nethery
Keep up your good work .I know that it is highly appreciated by harness racing's family of the last half century and beyond .It is a hugely important part of Canada's harness racing history . From Wm. Galvin
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year .Keep up the good work.From Mac Sewers
Have a Happy New Year !! From Bill O'Donnell
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas & all the best in the New Year .From Wm. & Marlene McDonnell
Your website is on my favourites bar just behind SC and I check it 2 or 3 times a week .I don't know how you do it ;you are to be commended .From Rick Karper
Merry Christmas and All the Best in the New Year . From B. Lennox
Merry Christmas to you and your family .Thanks for posting all the great stories .From the McLinchey & Campbell families
Greetings from Me to You .Enjoy all your posts ,wishing you all the best . From your friend Al Casselman
Merry Christmas and all the best to you and your family in the upcoming New Year . From Marv Chantler
All the best in 2013 .From L. McKelvie
Hello Robert - I enjoy your columns .In a recent one of auction results I note a yearling colt Atomic Sir being sold to Milt Simonton a Chatham cattle buyer .The colt came to Dad to break and train .He went on to be an Invitation pacer for Dad mainly at Greenwood .Have a Merry Christmas .From Chuck Lawrence and family .
Editor's note - Chuck's father mentioned here was Gordon Lawrence one of the truly great gentlemen of an earlier era . I had the pleasure of knowing him and visiting he and Mrs. Lawrence at their Blenheim farm many times back in the 1980's .
From The Mailbag
November 5, 2012
I would like to thank those who sent in comments following the "Cars On The Track at Strathroy" piece .Hearing from readers is always appreciated .
Good stuff Robert. Thanks for Remembering Glenna Clements. I worked for Allan and Larry Walker when Bruce and Glenna raced the horses you mentioned. She was always smiling. I have in my memory bank (not full) that Glenna had lost part of a finger from Fearless Doc biting her. Maybe you could let me know if you know of this. yours truly Al Casselman >
Thanks for sharing. From Bill McLinchey
THANKS ROBERT. I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE TRIP THROUGH TIME REMEMBERING SO MANY NAMES OF PEOPLE & HORSES. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
MARY (CAMPBELL) MCKENZIE
Great job Robert. Some great pictures as well. Keep up the good work. From Marvin Chantler
Robert : I worked the July 1st meet at Strathroy for a number of years as the Announcer & at that time the Judges Stand was on the Top of the
Grandstand quite a distance from the track. Even though I was young at the time I had a great deal of respect for Harold Currie. He was one of
the first to my recollection to have the entries close more than two days before the races & even if he had short fields there were NO
added starters on his program {a practice which had developed for a number of years }. From Wm McDonnell
I recently visited your website and found it very interesting and informative. From Jack Wray
Hi Robert !
Love your new site and articles, thanks again !
I include the link www.oldrecollections.com to all my e mail addresses so they can enjoy your site.
Great job , and will keep getting the word out there to promote your site !
From Bev Heywood Windsor Ont.
Hi Mr. Smith,
Excellent website. I enjoy reading the stories and viewing the old photos. Keep up the great work.
Mike Ellsworth
Maritime Classics
http://www.maritimeclassics.
Great article on the history of the Maple Leaf Trot and remembering all the men contained in the picture.I had the pleasure of working with 3 of them.
Keep it coming Robert !!!! From Al Casselman
Keep up the great work with the site. People are really enjoying it. Greg Blanchard
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 commenting on the posting "Powder Puff Derby -1970
The following was received relating to the Aug. 31 posting about the 1941 Canadian Pacing Derby
I did attend some of those races and those outings were enjoyable. Our horse races are fighting for survival now, aren't they? Too bad.Gertrude Seiling
I would like to encourage everyone to be a participant by sending in your comments .Regardless of how short your message is, it is meaningful and adds much "life" to any story . Remember it's no longer necessary to buy a pad of paper ,find an envelope and a stamp and walk to the Post Office !! Just email at oldrecollections@gmail.com
I appreciate them all and reply to every one I receive .
I appreciate them all and reply to every one I receive .
Sent in by Karen Duck
From Bill McDonnell
Robert;Good morning Robert :
Great article on John Campbell's first win . I enjoyed reading it and also one that was done in New York for today's paper. I will send you a copy.
Hope all is well
Take care, keep up the good work.
Marv Chantler
I visit your site regularly and enjoy every minute I spend on it. Keep up the good work .
There is healing in those Old Recollections and don't let anyone tell you different.
From Keith Nethery
I enjoyed the Nelson White post - he was a second trainer for John Findley for a number of years.
I think he is still training a few - at least he was up to last year.
From Mark McLennan
Enjoyed you article on the One Room School as I too attended
one for the first 4 years of school on Hamilton Mountain.
Dear Robert,
I continue to enjoy the articles from your website.
From Joe Carr
I just love the "Recollections". Keep up the good work.
From Rick Karper .
Re :1984 Posting on Nova Nova and driver Blair Burgess winning his first race
Thanks for the nice memory Bob from 1984 on Blair's first win. I have always told him we made him what he is today and now I have the proof.
From Al Casselman
Rob - Great Website
Again I need to tell you that your website a wonderful labor of love. It is must-I do viewing for me in the research for “ The Bettors Edge” our on-track publication at RCR.
From - Norm Borg (Rideau announcer)
Hi Robert,
Thanks for sending these pictures which bring back great memories when racing was a fun and family sport!. It is very disturbing to think what is in store for the industry. All the best to you and your family.
Best Regards, Jack O'Brien Alberton P.E.I.
Hi Robert: You recently wrote about grey horses ....
Here's a few more -
Here's a few more -
Sliver Pick (Lorne Bradley, Woodbridge & then John Vogel, Sask)
Carol Knight - (I drove this mare for Fred Beacham)
& her foals- Silver Pebbles and Silver Wave
I owned and drove a couple of Roans, too - Scottish Butler & R U Stormy
From Phil Stewart
I am enjoying the site very much - lots of great memories, preserving the history of our sport.
Dr. John Findley is a lifelong friend.
Thanks,
The Rev. Mark McLennan, Woodstock
I look with interest to spend more time going thru your website.Dr. John Findley is a lifelong friend.
Thanks,
The Rev. Mark McLennan, Woodstock
Great of you to do this for our industry. I grew up with the Honourable Earl Rowe in Newton Robinson and have enjoyed
over 45 years of Harness Racing history.
Congratulations and keep up the good work.
From Marv Chantler
I found your website very interesting to read. You bring back some of the rich history of the sport. Your information on the likes of Billy Houghton is very good. I have passed on the link to your website to numerous associates of mine in racing. Good luck with your continued efforts.
From Dave Drew
We have enjoyed reading recollections and look forward to seeing more.
Best regards Dr. John Findley.
From Al & Kendra Casselman
We enjoy your stories.
Ross & Marg Battin
Ross & Marg Battin
Very cool website....love the old pictures and the stories. Thanks for sharing.
From Anna Meyers
Emerald Ridge Farm
Emerald Ridge Farm
I enjoyed the feature on Charlie Lawson. I watched him drive a ton of races. When Charlie was in the field, you knew it most likely to be an interesting race. One thing that couild have been added to your Shadywood Baron story is that in many of the races he won, he wasn't even in site of the lead at the top of the lane. Alfie always seemed to know how to time it just right to get there at the last second. At the same Western Fair banquet, Jack Parsons was honoured with the all around service award. While I haven't run in to him for many years, it certainly doesn't surprise me he would get such an award. A great guy and a great horseman!
Keep up the outstanding work. I love your Recollections!
Keep up the outstanding work. I love your Recollections!
From Keith Nethery
Hello Mr. Smith , just read your stories still on the current list . Wow , brought back a lot of memories . those names of people and the horses !!! We remember Coronation Derby very well and our good friend Stan Williams . This will be a must for me now , each time I get on this thing . THANKS for your note to-day . Regards , Jack McNiven
Thanks for the nice mention and comments on the awards night. I’ll pass this along to our new Marketing Director Sarah Imrie. It was her first awards night and she did a great job pulling it all together.
Wouldn’t we all love to have a Shadywood Baron in the barn!
Wouldn’t we all love to have a Shadywood Baron in the barn!
From Greg Blanchard
Robert ...Just read your story about our Killean Farm in 1967-68 time period . loved it.... what memories , good old wonderful Frisco Byrd ; loved him to death , what a truly special horse. We were proud to be part of the Majestic Hanover syndicate , some wonderful people in it. loved our centenial yr. names , Century Killean later became a broodmare for us . OH!!!, what memories. Thank you for including us in your column. , How often do you update the column ? Thanks again , Jack (McNiven)
Thank you Mr. McNiven ; hearing from you is extra special ......
Keith Quinlan wrote :
Robert I like all of your articles and reading your website . In 1964 I went to work in the summer holidays for
Langford Farms from Chatham under trainer John Jones. The year before I worked for Keith Waples in
Richelieu Park (John Jones trainer ) and he asked me to go for the summer to look after Jerry Hal who went on
to win the Can. Pacing Derby that summer .
He bowed a tendon at the end of his 3yo season and was unbeatable till then. I am wondering if any thought was ever
given to doing a story on Langford Farms they were one of the strongest stables in Canada .
Thanks Keith : I will put that subject on my list of future topics .RMS
Paul Sloan wrote :
Hi Robert,
Thank you very much for the notification of your website. I have spent lots of enjoyable time browsing through the archives.
On one of the articles about Orono, I noticed a reference to Muddy George. I was a rookie groom working for Ron Waples in the early seventies when Lawrence Hooey brought him to our stable and I was given the task of looking after him. He raced in a couple of overnight races and won. Mr Hooey gave me $20 per win. Wow. That was big to me. He was then entered in the CanAm series and Ron asked me if I wanted to go on the road with him. I was thrilled.
Brian Webster wrote :
Hello Robert,
Regarding Armbro Gazelle, Don Booth originally bought the colt and Bob Silliphant worked as trainer for Don at the time. A couple of months later my Dad hired Bob as a private trainer and Bob was so impressed with Armbro Gazelle that he talked my Dad into buying him from Don at a considerable profit as I recall. Bob took Gazelle to Du Quoin for the Hambletonian and for company took Lynden Dodger, Gazelle got 5th money and Dodger won an overnight in 2:00 and became the first Canadian bred 2:00 2 year old, quite a thing back then.
Keep up the good work ,
Rick Karper wrote on Jan. 1,2012 :
I want to thank you for sending me the email which included all back issues of Recollections. I just spent 2 1/2 hours skimming through them and I love it.
I was, however, disappointed to see so few articles involving racing in Montreal (only 1, I believe). Quebec, and particularly Montreal, with two major racetracks (Blue Bonnets and Richelieu), was the capital of harness racing in Canada in the late 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. I can remember going to watch horses such as Belle Acton, Adios Butler and Bret Hanover and horsemen such as Billy Haughton, Stanley Dancer and Del Miller. Montreal was the home base for many Canadian stars such as Keith Waples, Herve Filion and Benoit Cote. Montreal-owned horses include such champions as Tie Silk and Silent Majority. Even in recent years, several of the top horsemen in our industry come from Quebec, such as Michel Lachance, Yannick Gingras, Daniel Dube, etc.
To Rick : Watch for more Quebec based items in future .
Col. Al Terwilliger wrote on Jan. 1,2012 :
Just read your stories .....Recollections... great job....
keep up the great work..
Marjorie (Miller) Patterson wrote on Jan. 1,2012
Thanks for thinking of us on this brand new year, and all of our Best Wishes to you and your Wife and family
Philip Stewart wrote on Jan. 2,2012
( Sorry Phil I was unable to reproduce the photos at this time but I do thank you)
Happy New Year!
You don't have to go back to 1908 to see the use of the infield at the races! Here's a couple of shots
from my collection that you can use any way you want!
The first is from Marmora Ont. in 1956 - This was typical of the infields at most Ontario fairs in the good ole days
but then you know that, eh?
Can't be sure of the horses but I'm pretty sure this is Osler Burrison and maybe "Danny All Patch" Or Maybe "Miss Van Admiral"
(I don't know if he raced her or not) ?
(I never wrote titles on the slides and my title file got scrambled!)
The next one is me with "April Magic" at Woodbridge Fair on Thanksgiving in 1964. Picture was taken by Les Dixon before he
started training and driving. He later went on to drive such horses as "Spuds Streaker" and "Betty's Bomber" and
was a leading driver in the early OSS programme.
Note the Wheel Disks - NOT! - and the whipping! Wow - That's $200.00 and 5 days right there, eh!!
Hay! But I do have a helmet!!!
But there's that infield again!
Robert I like all of your articles and reading your website . In 1964 I went to work in the summer holidays for
Langford Farms from Chatham under trainer John Jones. The year before I worked for Keith Waples in
Richelieu Park (John Jones trainer ) and he asked me to go for the summer to look after Jerry Hal who went on
to win the Can. Pacing Derby that summer .
He bowed a tendon at the end of his 3yo season and was unbeatable till then. I am wondering if any thought was ever
given to doing a story on Langford Farms they were one of the strongest stables in Canada .
Thanks Keith : I will put that subject on my list of future topics .RMS
Paul Sloan wrote :
Hi Robert,
Thank you very much for the notification of your website. I have spent lots of enjoyable time browsing through the archives.
On one of the articles about Orono, I noticed a reference to Muddy George. I was a rookie groom working for Ron Waples in the early seventies when Lawrence Hooey brought him to our stable and I was given the task of looking after him. He raced in a couple of overnight races and won. Mr Hooey gave me $20 per win. Wow. That was big to me. He was then entered in the CanAm series and Ron asked me if I wanted to go on the road with him. I was thrilled.
Brian Webster wrote :
Hello Robert,
Regarding Armbro Gazelle, Don Booth originally bought the colt and Bob Silliphant worked as trainer for Don at the time. A couple of months later my Dad hired Bob as a private trainer and Bob was so impressed with Armbro Gazelle that he talked my Dad into buying him from Don at a considerable profit as I recall. Bob took Gazelle to Du Quoin for the Hambletonian and for company took Lynden Dodger, Gazelle got 5th money and Dodger won an overnight in 2:00 and became the first Canadian bred 2:00 2 year old, quite a thing back then.
Keep up the good work ,
Rick Karper wrote on Jan. 1,2012 :
I want to thank you for sending me the email which included all back issues of Recollections. I just spent 2 1/2 hours skimming through them and I love it.
I was, however, disappointed to see so few articles involving racing in Montreal (only 1, I believe). Quebec, and particularly Montreal, with two major racetracks (Blue Bonnets and Richelieu), was the capital of harness racing in Canada in the late 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. I can remember going to watch horses such as Belle Acton, Adios Butler and Bret Hanover and horsemen such as Billy Haughton, Stanley Dancer and Del Miller. Montreal was the home base for many Canadian stars such as Keith Waples, Herve Filion and Benoit Cote. Montreal-owned horses include such champions as Tie Silk and Silent Majority. Even in recent years, several of the top horsemen in our industry come from Quebec, such as Michel Lachance, Yannick Gingras, Daniel Dube, etc.
To Rick : Watch for more Quebec based items in future .
Col. Al Terwilliger wrote on Jan. 1,2012 :
Just read your stories .....Recollections... great job....
keep up the great work..
Marjorie (Miller) Patterson wrote on Jan. 1,2012
Thanks for thinking of us on this brand new year, and all of our Best Wishes to you and your Wife and family
Philip Stewart wrote on Jan. 2,2012
( Sorry Phil I was unable to reproduce the photos at this time but I do thank you)
Happy New Year!
You don't have to go back to 1908 to see the use of the infield at the races! Here's a couple of shots
from my collection that you can use any way you want!
The first is from Marmora Ont. in 1956 - This was typical of the infields at most Ontario fairs in the good ole days
but then you know that, eh?
Can't be sure of the horses but I'm pretty sure this is Osler Burrison and maybe "Danny All Patch" Or Maybe "Miss Van Admiral"
(I don't know if he raced her or not) ?
(I never wrote titles on the slides and my title file got scrambled!)
The next one is me with "April Magic" at Woodbridge Fair on Thanksgiving in 1964. Picture was taken by Les Dixon before he
started training and driving. He later went on to drive such horses as "Spuds Streaker" and "Betty's Bomber" and
was a leading driver in the early OSS programme.
Note the Wheel Disks - NOT! - and the whipping! Wow - That's $200.00 and 5 days right there, eh!!
Hay! But I do have a helmet!!!
But there's that infield again!
Love your site!!!!
Take Care,eh?
Al & Kendra Casselman wrote :
Thanks for all the GREAT memories this year.
I was surprised and also delighted to see your salute to Ken Galbraith. He was a friend of our whole family, worked for Dad and He was a great horseman and tried so extremely hard to get to the top. He never recovered from a serious kidney operation. Very sad.
Marjorie (Miller) Patterson
What a treasure your website is. I did not know about it previously. I am enjoying it thoroughly. Thanks for your support and you can put me down as a regular visitor . Norm Borg
What a treasure your website is. I did not know about it previously. I am enjoying it thoroughly. Thanks for your support and you can put me down as a regular visitor . Norm Borg
I love reading all your articles . Keep up the good work . Karen H. Toronto.
.
Robert : I really do enjoy reading these tales of "The good old days " H.R. Ontario Sept.16
Robert: Great site !
I should have written sooner, but I've been a bit preoccupied .
Anyhow when you write about the Derby and The Count B don't forget
to mention that he's buried in the infield at Fountain Park, with a marker stone.
I've gone to see it on the couple of occasions that I got to race there.
Someone should start something in motion to make that grave a national
historic site or something so it can never be gobbled up by developers or
whatever, which seems to inevitably happen these days!
I should have written sooner, but I've been a bit preoccupied .
Anyhow when you write about the Derby and The Count B don't forget
to mention that he's buried in the infield at Fountain Park, with a marker stone.
I've gone to see it on the couple of occasions that I got to race there.
Someone should start something in motion to make that grave a national
historic site or something so it can never be gobbled up by developers or
whatever, which seems to inevitably happen these days!
Philip Stewart
Thanks Phil I will cover that in a future edition . Sept. 3
The Standardbred Industry is extremely fortunate to have an historian like you Robert to document our history over the years .
Bill McDonnell Sept. 2
Kendra and I are both loving it. We tell all the relations we see that their dad or whomever is named in your articles. They really appreciate it.
Al & Kendra Casselman Aug. 28
Al & Kendra Casselman Aug. 28
Hi Robert. I really enjoyed your articles in "oldrecollections" and hope you will continue to post them. Jack O'Brien P.E.I.
Appreciate this great site :
Mr. Smith, my aunt passed information on this site to me and said I would probably enjoy a really nice article on my father, Bud Gilmour. Thank you so much for writing such a nice article that does seem to capture what my father was to many. We are grieving his loss very much and reading articles such as yours helps. Realizing he was not only a special person to me but the impact he made as both a horseman and a genuinely kind caring person gives me some comfort. Thank you for keeping his memory alive – he truly was a special person. LG , KY
We have enjoyed reading recollections and look forward to seeing more. best regards [Dr] john findley.
Your website sure brings back a lot of old memories .Col. Al Terwilliger Michigan
Hi Robert. Thanks for the link. I always enjoy reading your articles (even though I am much too young to relate to many of them!) It is refreshing to see your efforts at keeping the history of the sport in the minds of the present participants. Keep up the great work.
Brian Tropea O.H.H.A General Manager
Mr. Smith :
I have followed your essays with keen interest on The Standardbred Canada sight and now look forward to frequently reading your work here.
Regards,
Steve Stewart DVM
To me, your style allows for relaxed recollections of past names, places and circumstances that bring back terrific memories...keep up the valuable work!
Regards,
Steve Stewart DVM
Congratulations on getting your website up and running! Looks good! I look forward to checking it out periodically to see what you’ve been up to. From B.L. Ontario
Good Luck with your Website Robert.
I have passed this on to Bud’s family and I know they will appreciate your story on remembering their dad. I will also pass this on to my sister Mary and others that may be interested.
Thanks for keeping me in the loop. P.G. Florida
I have passed this on to Bud’s family and I know they will appreciate your story on remembering their dad. I will also pass this on to my sister Mary and others that may be interested.
Thanks for keeping me in the loop. P.G. Florida
Just happened to get on the "pooter" after a few days away from it and was thrilled to see you "BACK ON THE AIR".What's it take to become a sponsor ????.Enjoyed,if that's the right word,the Buddy Gilmour obit,also the rest of the site. Lawrence R Smith
Hi Robert,
Congratulations on launching this new website. That is a wonderful, touching story about Bud. I'm going to alert my sister to read it and forward it to Bud's daughter, who lives in Florida. No doubt they'll be in touch with other family members although they probably have read it too and appreciated it. You have a wonderful way with words and have the knack of writing very warm stories about individuals who bring back many great memories. Good luck. Looking forward to more stories.
Congratulations on launching this new website. That is a wonderful, touching story about Bud. I'm going to alert my sister to read it and forward it to Bud's daughter, who lives in Florida. No doubt they'll be in touch with other family members although they probably have read it too and appreciated it. You have a wonderful way with words and have the knack of writing very warm stories about individuals who bring back many great memories. Good luck. Looking forward to more stories.
Margaret B. ,Ontario
Hello Robert
Your web site is beautiful. I really enjoyed the eulogy to Buddy Gilmour.
Ruleen Lilley
Your web site is beautiful. I really enjoyed the eulogy to Buddy Gilmour.
Ruleen Lilley
Hello Robert,
Thanks for letting us know about your new website. It looks great and we’ve added it to out “favorites”. I will be sure to pass on the info to our friends.
We’ve missed your columns on the SC site.
We had hoped to get to Clinton for Legends Day, but we have been enlisted to look after our grandson . We attended a Legends Day several years ago and had a great time. For my wife and I, Roger Huston is the ultimate race caller. Oh well, we’ll be able to catch him at the Jug again pretty soon. Do you ever get to the Jug?
Thanks for letting us know about your new website. It looks great and we’ve added it to out “favorites”. I will be sure to pass on the info to our friends.
We’ve missed your columns on the SC site.
We had hoped to get to Clinton for Legends Day, but we have been enlisted to look after our grandson . We attended a Legends Day several years ago and had a great time. For my wife and I, Roger Huston is the ultimate race caller. Oh well, we’ll be able to catch him at the Jug again pretty soon. Do you ever get to the Jug?
T & A Ontario
Hi Robert :
I have had a brief look at the website and it looks great! I will continue to check back and comment on items of interest. I note that Hanover Raceway held their first Heritage Day on Saturday night and one of those recognized was Lloyd Wagner . I truly wish I could have gone to Hanover that night as I'm sure there would have been plenty of memories. I also note that Clinton is recruiting announcers for their Legends Day. I wonder if George Moffat, the voice of Clinton in the 1970's, is still around. You know of my affection for Billy Kell who did the races in Hanover in the 60's and 70's. I was in Clinton last Sunday and they have a gentleman named O'Connor announcing the races and I must say I thought he did a great job. Unfortunately, the sound system did't preform equally. Under the grandstand, or on the tarmac you could hear perfectly - in the grandstand - not so much.
Best wished on launching your new website. I have it as a "favourite" on my computer and will be a regular visitor .
Best wished on launching your new website. I have it as a "favourite" on my computer and will be a regular visitor .
Keith Nethery
