May-Aug. 2013 Archives
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The following items are listed below as they appeared on this website during the month of May 2013 . To view each item, simply scroll down the page and it will appear in the order shown .
1.- Delvin Miller Remembered
2. - Happy Mothers Day
3. - A piece of old time writing
4. - Memories of Northville Downs
5. - Remembering Dalyce Blue & Doc Findley
6. - Happy Victoria Day
7. - John Burns Off to a Good Start
8. - North Sydney N.S. Starts the Season -1942
9. - Remembering Jim Brown
Happy Mothers Day
May 11, 2013
I would like to send my personal best wishes to all mothers in the Recollections reading audience on this special" Mothers Day " . You are the best !!
We all owe so much to our mothers that we can never repay them for ,and rightfully there should be a lot more than just one day set aside each year . I have a wealth of happy memories created by my own mother and despite the fact that she departed this earth many years ago her positive influence lives on . There is scarcely a day goes by and often many times a day, I reflect on the lessons she imparted ,not necessarily only as a "teacher" but rather as a caring role model .I know that once we are gone we no longer have birthdays, but this month will mark the 100th anniversary of her birth in 1913 .
She grew up in an era when "less was often more" and was a master at making do with what you had ,not worrying about what you wanted and didn't have . She could perform the proverbial "loaves and fishes" act and often did so on a daily basis .
I have continued to be blessed with a great wife whose mothering skills have now moved to yet another generation as our daughters are also mothers. I am most thankful for her emphasis on the simpler and more meaningful things in life .
I am grateful to them one and all for making a good life all that much better, and for their devotion to "Hearth & Home" ;the place where true joy and happiness resides ....
Chances are if we have any admirable qualities about us ,we can thank our Mothers .....
Again HAPPY MOTHERS DAY !!
A Piece of Old Time Writing
May 4, 2013
The following is intended as a "fanciful" attempt to recreate a piece of old time horse reporting as I recall reading it way back when ....I think it's called a "spoof" ,in other words all just made up .
CHARLIE SMOOTER PASSES AWAY
Word has just been received of Charlie's passing which caught many by surprise including this writer as most had recalled him as being alive at least until a few years ago as his age was listed at 85 but seemed much younger perhaps due to his youthful experiences on the backstretch for so many years plus he had enjoyed poor health for sometime . Charlie was a regular at many one day meets along with his wife two sons three trotting mares and a spotted dog as all had records around the 2:16 mark with Charlie tail sitting and could have gone faster if asked as the purses were lower back then........he first entered the sport interested only in the breeding end of it but just with his wife but as she lost interest due to the resulting family he took on other partners to keep costs down and also loved square dancing to pass the time away .Two of Charlie's daughters stayed at home to help with chores along with three broodmares and all were said to be safely in foal at the time of writing .......he loved to take a drink but seldom did so during a race as he was equally at home behind a pacer or trotter and his best was a mare whose name escapes me at this time but Charlie's old gray mare and wife went with him everywhere as it was stated that it was easier than kissing her good bye but did say she was as good as any he ever sat behind .Old Charlie was an only child but had several sisters still living in Eastern Ontario who could bake a good apple pie as did his mother until several years after her death and they showed them at the fairs taking numerous ribbons for the cherry ones .Sympathy is extended to remaining family members especially those already gone as a large sale is expected to dispose of Charlie's remains and all are told to watch this paper for incomplete details at a later date especially the younger set .Just where Charlie's current whereabouts are is unknown but he did often say "If there's no draught beer in heaven then I don't want to go !!....." One of his favourite quotes was an old Will Roger's one " I never liked a man that I haven't met ... " .
We could all learn a lot from a man like Charlie as he entered the horse business with very little knowledge and took pride in never changing ......
Note :Any resemblance of any person either living or otherwise is strictly coincidental .
Memories From Northville Downs Michigan
May 6, 2013
In 1944 when Northville Downs opened their track for racing under the lights, it was a major step in the growth of harness racing for many including a large group of Canadians who raced there in the early years . While I do not have any early day memories of actually attending the races (I was way too young to be out after dark) I do recall attending "Horsemen's Picnics" that were held by the Track management to show their appreciation for their part of the production .They were always held on Sundays as there was no racing on that day years ago . My older brother and I usually ate way too much soft ice cream (which Michiganders called Frozen Custard) and also consumed far too many bottles of Coca Cola which I recall came in small green bottles in those days .It was a lot of fun for a couple of Canadian farm kid "hicks" but we inevitably left feeling sick ....
In the first year of racing at Northville my father and his then partner Russell Miller of Dutton Ont. raced a horse called ARGOT DILLON and they were quite successful . Their trainer and driver was Alfred Moore of Sarnia, a man who raced a lot in Michigan in those early days .Many people had never experienced pari-mutuel betting in those days and when a big payoff lit up the tote board, the crowd invariably went wild !! .
Horse Pays Off In Boxcar Figures
In what turned out to be a strange happening, Argot Dillon was involved in a rather bizarre payoff that was recorded in the following day's Detroit paper . Going off at odds of 24-1 he paid $5.70 more to place than to win .The odd numbers were $50.00 to win;$55.70 to place and $32.20 to show . My father often recalled the story that someone from the Northville management team told him that that event was one of the key items that helped to get night racing underway in a successful direction .(I wonder how many other people they told that tale to !) The badly yellowed copy is shown here and I hope it can still be read .If you can't it says that one patron had 18 $5 tickets on Argot Dillon,cashing in $2250 !!!
Shown below are a number of great old photos from way back when that appeared in the Harness Horse and were supplied by Recollections follower Don Daniels .They were taken by "Snuffy" McGill a resident photographer who took a "ton" of pictures around the track,many of training miles,etc. .He developed many of them and sold them for $1.00 each to many horsemen of that era .
An aerial view .The small semi circle opposite the stand was the winner's circle where horses paused for post race photos .
A huge standing room only crowd .
Another overflow crowd at Northville
A view of a rather rustic paddock which was a new addition to racing as in the early days horses raced directly from the stables. This picture really captures quite a scene of early racing .
Happy Victoria Day
May 19, 2013
Happy Victoria Day to everyone . What a great time of year and the unofficial "kickoff" to the upcoming summer time .This holiday has been observed since before Canada was formed .
In days of old ,the racing season often began on this weekend . In that vein, I have included a story today about a once famous racing centre that was known for its annual Race Day that started the harness racing season for many years .While it no longer starts the year off ,there is still racing held here this weekend .
You may read the story below .
John Burns "Off To A Good Start" 1964
May 17, 2013
A young John Whitney Burns of Collingwood Ont. is pictured here with his pride and joy J R Spencer.This horse started John on his continuing long and successful career in harness racing .
1964 Recollections
Season Opens At Collingwood
May 18,1964
Nine heats of racing were featured as the season began in the region with a total of $1,000 offered in purses . Four races of two heats each saw brothers Bill and Richard Carroll in the winner's circle 3 times as Bill piloted Billy C Grattan to two wins and Richard was 1-2 with Royal Echo.There was also a double heat victory by Charlie Lawson driving Worthy Blue owned by his father Bill of Orangeville .Other winning drivers were Irwin Hamilton ,Eddie Till and John Irwin .
Races will be held again here in late September .
Special Race For Green Horses
In a special event for green trotters and pacers going a single heat for a $100 purse, saw the debut of a promising two year old pacer named J R Spencer .This youngster is the property of a 14 year old local boy John Burns who broke and trained this son of True Spencer himself and was on hand to see his first start . With local veteran Russ Rentner in the bike, the colt toured the Collingwood track in 2:18 and earned $50 for his winning effort . All of the other 4 entrants were 3 year olds which bodes well for the future with youngsters coming on .Young Mr. Burns also received a cooler and a halter to begin what he hopes will be a long career in the sport .
J R Spencer was purchased as a yearling by John when he was just 13 from a local gentleman named Walter Seeley for a reported $250. The colt was pretty much a total Hometown product" .Mr. Seeley owned the dam Village Queen and the sire True Spencer a U.S. bred horse was owned by Clarence Lockhart so it was fitting that the new owner also have a Collingwood address .An earlier foal named Miss Gibralter a full sister to J R Spencer did not fare well racing briefly for owner George Duncan and his partner Frank McKean . Based on his early showing Burns was offered $1500 for the youngster but declined the offer .It was undoubtedly a wise decision .
Follow Up
Almost 50 years have passed ( OK.. 49) since this day . John Burns has had a long and successful career in his chosen field and continues on .He started his work with the horses at the age of 9. The following summer at age ten, he when to Old Woodbine with Clarence Lockhart a fellow townsman and helped by watering horses and other barn chores .The horse mentioned today J R Spencer progressed to a highly successful career,first racing for Jack Gordon but mainly in the stable of Keith Waples .Many people wait for a lifetime to get a good horse ;John started out with one .J R Spencer went on to win over $60,000 lifetime in an era of fairly low purses .In his heyday he was as well known as any horse racing in Ontario or perhaps even Canada and whenever his success story was told, it included his very young owner .
In June of 2000, John had a special honour bestowed upon him when he was inducted into the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport of Harness Racing .His induction created a rather unique link in the local H O Fame as he followed his father and grandfather who were earlier elected as outstanding hockey players . At one time John too played hockey in Collingwood .
The Carroll brothers are mentioned here as well .Richard at the age of 77 is as the saying goes "still at it" and races a number of horses with he and his wife Mary's son Alfie doing all the driving as well as daughter Angela assisting . Bill Carroll passed away many years ago and when he died his ashes were spread at the Greenwood Track ;a rather unique happening . Charlie Lawson of course went on to a very long, busy and successful career as one of the best catch drivers ever .He just died within the past couple of years .
Some say ..."Those were the good old days ...others say the best part of the good old days is that they're not here anymore ..." ( A quote from my late friend Cecil Mertz) .
Starting Off The Racing Season in The Maritimes
May 19, 2013
71 Years Ago - Monday May 25,1942 - Racing at North Sydney Nova Scotia
Introduction - In the "old days" the racing season often officially began on the weekend of May 24th each year coincidental with the Victoria Day Holiday .This was a very special time on the racing calendar and people came out in numbers to "rewelcome" the sport after a long winter of waiting.I have chosen to recreate a day of racing from long ago,not so much for the actual names and facts but more to try to portray what an old time race day involved .I hope you will read it even if you like me never attended the races at North Sydney Nova Scotia .
I have attempted to report the day and its attendant activities the way it would have been done back then .The following is a recap of a day of racing held May 25th ,1942 at the popular Northside Track ,home of many great memories of Maritime racing dating back to its beginning in 1898 .
A huge gathering attended today's racing and at day's end virtually everyone filing out of the grandstand were eager for the upcoming season in Cape Breton and surrounding area . A four event card produced splendid early season racing and also benefited an extremely worthy cause .A total of just 13 horses were entered today with a Match Race between Peter Hal and Oakhurst Queen the feature event .Match races were often part of the early year festivities and some years a purse of just $40 was on the line but more importantly with a win went the bragging rights that came with a victory .
Although a fairly brisk wind developed midway through the afternoon ,the crowd remained and were thrilled by the close finishes and exciting action . Two bands entertained the crowd as they played between heats . A 33 piece all girls fife and drum band of Glace Bay under the direction of Jack Adams and the Sydney Mines Victory Band directed by William Archer provided well received entertainment .
All heats were contested at a distance of 1/2 mile due to the earliness of the racing season . The fastest time of the afternoon was clocked by Oakhurst Queen in the opening heat of the two horse match race when a time of 1:08 was hung out .All events were of three heats except the colt race which was a two dash affair . Nearly all of the horses entered today were locally owned and all of the drivers are familiar to area race fans . The oldest driver was Allie Lewis and the title of winningest went to "Silent Charlie" Sweet who piloted Patsy Peters to wins in each of the 3 heats for owner Syl Phalen of Glace Bay .
RESULTS
Race 1 -Colt Race
Muriel Henley (Joe Hood) ..........1-1
Mike Budlong (Mike Jabalee).....3-2
Bob Long (Wes Vickers).............2-4
Tansey (Howard Hastings)..........4-3
Race 2 - Match Race
Peter Hal (Worrell Lewis)...........2-1-1
Oakhurst Queen (Howard Hastings).....1-2-2
Race 3 -Named Trot
Patsy Peters (Charlie Sweet).........1-1-1
Dr. Mac (Frank Holmes)..................3-2-2
Model T. ("Nipper" Collins)..............2-3-drawn
Race 4 - Named Pace
Miss Counter (Wes Vickers)..........4-1-1
Bob Neil (Joe Hood) ....................1-2-2
Maud Henley (Allie Lewis)...........2-3-3
Lady Omar (Neilly MacDonald)....3-4-4
Officials For The Day
Chas Thompson - Starter
Chas. McNeil - Judge
Steen Purvis - Judge
Jake Bonavsky - Timer
Crandall Musgrave - Timer
Wm. Airey - Track Marshall
Hughie Young - Track Marshall
Don MacDonald - Clerk of the Course
Proceeds To Be Donated To Charity
Thanks to the generosity of track owner "Charlie" Ballard who donated his facility for the day's festivities, a great day of harness racing kicked off the 1942 season in these parts .It was not only a great day on the racing oval, it also made possible a donation of at least $250 to the Red Cross ,an organization that is doing so much good around the world currently as the War continues on many fronts .
Foot note - I know there are a lot of long time horsemen in the area with names such as Rankin,Ratchford and Collins to name a few who probably have many memories of this track and the area racing .I know at one time that Bill O'Donnell's father stabled there .
Your comments are welcomed at oldrecollections@gmail.com
Remembering Mr. "Jim" Brown
May 25, 2013
In this latest edition of "Recollections" ,I have taken a look back at a very influential man of the sport's past whose presence is still felt through his son .
Anyone who has been following the sport and business of harness racing for the last half century surely knows a man named Dr. Glen Brown D.V.M. . His many decades of service(close to 50 years) with the great Armstrong operation and his ownership of scores of fine horses such as Fan Hanover, are just the proverbial "tip of the iceberg" . In addition to all of this, he has been active at every level of committee and executive involvement in so many fields. Top all of this off with his towering figure in so many winner's circle presentations in that unmistakable blazer ; I think he has what might be called "presence". I was recently told by someone who knows "He is the most knowledgeable man I know in our Industry and that covers a lot of people ". What some people may not know, is that before him came another famous man named "Brown" .......James W. better known as "Jim" Brown, his father .
Dr. Glen Brown is shown with the great mare Armbro Flight owned by the Armstrong's of Brampton Ont. .Dr Brown was at the helm of the huge operation for many decades .Photo from 1986
The passage of time has the unfortunate effect of sometimes diminishing or minimizing the importance of what has gone before us . This is true in our sport as well so I think it is occasionally important to recall the efforts of those " who got us here ..."
James William Brown was born in the Huron County town of Blyth Ont. in 1897 . As a young man he began to deal in draft horses and eventually while in the employ of a horse dealer from Brussels Ont. he made a rather important trip that was to shape the balance of his lifetime .In 1919 he made a trip to Northern Ontario to accompany a load of bush horses and found the area quite to his liking . Always plagued by breathing and asthmatic problems, he found the air to be beneficial .He decided to move to the town of New Liskeard in the Lake Timiskaming area where he began to deal in heavy horses for the booming logging and agriculture industry . It would remain his home for the rest of his days .
In the late 1930's Mr. Brown began to take an active interest in harness racing and started to assemble a small stable of horses . Originally he and his younger brother Bruce who became a driver, campaigned in the Northern Ontario towns and in Quebec and around 1940 ventured much further south . In 1941 he captured the then prestigious Canadian Pacing Derby at New Hamburg with the durable mare Miss Vera Bars handled by Gid Litt .She was the only mare to ever capture that prestigious race . Following this victory came one of the great feats of this era as Brown's famous gelding The Count B. won an unprecedented 4 Derbys in 5 years, starting in 1944 and concluding in 1948 . A number of trainers and drivers handled his horses throughout the years but the father son duo of Cliff Chapman Sr. and his son John are remembered as having the most success .
August 1946 - New Hamburg Canadian Pacing Derby .Mr. Jim Brown (centre) presents winning trophy to Warren Leatherdale owner of Blue Again that year's Derby winner .On the left is Alex Parsons of London
Establishes Major Breeding Farm Operation
Another of Mr. Brown's major accomplishments came about with the formation of the then largest horse breeding operation in the Country . Located 4 miles north of New Liskeard and called Glendale Stock Farm, it housed 3 farm stallions and a total of 40 farm owned mares on a 1000 acre property . The stallions were also offered for public breeding . Several years of success and growing popularity followed as many horses bearing the name "Glendale" began to populate the Raceways of Canada and the U.S. and were offered for auction as yearlings annually at a sale in Batavia N.Y. .
While some questioned the wisdom of a location so far north Mr. Brown was the first to defend the location and called it "The Kentucky of the North" . His theory was that "cold develops bone and muscle" and felt strongly that the northern climate was the perfect habitat for horse raising . He also found that Northern hay crops yielded twice as much as those anywhere in Southern Ontario and the pasture grass stays green all summer .Additionally the higher lime content in the soil was a prime requisite for development of young horses .
Unfortunately in 1955 the main barn at Glendale Farms was struck by lightning ,causing a fire which destroyed all three stallions and many mares . Thus ended the breeding and colt operation as the decision was made to not rebuild .
Jim Brown is shown with one of his Glendale Farm sires Earls Playboy ,one of the stallions he stood for a number of years at New Liskeard .
Mr. Brown Heads Up Early Toronto Racing Centres
Yet another of Jim Brown's contributions to the growth of the sport came around the 1950 period when he became heavily involved with the then fast growing interest in harness racing in the Metropolitan Toronto area . He served as the General manager at the revitalized Thorncliffe Park and also in a similar capacity at the inaugural meeting at Old Woodbine in 1954. This was combined with many years of top level involvement with the CTA as well as the Canadian Standardbred Society .During this period many procedures and policies now taken for granted were put in place such as driver licensing,qualifying races and proper horse identification .Jim Brown supported anything that was good for the sport .His vision for the future certainly paved the way to what the sport became .
This 1945 photo was taken at Buffalo Raceway following a win by The Count B. .From left is Jim Brown,James Dunnigan Buffalo Pres.(holding trophy) and driver Cliff "Chappy" Chapman Sr. .
In a recent conversation with Glen Brown he was in a bit of a reminiscent mood as he spoke of his late father .
" He truly loved the sport, and in his retirement years never missed his trip to Lexington in the fall with Bob Polk. They had reserved seats down by the rail and never missed a race.
Dad was an owner, breeder, track manager, sales company operator and served as president of the Standardbred Horse Society and was a C.T.A. director. He was into everything involving the standardbred horse."
It is interesting to note that as Jim Brown's career accomplishments are recounted ,there are no lofty monetary gains mentioned .Throughout his years in the sport his intentions were obviously motivated by more than pure business reasons,as these were times when harness racing did not generate large sums of money .This fact adds to his stature as a sportsman .
Mr. Brown died in 1968 following an automobile accident .He was headed back up north to his home when he was struck by another car as he turned into a restaurant .Although not seriously injured, he suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after being hospitalized .He was 70 years of age .
Jim Brown is a member of the C.H.O.F.elected in 1979 in the builders category .His son Glen is also a member of numerous Halls Of Fame .
We thank "The Browns" for their many contributions ....
Your comments are always welcomed at oldrecollections@gmail.com
Reader's Comments :
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!
June 2013 Archives
The following items are listed below as they appeared on this website during the month of June 2013 . To view each item, simply scroll down the page and it will appear in the order shown .
1.- A Visit with Wes Coke
2. - Frank Loyens Remembered
3. - Ontario Jockey Club Appointment
4. - A Visit With Glen Tiffin
5. - Brian Webster & Glendale Fred
6. - Happy Fathers Day
7. - The First NA Cup
8. - Trotting Under Saddle
9. - The Walter Dale Memorial
10. - Walter Dale Winners List
Frank Loyens Remembered
June 3, 2013
This 1990 photo shows the three Loyens brothers involved in harness racing . From left Bill,Frank and Harry .For many years they have been active participants in all areas of the sport .Their horses were raced under the ownership called Lobro Bros. as well as Windsong Acres their breeding farm.
Frank Loyens , a long time member of Canadian harness racing passed away on Monday June 3 rd at the age of 69 . The Loyens family who emigrated from Holland in 1951, first entered the sport way back in 1958 . With the assistance of horsemen like Leroy Revington and Jiggs McFadden, they slowly moved into the ownership ranks ,racing mainly at Western Fair Raceway .They started out with a horse called Harvester Joe who brother Harry was quoted as saying "we never made a nickel with him" .In 1967 the stable became associated with one of the sport's top trainers Ron Feagan and their relationship lasted many years until the young trainer's untimely death in 1978 .Many other top horsemen such as Ken Hardy and Jerry Duford handled their stock in later years .
In addition to operating a large and very successful construction business in London, the Loyens family have been fortunate to own many great raceway performers ,a number bearing the prefix name "LOBRO" . Their first standout performer was a memorable horse named Midge Diamond who was claimed for $8000 which was the largest claiming price to that time in Canada .They later had the thrill of a Breeders Crown victory with a filly named Armbro Ina .Many others followed .
While I did not know the Loyens family personally, I have "known of" them and their lofty accomplishments for many years and wish to extend my condolences at this time .
Ont Jockey Club Appointment -June 1985
June 6, 2013
In June of 1985 The Ontario Jockey Club announced the hiring of a new very young person into their Publicity Department . Shown below is a copy of the announcement as it appeared in the June 27,1985 issue of The Standardbred magazine .A real close look may reveal a person still quite familiar today .
A Visit With Glen Tiffin
June 8, 2013
A vintage newspaper clipping from the London Free Press dated July 1,1957 chronicles the greatest single day of Glen Tiffin's long racing career .He won that year's Supertest 3 year old pacing stake with a colt named Bimbo Chief owned by Dresden farmer Joe Booth
Thanks to my rather unusual and almost singular "hobby" ,I have been lucky enough to get to know a lot of interesting people involved in the world of Harness Racing .I don't always get to actually "meet" them but I do get to "know" them .Just recently I have been privileged to as the old saying goes to "make the acquaintance of" a very interesting gentleman named Glen Tiffin .At the tender age of 84 (turning 85 in July) his memory is still keen,and his repertoire of recollections is quite amazing .I am pleased to have him share so many of his memories with me as well as "gifting" a lot of old and interesting newspaper clippings,many yellowed by time but filled with great "stuff " .An oddity of sorts occurred for the first time ever in my journalistic career when I learned we share the same date of birth .(The day only as he has a few years on me)
Glen has lived his entire lifetime in the same area of Southwestern Ontario ,namely rural Dresden, a true hotbed of harness racing dating back over parts of the past 3 centuries .He started his lifelong "love affair" with horses and harness racing at a young age and in fact it was almost part of his "schooling" .As he made his way to a small school near his home, he often got a "lift" from a neighbour who trained his horses on the same road young Glen travelled to school .That man who lived just two miles away, was Levi "Jiggs" McFadden, certainly a name well known throughout the Province and beyond .
In a high wheeled cart, "Jiggs" made the long daily trek across the sometimes muddy roads between his home and nearby Tupperville a couple of times a day, a journey of some 12 miles for the round trip .When his young passenger was available for a ride ,they visited about horses,harness racing and other things and Glen admits he was soon "bitten" by the racing bug .Getting the chance to hold the lines was a thrill for the young boy . In those long ago days, few people could exist on racing alone so the young lad dreamed of a life of farming for a "living" and racing horses for "fun" .And so it all began ,and so it has been for nearly 80 years ......
Glen Tiffin Enters "The Game"
In those days the path to racing a horse was owning a horse and so Glen set about doing what it took .His first horse was a mare named Bonnie Blue C .His first try on the track came about in 1955 when the annual race day at nearby Alvinston took place on the May 24th Holiday . All good endeavours require a plan and the strategy on this first day was to follow his mentor Jiggs McFadden who also had a horse in the same race . Like many of life's best laid plans ,it soon went astray as Jigg's horse was more interested in entering the infield than staying on the racecourse .Whatever the plan was, Glen fared well on his first day ,despite a blown tire,and immediately showed that he had the skills to be a good driver .He soon started winning races and eventually later in the season sold his mare to a Buffalo N.Y. owner .
Supertest Victory Provides Biggest Career Thrill
July 1957 - Driver Glen Tiffin appears in the winner's circle at Strathroy Ont. following an outstanding two heat victory in that year's 3 Year Old Pacing feature "The Supertest Stakes".The winning horse was Bimbo Chief owned by Jos. Booth of Dresden .
In 1957 Glen Tiffin ascended to a great day in the sulky ,one that made him the "toast of the harness world" if just for a fleeting moment . That day in front of 5000 cheering fans at the famous Strathroy Dominion Day Races, he piloted Bimbo Chief to a resounding victory over a field of * other starters .A $100 purchase by owner Joe Booth from Fred Goudreau of Wallaceburg ,the black son of Jimmy Chief out of Darky Patch established some pretty lofty standards that day .He also had a double heat victory in another event with his own entrant Della Chief .Four trips to the winners circle was a pretty good day's work ! In addition, Glen received The Supertest Trophy,a silver plate from Molson's Breweries,and a blanket from The Strathroy Turf Club for the day's fastest mile .Of course the biggest prize of all was the winner's share of the over $3,500 purse for Mr. Booth .
As so often happened in those days, Bimbo Chief's victory attracted an audience well beyond the local scene .He was immediately sold to Cecil Reid of West Lorne Ont. and shipped to the U.S. and placed in the stable of Bud Gilmour .He then became "Bimbo Chief Can" .Unfortunately he did not become the horse many had envisioned he would .Oddly ,a number of years later "Bimbo" made his way back to the ownership of Joe Booth and raced for his original owner as late as 1965 but not at a very high level .
Tiffen Enjoys a Long & Rewarding Career
Despite his early successes Glen chose to follow a rather low profile career . Apart from one season, that being in 1959 when he and his wife joined the stable of Bud Gilmour ,he remained close to home .Preferring to race mainly at local meetings and train on his own 1/2 mile farm track ,Tiffin carved out his niche in the racing world . He did his own shoeing, training and "trouble shooting" for horses he owned and also trained for others . While it was not elaborate or exotic, it seemed to suit his interests .One facet of his career that was never in doubt was the respect he enjoyed from those he raced against.
He Still Loves The Sport
Despite the passing of time and all of the resulting changes, Glen still retains a keen interest in the sport ,undoubtedly at least in part due to his family involvement .His daughter Lori McKelvie is a long time Standardbred Canada Field Rep. as well as her husband Scott McKelvie Race Secretary of the WEG Group .Their son Mark has proven to be rather adept at handicapping and has made quite an impression with his special talent .A couple of years ago in May of 2010 his wife Marlene who worked along side him for many years passed away .Glen's son John resides at the family farm.
Our sport has benefited from all sorts of people and it is always fascinating for me to hear each one's individual life story . They are all very interesting and above all very different .....
A Family Affair - This 1971 photo shows the Tiffins appearing in the Dresden Raceway winner's circle with stable star Tip Hy held by Marlene Tiffin, Glen's wife .
Dresden 1967 - A smiling Glen Tiffin is shown winning and in the winner's circle with HONEST KING owned by Edgar Comeau .This was taken when night racing first came to Dresden,a track sometimes called "Little Saratoga"
Comments welcomed at oldrecollections@gmail.com
Reader's Comments :
Lori McKelvie wrote :
Good Morning Robert :
You have made my day and I am shedding a few tears .Thank you so much for the great article on my Dad.He will be thrilled with it .He will not see it until Sunday as he is away at a horse sale .
Thank you again, it is something I will keep forever .Your stories always make me smile and we read them all the time.Keep the stories coming . Lori
July 2013 Archives
The following items are listed below as they appeared on this website during the month of July 2013 . To view each item, simply scroll down the page and it will appear in the order shown .
1. Old Dominion Day Races
2. Photo Quiz Answers
3. Old Photos Revisited
4. The Dresden Reunion - 1987
5. The Maple Leaf Trot - 1968
6. Racing At South Mountain -75 Years Ago
7.Remembering The Apthorpes
8. Hambletonian Memories - Pt 1
9. Mohawk Drivers Raise Funds
10. Fire Destroys Horses at Exeter
The Old Dominion Day Races
June 29, 2013
A huge gathering at the Dominion Day races (LFP archives)
At one time racing on Dominion Day (July 1st) was one of the biggest races days of the year across Canada ,often the Biggest in some localities .Many small towns had "a claim" on the day and no one else violated their time slot by scheduling on the same day . A few really well organized spots such as Strathroy Ont. staged a huge day that not only included harness racing but also a number of other sporting contests . Track and Field events and baseball games were held on the day as well, and thousands were in attendance .It was often a time when families dressed up,packed a picnic lunch and headed to the track for a day of fun .
Strathroy July 1,1949 - Noted horseman Duncan Campbell accepts a trophy for his win that day with his three year old colt LITTLE BILL . Mrs. Oliver presents the "Corporal Lee" trophy as Margaret and Ray Campbell ,two of his 5 children join in the festivities .(see more below)(LFP Photo)
I have chosen a few places in various years that had First of July Harness Racing and shown them below .
Dunnville Ont - 1867
While several Upper Canada communities were celebrating Confederation in their own way on July 1,1867 ,spectators turned out in numbers to watch the exciting harness race between BLACK BESS and JENNY LIND . (Can. Sportsman)
Editor's note - If anyone in the reading audience was there can you please report in on who won !!
Sydney N.S .-July 1,1956
Fans at Sydney were treated to 8 heats of racing on an ideal day . The big winner of the card was Tronia's Bob who took both heats of the $400 Free For All Pace .Driver Archie Shore who also owns the son of Bob Lee, scored his only two victories in this race and recorded the day's fastest mile in 2:12.1 in the second heat .Grey Eagle was twice second . Other winning drivers of the day were Ernest Frost,Shirley Scott,Doug Ratchford,Joseph MacDonald and Percy "Pinky" Guam .
Strathroy Ont . - July 1,1949
A huge crowd was on hand to see Duncan Campbell of nearby Ailsa Craig win the 3 Year Old Stake with his homebred LITTLE BILL in 3 straight heats .The $1000 purse is among the highest paid to any colt race in the Province . This promising young horse was a winner at Clinton the previous week . Mr. Campbell and his family have been long time competitors at the "Dominion Day Picnic" along with many other area horse fanciers .
An unusually large card of 15 heats were held this day,all closely contested .The biggest winners of the afternoon were the Moore Bros. of Sarnia who took home 5 wins with Marshall Moore handing the lines . Dora Baldwin was a double heat winner as was Dixie Lee Hy who won the featured Class 18 Pace . Alice G the property of Nate Neely of Sarnia paced the day's fastest mile of 2:10.4 when she upset Dixie Lee Hy in the middle heat ,driven by Wm. "Shorty" Powell .Another outstanding performance was turned in by driver Lloyd Turvey of Exeter who was home first in no less than 4 heats .Much credit is due Mr. Harold Currie perennial race organizer along with his crew of volunteers .The racing oval was in "razor sharp" condition but the track record of 2:04 1/2 set way back in 1937 by Simcoe Harvester remained intact .
This marked the third year that the mobile starting gate was in use .Mr. Tom MacDonnell of Hamilton was once again in charge of starting the races, a much improved system from years ago .He was accompanied by his son Bill now approaching his 14th birthday .
Left -Right - Clint Hodgins,Dr. Riddell,Hon Earl Rowe and owner's son Fred Saint (authors collection)
Orangeville Ont. - 1936
Dr. Riddell's famous First of July race day was again a huge success with a large contingent of horses in competition . The featured Three Year Old Pace was won by a gelding named Lee Counterpart from the barn of Joseph Saint of Wallaceburg Ont. .In the bike was the young reinsman Clint Hodgins . His appearance was somewhat unexpected as he was sporting a cast on his arm as a result of an earlier racing accident . A special sling and attachment to the lines were made to accommodate his "handicap" which did not seem to bother him . Purse for the race was $500 and Hon. Earl Rowe was on hand to join Dr. Riddell in the trophy presentation made to Fred Saint the owner's son and trainer .
Wiarton Ont.-1955
A Holiday race program was presented at a spot where racing was not often held . While the races may have been officially to celebrate Dominion Day the afternoon could have been dubbed "Hughie McLean Day " .The veteran Port Elgin horseman completely dominated the race card winning 6 of the 8 heats . He was a double heat winner with his own horses ,taking twin victories behind The Great Patch, Deanne Direct and then scoring in the day's feature with Hals Bomb .All races went for a purse of $150 except the feature which had a $200 pot ,half of which went to "Hughie" .
Elmira - 1984
Sixteen of the Continent's top drivers travelled to Elmira to help celebrate Canada's Birthday .Many of the horsemen here on this day had fathers and grandfathers who participated at the old Dominion Day race meetings of yesteryear . The list of drivers competing in a special "Canada Day" card of races included (in alphabetical order)Ross Battin,Doug Brown, John Campbell,Steve Condren,Bud Gilmour,Carman Hie,Danny Johnson,Terry Kerr,Michel LaChance, Chas. Lawson,Paul MacDonell,Ray McLean, Fred Sadler,Lloyd Spinks,Tom Strauss and Ron Waples .
The afternoon featured "Team" competitions based on the driver's home track .Many in attendance stayed for a barbecue and to chat with the visiting horsemen .
Picture shows a portion of the huge crowd at an old time race meeting .
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
Photo Quiz Answers
July 5, 2013
It appears that the Jackpot offered for correctly naming the group of young drivers in a recently posted picture will go unclaimed as no one correctly named all of the young men .I would like to thank those who were good enough to submit their guesses .
The names appear beneath the photo . Again I thank bill Galvin for supplying this very interesting photo .
Front Row (Left-Right) - John Hayes Jr. ,Nelson White, George Wain
Back Row (L-R) - Wes Coke,Bill Hicks,Carman Hie,Eric Langille,Garth Campbell and Douglas Arthur
Note : There is another person obscured by the small colt and I must check with bill to see if he has an identity for that "mystery" guest .
Races Held At South Mountain - 75 Years Ago 1938
July 22, 2013
September 16,1938 - South Mountain Ont.
(See Comments below)
The small community of South Mountain ,located in far Eastern Ontario about 30 miles south of Ottawa ,staged another successful day of harness racing as part of their annual Fair .An appreciative crowd was on hand to watch 3 Races ,each consisting of 3 Heats ,thus providing 9 separate contests .This track is known throughout the area for the fine July 1st racing program it has held annually for many years .
The races were held under the jurisdiction of The Canadian National Trotting Association and were conducted under their rules and bylaws .Today's Starter was Karl Wells of Aultsville who did a good job of getting the horses away without excessive scoring .
A total of 12 horses were entered in the 3 races, evenly divided at 4 starters per contest and each race carried a Purse of $93.00 . While this amount compared favourably with area race meets it was well down from the $125 purse offered the year previous at this track .The 9 heats produced just 4 different winning efforts and the horse in each race with the best standing for the day was declared the overall winner .
Race Results
In the day's first race Oakley Grattan was a straight 3 heat winner for owner Miss Ella Parker of Winchester Ont. .In each heat Rosa Bunter finished second for owner John Thompson of South Mountain .The fastest time was 2:17 in the opener .
In the second race, The Comet was declared the winner as the bay horse won the first heat,finished second in the middle event and came back a winner in the final .Accepting the winner's trophy was owner Jacob Ross of Winchester .A real local favourite Tillie The Toiler took the middle event and paced the fastest heat of 2:16 for owner J.W. Ault of Winchester .
In the third race, Midnight Grattan to the surprise of no one took all three heats of The Free For All and also paced the fastest trip of the afternoon as he stopped the timer's watch in a swift 2:13 .The owner of this consistent pacer is Mr. Chas Pike also of Winchester thus giving a clean sweep by owners from that nearby Town .Midnight Grattan who sports a record of 2:09 was recently secured from Chas. Sandrelli of North Bay a well known horse trader who frequents these parts .
No Lily Part
Fans in attendance were a bit disappointed that the most successful horse racing in the area this season was absent from the day's action .The roan mare Lily Part owned by Dr. Mahlon Locke of Williamsburg has won nearly all of her starts this season including a trip to Ottawa .On this day, Lily Part and her trainer and driver Cecil Champion were busy at Renfrew where they were engaged in a highly touted match race with Bedford Grattan .The event which carried a purse of $175 was won by the mare as she took the first and third of the 3 heats thus the victory and the "bragging rights" attached .
This area of the country has an abundance of competition at this time of year and a number of horses racing today have either appeared at or will be moving on to similar race days at nearby stops such as Williamsburg,Winchester,Chesterville,Newington,Lansdowne,Spencerville,Avonmore,Kemptville and Richmond .
Readers Comments :
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
Remembering The Apthorpes
July 26, 2013
Recollections follower Brian Lawson recently sent along a nice note regarding some of his memories of growing up at places like Old Woodbine . Brian is a second generation horseman ,the son of the late Roy and Jean Lawson of Midland Ont. .
I have included a picture taken in 1953 at Stratford of Mrs. Wilbur Apthorpe in her racing silks . She was not a driver, but assisted her husband and probably warmed up horses ,hence the silks . A further interesting note about the couple is that in 1969 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and at the time were still actively training horses at the Dresden Fairgrounds . A total of over 400 people signed the guest book on this memorable occasion of their golden wedding anniversary .The Apthorpes were long time residents of Charing Cross in Raleigh Township in the Chatham area .
Here was Brian's note :
Hi Robert :
A nice story from the 1950's is that of Wilbur Apthorpe ,the one handed driver who drove the FFA mare Merry England . Wilbur could drive against the top drivers of the era with much success . The Apthorpes were a wonderful couple and they always had treats for us kids that were at Old Woodbine .
Thanks for giving us these terrific memories .From Brian Lawson
Mrs. Orma Apthorpe with Merry England (London Free Press Photo)
Mohawk Drivers Donate To Rockwood Lions Club - 1976
July 29, 2013
Harness horse drivers are no strangers to assisting worthy causes and raising money when called upon .
Back in late fall of 1976, The Rockwood & District Lions Club in cooperation with a group of horsemen at Mohawk Raceway ,just down the road ,raised a nice sum of money to assist in the Rockmosa Sportplex Building Fund .
The entire scheme was the brainchild of Rockwood horseman Ron Waples who called upon a group of his fellow horsemen to donate their earnings from a special night . On November 29,1976 these generous fellows raised a total of $1084 .00 .This tidy sum was presented to Walter Swanston hard working President of the Rockwood & District Lions Club to bolster the fund raising drive.
From left - Bill Galvin OJC Publicity Chief , Drivers Ron Waples,Charlie Lawson,Larry Walker,Bill Hicks,Carman Hie,Nelson White,Bill Wellwood,Ron Feagan,Tom Strauss,Bill Troy and Walter Swanston (Lions Club Pres.)
Absent from the photo but part of the program - Wes Coke and Garth Gordon
Photo from bill Galvin collection
Fire Destroys Horses At Exeter -1950
July 31, 2013
The following item is from The Harness Horse issue of April 12, 1950 .Amber Grattan II ,one of the horses that perished in this fire was the winner of 49 races during the 1949 season .Whenever a fire destroys horses,humans and property it is a sad occasion .
Six Horses Killed in Exeter, Ontario Fire
Six harness horses valued at approximately $15,000 perished in a blaze which raised an eighty foot horse barn at the Exeter Community Park on Saturday night, April 3. A seventh horse, Mike Grattan, stabled in the sixteen stall barn was led to safety by the local trainer Lloyd Turvey, who narrowly escaped being trapped in the building himself.
Of the six horses destroyed the best known was the glib pacing gelding Amber Grattan 2nd 2:10 by Lord Grattan, owned by Thomas Yearley of Crediton, Ont., which, incidentally was the only horse insured, valued at $5,000. The other horses lost were Jerry Lee and a two-year-old stablemate by BennettVolo, owned by Peter Eisenbach of Grand Bend, Miss Super Volo, owned by Jack Morrissey of Crediton; Nancy Bars, owned by George Flowers of Exeter, and Buddy Grattan, owned by Thomas Yearley of Crediton.
Amber Grattan 2nd at Strathroy -July 1,1949 - owner Tom Yearley at head and driver is Lloyd Turvey (London Free Press Photo)
The blaze was discovered by trainer George Flowers who lived in the rooms at the south end of the barn. Hearing a crackling noise, he opened the door connecting his rooms with the main barn to find the entire passageway between the stalls filled with smoke and flames. He immediately summoned Lloyd Turvey, another trainer, who lived nearby in a trailer. Their attempts to rescue the horses was impossible with the exception of the one Turvey was able to save, almost costing him his own life. Only the restraining hands of members of Turvey's family and the Exeter firemen kept him from re-entering the blazing barn for a second rescue attempt. Turvey was later treated for burns about the hands.The total loss, which included carts, harness, blankets and other equipment, and a quantity of hay and feed, is estimated at a total of $20,000. Only about $1,000 insurance is believed carried on the single story barn.
(courtesy of Don Daniels)
August 2013 Archives
The following items are listed below as they appeared on this website during the month of August 2013 .To view each item, simply scroll down the page and it will appear in the order shown .
1. Hambo Memories - Part 2
2. Lyle Grineage at Dresden
3. Free Helmet Day at Yonkers
4. Thorncliffe Park Opens 1950
5. Phil Stewart at Peterborough
6. Wm. Rowe Remembered
7. The Story of Danny Wilmac
8. The Canadian Pacing Derby -The Early Years
Thorncliffe Park Opens -1950
August 15, 2013
Shown above is an aerial view of Thorncliffe Park in Toronto
When Thorncliffe Park in Toronto opened its doors to summer harness racing in July of 1950 it was a "giant" step toward the future in the sport .It marked the first time that an extended summer meeting had been held in Ontario . The revamped track located in the Leaside district of the city had been in existence for decades but had been idle for many years . This rejuvenation brought out some of the major racing operations from various parts of Canada and even some U.S. horsemen shipped in for the meeting .
After opening on July 3rd, a series of early closing events were featured each week as all of the racing was held in the afternoons ,6 days per week .Although the plant had lights,night racing was not allowed . For the first time ever in Ontario ,the parimutuel betting system was used . Also a state of the art starting gate was in use,mounted on a Cadillac car and manned by C.R. "Cliff" Bradley resident starter .It was a Steve Philips creation, the man who originally invented the starting gate in the U.S. and had previously been in use at Fairmount Park in St. Louis .
On July 27th, one of the first big days of the meeting saw two featured events for 3 year old trotters and pacers held called "The Vondale Cup". In the trotting event which carried a purse of $3,120 just 5 starters contested the event . The winner in two straight heats was Van Baldwin owned and driven by The Hon. Earl Rowe of Newton Robinson Ont .
A recap of the Vondale Cup (Harness Horse)
In the pacing event a large field of 12 vied for the slightly larger purse of $3,820 .The overall winner was CARTER HY owned by Moore Bros. and driven by Marshall Moore of Sarnia Ont. Their standing of 1-6 gave them the decision over CASTLE BROOK who ended the day with a win in the second heat but a 7th place finish in the opener cost them the win .Veteran Will Harvey was the driver for Hamilton furrier Louis Mack .Purses of this magnitude were a great boost to the competing horsemen as they were much larger than in previous years .
Four weeks into this new venture driver Harold Wellwood leads in all driving categories .
A smiling Marshall Moore (centre) accepts the Vondale Cup from Thorncliffe President Herb Hatch .Harold Wyatt of the Kroehler Furniture Co. is on the right .(Harness Horse)
Van Baldwin (Earl Rowe) reaches the wire a winner in the 3 year old trotting event The Vondale Cup .(Harness Horse)
Phil Stewart At The Peterborough Fair -1967
August 19, 2013
The subject of odd and interesting happenings at the old fair races has come up in several communiqués recently and today I have published one such "conversation ".
NOTE : If anyone has a story to share send it along to oldrecollections@gmail.com
This story has nothing to do with the Norwood Fair races but the mention of "Billy Grattan B" twigged a memory!
I have seen the races at Norwood a few times but never got to race there!
Unfortunately I had Widower Dan entered to race at Norwood one year but due to my first accident at Madoc Fair a short time before I had to scratch! But that's a story for another time with a couple of interesting twists and lines, too!
Anyway I hope there's a statute of limitations on a bit of shady action on the race track 46 years ago in 1967! I would't want to get anybody in trouble, if he's still with us - he'd be 92 now!!
Quinte Lad (2) at Peterborough Fair with Phil Stewart driving ."Groom" is Joey Rootsaert
I've attached a win pic from Pererborough's Morrow Park on Aug 12 1967. I'll explain that in a moment!
Now this was the night of the Peterborough Fair and I was driving "Quinte Lad" number 2 as you can see in the pic!
When the field came around the last turn at the head of the stretch I was trailing behind a wall of 6 horses across the track as if they were at the gate and I was the trailer. I had a ton of horse and nowhere to go when Allan Downes, driving "Carl W Grattan" squeezed over giving me a hole that I shot through to win, as you can see in the pic!
When we got back to the barn I said to Allan -- 'You didn't have to do that' and he said 'Don't mention it - When you come up next week bring me a bottle!!!'
Then later he came to me and said 'You didn't hear the announcement?' I said 'No -What?'
Allan said 'Well they announced that 'Billy Grattan B' had won a race at Peterborough Fair every year since he started racing and I knew I didn't have enough horse to beat him, but I knew you did and I just said to myself - "He ain't going to win this year!"
Now in the attached pic - 'Billy Grattan B' isn't even in the picture although he finished 2nd but he was so far outside against the grandstand fence that if the photographer
had shown him the win pic there'd have been no room on the page for the winner's circle!!
Quinte Lad (2) slips between horses to score a victory at the Peterborough Fair
The Story Of Danny Wilmac
August 24, 2013
August 13 ,1962 - Danny Wilmac coasts to his fourth straight win at Old Woodbine with Wm. Wellwood (
then
just turning 22) at the controls for the mile in 2:07 Over a half century has passed since the 1962 racing season ,but Ancaster based horseman Bill MacMillan still remembers well the highs and lows of that summer . Then just in his mid 20's, MacMillan felt for a short time what it was like to have "a real nice horse " in his care and ownership .His homebred 4 year old DANNY WILMAC was turning a lot of heads .
The chestnut son of Danny Direct
,
the first foal
out of the MacMillan family's mare Stewarts Ace ,had finally begun his career . Attempts to train him at both two and three had come to an abrupt halt each season as tendon trouble forced him to the sidelines
. This year it was another story .The young green horse had shown well in his training routine, and it looked like all systems were "GO" .Heading For Old Woodbine
When the Old Woodbine season opened ,Bill MacMillan was looking forward to seeing the colt who had shown so much speed potential, finally do it on the track . While MacMillan trained,groomed and did his own shoeing , he did not drive . The initial plan was to approach veteran horseman Harold Wellwood , a man both Bill and his father admired to handle the driving . Harold in his laid back "non eager" but helpful style made a suggestion . "Why don't you try my nephew Bill Wellwood ?" who was just in his third full year of driving . And so it happened .
I know from many personal conversations with Bill Wellwood that he at one time considered Danny Wilmac as the "fastest" horse he had ever driven early in his career . Undoubtedly as the speed equation in harness racing changed ,this opinion also dis as well .I do know that it was quite a thrill for him as a young budding driver to have the opportunity to be involved with a horse of this calibre .
That season Old Woodbine had two meetings , a very short spring session of just 18 dates and the regular summer session that began on July 2 nd .Just 4 days later on July 6th , Danny started in a qualifying race and won it handily in 2:09.4 .
A short time later Danny Wilmac started on a regular routine of racing and winning . With each start came a slightly faster mile, and as he climbed the competition ladder ,the purses gradually eased upward as well .On August 25th in just his 6th lifetime start for a purse ,Danny turned in what was then an incredible mile .He beat a field of 8 and stopped the timer in 2:03.4 .While that may not seem like anything spectacular nowadays ,
then it WAS !! .For a totally green horse to log a mile comparable with some of the fastest trips of the meeting was quite an accomplishment .When Old Woodbine closed for the season on Labour Day weekend, Bill MacMillan and Danny Wilmac had made an incredible 8 trips to the winner's circle .Including the qualifier, they were 8 For 8 . As racing there ceased, Wm Wellwood returned to join his uncle Harold in Batavia . So the logical move was made, and Bill MacMillan and his rising star crossed over to try his hand on the U.S. side .
He also took along another stable member Lucky Boy M, who had a successful but not so spectacular season that year .
Racing at Batavia Downs
In their first try
across the border,
the "magic" continued with yet another win on September 8th as they negotiated the Batavia half miler in 2:07 4/5 to make it a perfect 9 for 9 . Then on September 13th the amazing show came to an end .In the evening's 7th race a B-3 Pace which was won by another Canadian owned and driven horse Silver Laird driven by Jimmy Holmes ,Danny Wilmac's miracle season came to a crashing halt . For the first time in his young career, there was no trip back to the winner's circle after a disappointing 4th place finish .As the horses left the track, from his vanatge point in the paddock,Bill MacMillan was certain of what had happened .The tendon problems that had previously plagued the horse had returned . One regret that Bill continues to hold is that he was not more meticulous about the horse's shoeing . Usually accustomed to doing all of his own Blacksmith work ,Bill had neglected to bring his tools with him to Batavia .He had the horse shod by someone else and he has always felt this was his downfall .Sad to say Danny Wilmac never returned to the races despite Bill's best efforts .His glory days were over and he was never successful as a sire .In a recent conversation Bill said "He took his speed to the grave ;he never sired a racehorse ..."
A proud Bill MacMillan stands at the head of his outstanding pacer Danny Wilmac following a win at Old Woodbine track in Toronto .Beside driver Wm. Wellwood are members of the MacMillan family including Bill's brother and sister Anne and little Allan .
The Years That Followed
Bill continued to train and race horses for quite a few years, many of his horses bore the catchy "Wilmac" name .Further matings identical to those that produced Danny Wilmac did not produce another "miracle" .Full sisiters Betty Wilmac and Winnie Wilmac failed to make the grade .
He eventually went into blacksmithing full time , an occupation he truly enjoyed ."It was perfect for me ,I got to see and visit with everyone .." He continues to look back at that memorable time in his career with fond memories .He still has the greatest admiration f
or
his then driver Wm. Wellwood stating "Bill was a fantastic driver" and believes he was the perfect choice despite his relative inexperience.
For that short span of just 2 months many in the world of harness racing got to know and admire Danny Wilmac .I know that there are still many around who remember this run of good luck that was all too short .I for one remember it well .
Summary of 1962 Season For Danny Wilmac
Race # Date Purse Track Time Finish Driver
1. July 6 Qual O Woodbine 2:09.4 1st Wm. Wellwood
2. July 24 $ 700 O Woodbine 2:08.3 1st Wm. Wellwood
3. Aug. 2 $ 700 O Woodbine 2:08.1 1st Wm. Wellwood
4. Aug. 9 $ 800 O Woodbine 2:07.4 1st Wm. Wellwood
5. Aug. 13 $ 900 O Woodbine 2:07.0 1st Wm. Wellwood
6. Aug. 18 $ 1200 O Woodbine 2:05.4 1st (*) Wm. Wellwood
7. Aug. 25 $ 1200 O Woodbine 2:03.4 1st Wm. Wellwood
8. Aug. 31 $ 1200 O Woodbine 2:04.0 1st Wm. Wellwood
9. Sept. 8 $ 1300 Batavia 2:07.4 1st Wm. Wellwood
10. Sept. 13 $ 1300 Batavia 2:05.2 4th Wm. Wellwood
* - Finished in a Dead Heat for win with Futurity Chief (Jack Gordon)
1962 Season's earnings - $3,
954.00
Season Standing 9-8-0-0
Bill MacMillan followed in the footsteps of his father into the horse business .Allan, the senior MacMillan, was an expert carpenter and woodworker who diversified his interests into breeding,owning and training horses .The earlier years saw such performers as Sir Echo ,the trotter Castle Lee ,Barbara Mac and others , many from their foundation mare Merry Lee A . The MacMillan performers at times raced at U.S. tracks, often handled by the noted trainer "Ancaster Bill" Harvey .
Another local horseman long associated with the MacMillan Stable was Almer Holmes .
They put out a lot of horses over the years but perhaps none more flamboyant than Danny Wilmac .........
Comments can be sent to oldrecollections@gmail.com
Readers comments :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
