Sept.-Dec 2013 Archives
Subscribe to our NewsletterSeptember 2013 Archives
The following items are listed below as they appeared on this website during the month of September 2013 .To view each item, simply scroll down the page and it will appear in the order shown .
1. A note from Mac Sewers
2. The Odd And Unusual
3. Wm. Wellwood Memorial
4. Can. Classic Sale -1984
5. 60 Years Ago New Owners doing Well
6. CSHS Sale Hits $100,000 in 1967
7. Little Brown Jug of 1950 Recalled
8. Twin B Playboy Sets Track Record at Buffalo
9. Canadians Flock To Batavia
Canadian Classic Sale of 1984
September 14, 2013
Shown above is ARMBRO EXECUTIVE the Top Selling Yearling at the 1984 Canadian Classic Sale .The final bid of $ 80,000 made the son of Dream Of Glory - Armbro Trudy a trotting prospect the property of a group that included Robert Fox,Ken Ewen,Walter Edmond and Gord Preston .The plan was to have him trained by noted horseman Garth Gordon .
On Wednesday September 12 and Thursday Sept. 13th ,1984 The Canadian Classic (Yearling) Sale as it was then known as took place . I am always interested to look at old sales results as they provide a pretty good "snapshot " of what was happening in the sport at any given time . Currently successful owners and trainers were often among the top bidders, with the most productive sires commanding the best prices .Not too much rocket science at work here .
The two day ,four session sale kicked off on Wednesday morning and the first of 289 horses that would go through the auction ring was knocked down to Lloyd Smith of Mississauga .A brown filly named Kalilas Omaha fetched a bid of $ 9,500 . Mr. Smith as most in the sport by now know, just passed away on September 5th.For many years he was a multiple purchaser of yearlings at this annual sale and this year he was active as usual including a $ 36,000 purchase Ryans Rose .
The sale ended late the following afternoon when the brown Jonquil Hanover sired colt Prima Kaiser became the property of Allan Casselman of Havelock Ont. ."Cass" parted with an even $ 10,000 to become the proud owner of this hope for the future .
The auctioneer was Paul Martin Jr. .
To the surprise of no one, the leading Consignor that year was Armstrong Bros. of Inglewood whose 25 yearlings brought a total of $ 716,200 for an average of $28,648 . That total was $50,000 higher than the much larger number of 44 yearlings consigned by Halton Bloodstock (Agent) . Surely by a pure stroke of coincidence, the number of pacing fillies and pacing colts sold was exactly identical at 105 for each gender . A detailed chart accompanies today's story showing a number of interesting and pertinent statistics from the 1984 sale .
While the large concerns led in all categories ,one small volume breeder found his numbers well placed in the average per head category . Dr. John McKnight of Inglewood was 5 th in average, as his 3 yearlings brought $ 42,000 for an average of $ 14,000 . Two Dream Of Glory trotting bred fillies each brought bids of $ 16,000 to boost his impressive numbers .
Also another interesting small consignor,was the duo of Ed and Kathleen Mantha who consigned the highest priced trotting filly Kalena Simone .This was the only horse from their operation known as Kalena Stables of Grassie Ont. (This spot sent me searching to find that Grassie is located near Grimsby Ont.) .Also, well known blacksmith Ron Hill of Campbellville was extra pleased when his filly Darkie Brisco consigned through Halton Bloodstock ,sold to Cliff Sheppard for $37,000 .
Picture above is from 1988 .On the left is OHHA President Lloyd Smith and on the far right Frank Drea ORC Chairman presenting Joe Burke with an award for Outstanding service to harness racing while Smith presents a bouquet of roses to Mrs. Burke .
Listed below are a few sales by category, showing the highest priced yearlings in each
Pacing Colts :
Armbro Elgin (Armbro Omaha) -$62,000 -Helen Stollar Don Mills
-Kent Baker agent
Looks Good (Jonquil Hanover) - $60,000 - Stew Firlotte Toronto
Early Spring (Bret Hanover) - $ 50,000 - Nicholas Eggarhes Ottawa
Pacing Fillies
Niasette (Niatross) - $65,000 - Wm. Wellwood(Agent) Milton
Armbro Eva (Armbro Omaha) - $58,000 - Dan Smith London
Ryans Rose (Armbro Omaha) - $36,000 - Lloyd Smith Mississauga
Trotting Colts :
Armbro Executive (Dream Of Glory) - $80,000 - Robert Fox & Partners Campbellville
- Going to Garth Gordon Stable
Armbro Edit (Dream f Glory) - $65,000 - Max Webster Brantford
Armbro Edge (Dream Of Glory) - $ 55,000 - Bruno Comegna Burlington
Trotting Fillies :
Kalena Simone (Dream Of Glory) - $38,000 - Helen Southgate Kitchener
-John Burns as agent
Darkie Brisco (Brisco Hanover) - $ 37,000 - Cliff Sheppard Dundas
Twin B Glorya (Dream Of Glory) - $35,000 - Rocco & Peter Auciello Stouffville
Wrap Up Statistics
Total Gross Sales $ 3,606,700
Total Head Sold 289
Total Average Per Head $ 12,479.93
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
C.S.H.S. Sale Hits $100,000 in 1967
September 18, 2013
The year 1967 was Canada's Centennial Year ;its 100th Birthday . It seemed like a lot of good things were happening in the world of Canadian harness racing .
As we reflect on these events now ,the numbers seem pretty small and insignificant by those established in the years that followed, but by 1967 standards they were pretty encouraging .
On November
22 nd
&
23rd
The Canadian Standardbred Horse Society held its 5 th annual sale at the CNE Complex . A total of 204 horses went through the sales ring as auctioneer Tom Caldwell coaxed the highest bids possible . At the end of the sale when all the figures were tallied up, it marked the first time in the 5 year history of the sale that the total sale grossed over $100,000 .
Wm. McDonnell Secretary
Manager
of the C.S.H.S. was elated at the results of the event
and in a post sale statement said "
I was personally hoping to see us top that $ 100,000 plateau and we just did get there .This was our largest group ever and naturally our average came down to $ 491 .That was quite a drop from last year's average per head of $ 703 which was a record " .
Bradley Song Tops Sale And Fetches $5200
On the first day of the sale
,
a yearling trotting
gelding
named Bradley Song sired by Dick Song out of Nancy Van brought the highest bid of the 2 day sale .This highly regarded youngster was expected to be at or near the top priced yearling . His full brother Danny Song A
.
had been a top trotter for a number of years ,racing in the upper classed trotting events at Ontario tracks .At one time early in his career, his future was in doubt and he even drifted away from racing and joined the ranks of the Amish buggy horses .Once rescued ,he quickly climbed the ranks for owner Bruce Smith owner of The Galleon Stables .He entered the 1967 racing season with lifetime earnings of close to $ 125,000 .This was remarkable considering he did not race until age 5 .Based on Mr. Smith's good fortune with Danny Song
A
,he attended the sale with the intention of being the top bidder on the fledgling Bradley Song . His top bid of $5200 secured the
chestnut youngster
and he was sent to his trainer Ken Galbraith's training centre at Wheatley Ont . .The plan was to race him as a two year old as a number of attractive purses were being offered for freshmen trotters .1968 Season A Success For Bradley Song
Unlike some sale toppers Bradley Song
soon
lived up to his expectations .His season started on August 10 with a third place finish in a qualifier at Greenwood and proceeded through to
the end of September
. His two year old campaign consisted of a total of just 6 starts but they were productive ones . He won 4 races and finished second in the other two .His biggest triumph came in September
when he captured The Supertest Stake which carried a very attractive purse of $ 10,695 . At season's end, he had banked a whopping $20,439which was almost unheard of at that time .Returns such as this gave new hope to everyone in the sport .
Ken Galbraith trainer , driver and part owner of Bradley Song appear in this Grand Circuit promotional photo .
October 2013 Archives
The following items are listed below as they appeared on this website during the month of October 2013 .To view each item, simply scroll down the page and it will appear in the order shown .
1. Supertest Recollections
2. The Perfect pumpkin Pie
3. Forty Years Ago -1973
4. Happy Thanksgiving
5. Doctor Baker - Manitoba Sire
6. A Joyful Jog Down Memory Lane
7. Through The Years
8. Congratulations To Leamington
9. Ladies On Track
10. Attendance Figures -1982
A Farm to Trade - 1908
October 10, 2013
CANADA FARM TO TRADE FOR FAST HORSE
I have one of the best 160-Acre farms in Manitoba to trade for a good race horse .WHAT have you to deal ?
This farm lies two miles east from Swain Lake , Manitoba . Good buildings, 75 acres under plough,all good land and title perfect .
For particulars address J.H. Nickerson Wetaskiwin Alberta .
The above advertisement appeared in the March 10,1908 edition of The Horse Review .
Courtesy of OJC Fact Book entitled "Trottin' Tips" -Bill Galvin
Editors note : I am unable to confirm whether this offer is still on the table ......
Happy Thanksgiving
October 14, 2013
I would like to offer my very best Thanksgiving Day Greeting to everyone in the "Recollections" family of readers on this special day . For many of us this has been a memorable fall season as we have been blessed with an abundance of autumn sunshine and much warmer than usual temperatures .I personally think we as Canadians have a better choice on the calendar for our Thanksgiving than our friends in the U.S. .It is a special time as the harvest is underway and we have so many great things to choose from to adorn our holiday table .
Being thankful and appreciative is something that we should try to do each and every day .
Today and always be sure to treasure what you have, and much more importantly who you have around you ......
HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!
Doctor Baker - Noted Manitoba Sire -$50.00 Stud Fee
October 15, 2013
I recently did a little piece about 5 mile racing in Quebec and in particular a great old warrior GRATTAN BAKER . In the process I have had some great "discussions" both by phone and email with members of the Wallace family of Dauphin Manitoba who owned and raced Grattan Baker .
Mrs Betty Wallace who recalls all of the 5 mile races and other events of those long ago days, sent in an interesting old ad pertaining to Doctor Baker the once popular sire who stood in Manitoba for many years and was the sire of Grattan Baker . I do not have an exact date for this brochure but would guess it is from the mid to late 1940's as Doctor Baker was a foal of 1936 . He was U.S. bred, and a product of the famous Walnut Hall Farm of Donerail Kentucky .For many years he stood at the farm of Leon Sauteur a rather colourful and interesting gentleman who listed his home as Oak Lake Manitoba .Mrs. Wallace recalls that Mr. Sauteur on occasion travelled to Quebec and that while he spoke French back home in Manitoba ,he needed an interpreter while in Quebec .I guess it was just a different variety of the same basic language .
Old ads are always interesting ....
A Joyful Jog Down Memory Lane
October 18, 2013
The following note was recently received from Recollections reader bill Galvin .Many thanks to Bill .
Thank you for another excellent issue of Recollections.
You continue to amaze me with the amount of Harness history that you publish on your Recollections website each week. It is always interesting and nicely structured. It is a joyful jog down Memory Lane for those of us who lived, enjoyed, (and remember) when Harness racing sprouted, flourished and emerged from a largely country fair sport to become Canada's largest spectator sport in the seventies, when grandstands were packed and slots were unheard of.
Best regards, bill
Congratulations To Leamington!
October 21, 2013
I would like to offer my personal congratulations to all of the good folks who recently put on 4 great days of racing at The Leamington Fairgrounds . I commend each and every one of them for their untiring efforts,often in the face of adversity .The enthusiasm and positive attitude of everyone was heart warming .
I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon at the races and thoroughly enjoyed it . I was amazed at the hospitality extended by everyone involved .Having the opportunity to visit with a lot of people connected with this effort was fun for me .
I also commend the efforts of some pretty high profile individuals in the sport who have lent their support to the effort . Shown below is a photo taken on closing day by resident photographer Karen Duck .From left - Doug McIntosh,Jody Jamieson,Dave Wall (seated) and Bob McIntosh .
November 2013 Archives
November 2013 Archives
The following items are listed below as they appeared on this website during the month of November 2013 .To view each item, simply scroll down the page and it will appear in the order shown .
1. Armbro Nadir
2. Harrisburg Sale Hits 75 Years
3. Remembrance Day
4. A Perfect Driving Record
5. The Way It Was - 70 Years Ago
6. The Armbro Name
7. Orangeville Gets New Track record - 25 Yrs Ago
Harrisburg Sale Hits 75 Years
November 4, 2013
For as long as most people can remember, a lengthy line of Canadians have headed to the Harrisburg Sale in Pennsylvania right about this time of year . This year it runs from November 4 to the 9 th, and this current edition is number 75 !!
I have already received word from one person currently in attendance who says "Looking for a Champion again" [ Thanks to Marv Chantler .]
The first ever Harrisburg Sale was held in 1939 .It was originated by Mr. Lawrence Sheppard, and the original function of the newly formed Company was to provide a sale venue for the yearlings raised at The Hanover Shoe Farm .In 1938 The Old Glory Sale was shut down and that is where the yearlings had been previously sold .
The first show which was held at the Pennsylvania State Farm Show Arena grossed a total of $ $75,575 .Topping the sale were 42 yearlings from the Hanover consignment which brought $55,750 ,thus over 2/3 of the total .Added to this was another $20,000 fetched by "mixed" horses so the grand total was just under the $100,000 mark .For a brief time during WW II, the sale was moved to the York Fairgrounds but otherwise it has been held annually at the Farm Show Complex every year since 1939 .
In the ensuing years many other well known consignors joined the annual sale,most notable among them was Hempt Farms who joined in 1946 .The names of Bonnie Brae Farm,Castleton Farm,Delvin Miller,Ben White,W.N. Reynolds and scores of other then household names became consignors . Also Mr. Sheppard retained the services of Mr. George Swinebroad the outstanding auctioneer of that era . His "sound" was the voice behind the advertising of Lucky Strike cigarettes and his familiar "Sold To American" was heard on radios around the world .His unique style was said to be able to awaken a crowd and revitalize the sale of a horse .The names of "Laddie" Dance and later Tom Caldwell who replaced Geo. Swinebroad became an integral part of the sale .Mr. Caldwell's sons also followed .
The famed auctioneer George Swinebroad (Courtesy of The Black Book Harrisburg Sale)
In 1947 the first $1,000,000 sale was held .In 1958 when Dancer Hanover was sold to his namesake Stanley Dancer ,another milestone was reached as the first ever yearling to reach the $100,000 figure and that included both breeds . To mark the occasion, auctioneer Tom Caldwell stopped the proceedings and a standing ovation was afforded the successful bidder .
By 1967 the total gross sale hit $ 5.3 million .In 1968 Mr. Sheppard died and his widow Charlotte Sheppard was elected Chairman of the Board .By 1998 the sale figure rose to $ 42,005,800 .In 2007 Harrisburg hit over $70 Million !!
Today many people connected with the early years remain in key positions with the sale .Paul F Spears is President & CEO .Russell C. Williams a grandson of Lawrence and Charlotte Sheppard is Chairman and Vice President .Others in key positions include James Simpson,Murray Brown .
A display of sulkies appears in this photo from 1948 at the Harrisburg Sale .Hoof Beats photo
Dec. 2013 Archives
December 2013 Archives
The following items are listed below as they appeared on this website during the month of December 2013 .To view each item, simply scroll down the page and it will appear in the order shown .
1. The First Confederation Cup
2. The Select Yearling Sale -1988
3. Hollywood Park Closes
4. A Very Old Programme
The First Confederation Cup
November 30, 2014
The front cover of the First Conferation Cup Race [Courtesy of Keith Nethery]
If you answered September 3,1977 you are absolutely correct ! By the way if you missed it, the Question was When was the first ever Confederation Cup held ?
The very first Confederation Cup was held on a beautiful Saturday afternoon with the temperature at 78 degrees,before a crowd of 3,720 people . It attracted 11 starters who raced in two divisions, each carrying a purse of $ 21,750 ,with the top 4 in each returning for the final which carried a purse of $29,000 .Seedling Herbert who was scheduled to race in the second division was a late scratch and did not start .The mutuel handle was $281,320 .
The caliber of horses and drivers was outstanding,resulting in a tremendously exciting and interesting afternoon of racing . In the opening heat ,the eventual race winner Governor Skipper paced his way into the Canadian record books when he stopped the teletimer in 1:57.4 for a new Flamboro Downs record as well as the fastest ever mile over a half mile oval . In the second elimination ,the fans were thrilled to a "Dead Heat" as Candid Camera with Doug Arthur driving and a young 22 year old John Campbell behind River Captain could not be separated at the wire .The winning owners of Candid Camera was The Good Time Boys of Tillsonburg Ont. while River Captain was owned by Frank Nakagawa of London .
The very first Confederation Cup was held on a beautiful Saturday afternoon with the temperature at 78 degrees,before a crowd of 3,720 people . It attracted 11 starters who raced in two divisions, each carrying a purse of $ 21,750 ,with the top 4 in each returning for the final which carried a purse of $29,000 .Seedling Herbert who was scheduled to race in the second division was a late scratch and did not start .The mutuel handle was $281,320 .
The caliber of horses and drivers was outstanding,resulting in a tremendously exciting and interesting afternoon of racing . In the opening heat ,the eventual race winner Governor Skipper paced his way into the Canadian record books when he stopped the teletimer in 1:57.4 for a new Flamboro Downs record as well as the fastest ever mile over a half mile oval . In the second elimination ,the fans were thrilled to a "Dead Heat" as Candid Camera with Doug Arthur driving and a young 22 year old John Campbell behind River Captain could not be separated at the wire .The winning owners of Candid Camera was The Good Time Boys of Tillsonburg Ont. while River Captain was owned by Frank Nakagawa of London .
The afternoon culminated in a another "nail biter" as Governor Skipper prevailed over Candid Camera by a scant half length . The "Governor's" driver John Chapman now 48 years old, is no stranger to local fans although he races exclusively on the U.S. side .A native of Toronto,he began his racing career back in the 1940's learning from his father Cliff "Chappy" Chapman Sr. and won Canada's biggest race as far back as 1948 when he drove The Count to victory in that year's Canadian Pacing Derby at New Hamburg Ont. a small hamlet not all that far west of Flamboro Downs . On this day he was joined by his two brothers Carl ,a thoroughbred trainer of note and also Cliff Jr . also know by all as "Young Chappy" who is the editor and publisher of the Canadian Sportsman .
The victory in the Confederation Cup boosted Governor Skipper's season earnings to $254,587 for owners William,Arthur M. and Arthur Wirtz Jr. of Chicago Illinois who race under the name of The Ivanhoe Stable . This family is well known in other Big League Sports circles as they also own The Chicago Blackhawk professional hockey team . Trainer Bucky Norris who hails from Iowa, is a former trainer for noted Ohio horseman Eddie Cobb . In the fashion of a true Champion Governor Skipper led the field at every station in both his elimination and the final . As the overwhelming betting favorite he paid just $2.50 in the elim and $2.60 in the final for a $2 win ticket ! .
CONFEDERATION CUP RESULTS
1 st Elimination Division - $21,750
Times :28.3 , :58.3 , 1:27.4 , 1:57.3 (New Canadian record for HMT and new Flamboro Track Record )
Governor Skipper .............John Chapman 1
Sprinkler .............................Ron Feagan 2
Missile Almahurst .............Greg Wright 3
Kawartha Eagle ............... Stanley Dancer 4
Fulla Strikes ...................... Lloyd Daulton 5
Racy Goods ....................... Glen Garnsey 6
2nd Elimination Division - $21,750
Times :29.1 ,:59.3 ,1:31, 2:00.2
Candid Camera .................Doug Arthur 1 (Dead Heat)
River Captain .................... John Campbell 1 (Dead Heat)
Rock N Wave ..................... Dave Wall 3
Shelabat Rainbow ............Greg Wright 4
No Hitter ..............................Dr. John Hayes 5
FINAL CONFEDERATION CUP -$29,000
Times :28 ,:58 ,1:27.2 , 1:58.2
Governor Skipper ................. John Chapman 1
Candid Camera .................... Doug Arthur 2
Sprinkler ................................. Ron Feagan 3
Kawartha Eagle .................... Stanley Dancer 4
River Captain .........................John Campbell 5
Missile Almahurst ..................Greg Wright 6
Shelabat Rainbow ................ Dan Johnson 7
Rock N Wave ......................... Dave Wall 8
While some observers were a bit skeptical in their overall assessment of this big race ,their comments were based on the fact that several other important events were being held on the same day . However it was agreed by all that it was truly a great day of racing and one that will undoubtedly be talked about as the years and future editions of this race are held .
Note : Governor Skipper went on to win that year's Little Brown Jug at Delaware Ohio to give John Chapman his only career Jug victory . Their winning time at Delaware established a new Stakes record of 1:56.1 bettering the previous record set in 1972 by another horse with Canadian connections Strike Out .
Select Yearling Sale - 25 Years Ago
December 3, 2013
Trainer Lew Clark of Maidstone looks over a colt from the Seelster Farm offerings at the 1988 Select Yearling Sale [John Jones Photo]
A look back to 25 years ago . The 9 th Annual Select Yearling Sale was held at the Mohawk Sports Complex on September 8,1988 .A total of 93 young prospects passed through the sale and the results showed a jump of over $2,200 in the average sale price compared to the previous year . The average sale price was $ 20,118 . In total, 93 horses brought $ 1,871,00 a healthy gain of $ 190,000 over nearly an identical number of 94 sold in 1987 . The O.S.S. program in its 15th year was obviously working well for Ontario racing .
Topper in the sale was Cam Snow consigned by Snow Bird Farm, a son of Cam Fella out of Prince Lee Michell that commanded a final bid of $ 100,000 from Norman Guthrie of Georgetown Ont. .Close behind was Cosmic Thunder a half brother to the current outstanding performer Ride The Wave . Understandably the high bidder was Chas. Armstrong of Inglewood who shelled out $ 85,000 as he represented a four person group . The trotting bred filly Collectors Dream, sired by Dream Of Glory out of Starlite Spring that was consigned by Dr. John McKnight of Caledon went to Harold Shipp for a final nod of $ 77,000 .The highest priced category saw trotting fillies bringing an average of $ 24,708 .
A number of successful bidders from that day a quarter century ago are thankfully with us today and many are still attending sales .Among the list who purchased at the 1988 sale are Paula Wellwood,Carman Hie,Wayne Langille, Wm. Dorssers, Bob McIntosh and many more .Marv Chantler haltered two stud colts for his Mardon Stable .I won't reveal the prices paid for Power And Glory and Tantallon Comet until Marv reports on their eventual careers .
An innovation of recent times ,the use of a big screen to display sales action is shown as Town Pro consigned by the Surge Stable draws a final bid of $ 60,000 .Stew Firlotte had the final say on this Big Towner-Programmed colt .[John Jones]
Hollywood Park Closes
December 28, 2013
With the very recent closing of Hollywood Park in Inglewood California ,yet another of the great pillars of the past days of racing has been removed forever .While the track was best known for Thoroughbred racing ,it was also the scene of a lot of harness action in its earlier days .Despite the distance, Canadian personalities associated with the harness sport played key roles down through the years in the State of California .
This 1957 photo shows a field of horses in the early stages of a race at Hollywood Park . In the background is the huge grandstand and other facilities at this famous track .[Hollywood Park archives]
Hollywood Park was first opened in 1938 and ran for 75 years ,although it was closed to racing for a time during WW II when it was used for military purposes . A recent recap of the track's long existence in a Los Angeles Times article stated that " it was built to woo the rich and famous " . And so it did throughout much of its existence . Among the original shareholders were movie giants such as Harry Warner of Warner Bros. ,Sam Goldwin (Metro Goldwyn Mayer) and Mervyn Leroy . Many affluent and high profile personalities were involved in its ownership and also were frequent patrons .Many old photographs show that the track was a drawing card for the "who's who " from actors like Jimmy Stewart to Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson .Actor Robert Wagner was a close friend of some of the owners .
In a rapid departure from how harness racing was first presented ,the posh and grandiose surroundings at places like Hollywood Park changed forever how racing was held .First of all the track was a huge mile in size ,and it seemed everything else was a match . In an old write up, a Raceway patron who had frequented some of the dingier and more austere racing sites once said .."The place was so neat and clean that I had to walk half a mile to spit .."
The practice of dining during the races, valet parking , the sale of "tip" sheets and many other innovative ideas were introduced at this track . On "give away" days ,gifts were handed out as an enticement to attend the races and most often huge attendances were the result .
The 1957 American Classics
Over the years, a number of notable Canadian horses and horsemen journeyed to California to test their skills against the best in the business . In 1957 a number of truly great horses contested what was called " The American Classics " .These races which were staged weekly, pitted the absolute best horses racing at that time . A series for both aged pacers and trotters was held . Like most racing at the time ,the mares had to compete head on with the horses and geldings .
I have listed below some of the horses who competed that year .When the finals were held a purse of $25,000 was up for grabs ,a hefty sum in those days .These races attracted the very best horses available during the late fall of each year .
Pacers - Diamond Hal (Joe O'Brien) ,Dottie's Pick (Del Miller) for Armstrong Bros.,Dale Frost,Hundred Proof,Widower Creed ,Duane Hanover,Frisco Creed ,Ozark Chief .Widower Creed won the final in 1:58.3 for driver Jimmy Wingfield the former groom of Greyhound,Dottie's Pick was second .
Trotters - Demon Rum won the consolation for Canadian horseman Cecil Champion . Other big names were Trader Horn,Darn Safe,Lady's First ,Jean Laird,Galophone,Bold Rodney, Famous Hanover .Galophone won the final in 2:00 .4 ,driven by Robert Walker .
Bert Madill Headed West in 1957
While he did not make the headlines that year,a small one horse horseman named Bert Madill then of Strathroy Ont. made his way across the land and competed at Hollywood Park with his prize mare CAROLWYN GRATTAN . The pair raced throughout the meeting that fall at Hollywood Park and while they did not win a race ,they fared well, earning a cheque in nearly every start despite the stiff competition . The trip westward provided Bert with more than a few additions to his already large repertoire of stories .
Elesnar and Percy Robillard Triumph in 1973
In November of 1973, horseman Percy Robillard ventured to Hollywood Park for the very first time . He found the track to his liking and the same was true for his trotter Elesnar a five year old son of Florican owned by Montreal based George Henderson .Supplemented into both the $ 50,975 Pacific Trot and the $100,000 American Trotting Classic,this pair won both in convincing fashion .The two races were just a week apart .
November 1973 - Driver Percy Robillard well known throughout Canada, makes his first visit to California's Hollywood Park a winning one .That fall he captured the two biggest trotting events held at Hollywood Park with Elesnar .Making the trophy presentation is noted horseman Delvin Miller as groom Muriel Theriault looks on . [Authors collection]
The Final Day
Hollywood Park held its last race program on Sunday December 22,2013 . A huge crowd showed up for the final afternoon of thoroughbred racing . An attendance listed at 13,000 was greatly expanded when a large throng entered the premises after the fourth race when the admission charge was waived .Despite the larger than usual crowd it was a far cry from the days when up to 80,000 people packed the premises . Many of those attending the final day did so for nostalgic purposes, coming back for a final glimpse at a once famous place . Among the crowd were people who recalled the glory days when friends met regularly at the track and loved it . Some had spent their lifetime making attendance at racing's best show part of their regular routine .
Today it seems that the allure that once drew huge crowds to witness live racing is now but a distant memory . The thrill of seeing horses in action, being part of the excitement and feeling a part of the action is all of another day .
Readers Comments :
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
Meadow Skipper at Hollywood Park
Meadow Skipper, one of our greatest stars on the track and arguably the greatest foundation pacing sire in harness racing history raced and won a 2 year old series held at Hollywood Park and was driven by Joe Lighthill
From Bill O'Donnell
