SC Rewind: The Supertest Stakes

Writer Robert Smith reviews the start of one of the great Colt Stakes programs of many years ago

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At one time one of the most recognizable signs across the countryside was a bright orange Maple Leaf bearing the word "Supertest". It adorned many gas stations throughout the land, dating back to the company's beginnings in 1926. In addition to its main business interest of selling gasoline and petroleum products, it was also a major sponsor of two- and three-year-old colt races. If you were good enough to win a division of The Supertest, you were at or near the top of the game. A number of Supertest winners were later sold for prices which escalated based on their performance in these contests.

The inaugural Supertest Stake was held at the Leamington Fairground track on September 27, 1944 and attracted a crowd estimated at 10,000 strong. It was for two-year-old pacers and drew a field of eight starters. The winner was a gelding with a person's name, Jack E. Herbert. Owned by Wm. and Jack Herbert of London, the driver was Floyd Milton. The purse was $3,800 and the winning times were 2:18 1/4 and 2:17 3/4. From that day forward the Stakes program remained a very important part of the colt races in Canada for several decades. Races were held at various tracks such as Dresden, Ridgetown, Stratford and Tillsonburg and eventually the Jockey Club tracks. The race's popularity was such that many tracks bid for the rights to hold a division of these annual classics. It was not uncommon for a store in the town where a race was being held to show an entire window of advertising on the upcoming race day.

The $3,800 prize may seem small by today's standards but it was the largest single race purse offered in 1944. The great Canadian Pacing Derby held at New Hamburg went for $1,500. The large sum was a combination of nominating and sustaining fees, a substantial contribution from the Supertest Co. and a portion from the Leamington Fair Board. In a unique set up the rules stipulated that each starter was awarded a portion of the purse. Even last place finisher Phil Grattan took home $131.50 for owner Tom Yearley.

Very much unlike the modern day O.S.S. program, The Supertest consisted of just one single race per season for each age and gait. Also no divisions were recognized based on gender. In other words, the boys faced the girls. There were instances where a large number of entries caused the race to be staged in divisions. On race day, large banners were always displayed at the judges stand showing the Company logo. In addition to the very liberal purses offered, the race winner received handsome trophies and silver platters presented by Company officials. Many great photographs were taken as mementos of this era and I am thankful to have a number of them in my collection.

The actual organizing body that started these races was called The W.J. Hyatt Assoc. based in London and named after its founder who was a well known sportsman of that era. His dispersal sale was the topic of a recent story. It is interesting to note that Mr. Hyatt almost won the inaugural race as his filly Miss Billie Direct finished second in both heats for driver "Wilfy" Hughes. A few people associated with this important group would include long time secretary Jack Milne, W.H. Grosch of Stratford, Bob Park of St. George, Jack Lang of Caledonia, E.R. Macklin of Burlington, Dr. Heslop of Milton and Ken MacKinnon of Owen Sound. This of course is a very abbreviated list of those who held office.

Although the once familiar Supertest orange maple leaf has disappeared, the great harness races it sponsored are still a favourite topic of conversation for those taking a stroll down harness racing's memory lane.