Robert Smith takes a look back at some of the people and events in the years surrounding 1960 in the ongoing feature "Years Ago"
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1954
Castle Lee has become the fastest Canadian sired trotting stallion ever by virtue of his recent mile at Vernon Downs. He is now 6 years old and is the property of The H&B Stable of Norwich, Ont. With co-owner "Ancaster Bill" Harvey in the bike, the son of Lee Harvester covered the Vernon 3/4 mile oval in the record time of 2:02, bettering his previous best of 2:05.2 taken earlier this season at Yonkers. An account of the race in The Harness Horse said "At the half, Harvey pulled him out and he moved to the top like a streak of lightning, grabbing the lead from Singing Sword and held it the rest of the way." When retired he is expected to be a good prospect for a sire of trotting stock.
1956
The advent of television which started to sweep across the land around 1950, has resulted in a TV set being in almost every home. It has also apparently entered the world of Canadian harness racing as well. A crew from station CFPL set up right across from the grandstand at the recent Canadian Pacing Derby in New Hamburg to film the action. A car has been equipped with a special rooftop stand that accommodates a swiveling camera and its operator. The crew captured all of the highlights of this year's Derby at Fountain Park.
1958
Well known horseman Bill Gardner of Goderich is currently racing his stable at the Quebec City track, quite a change from years past when he raced at many nearby small towns. A few weeks ago several local horsemen at the Goderich track assisted Mr. Gardner in leading his stock some 10 blocks from the town fairgrounds to the local train station. The horses and equipment were loaded on freight cars for the long eastward trip of some 650 miles. Mr. Adelbert Gardner, Bill's father, works with the horses and is regarded as an excellent caretaker. A partial list of the Gardner Stable horses now racing includes Lord Willin C, Vicky Bars, Myrtle Way, Barbara Grattan K and Helena Chips.
1960
Fifty years ago the summer meeting at Old Woodbine was the highlight of the season for Ontario horsemen. The following were the weekly Invitational winners, with drivers shown in brackets. The season was from July 1 to August 31.
Week 1- Stormy Volo (Jiggs McFadden)
Week 2- Royal Aileen (Wm. Wellwood)
Week 3- Armbro Express (Harold McKinley)
Week 4- Captain Wright (Harold McKinley)
Week 5- Captain Wright (Harold McKinley)
Week 6- Hi Acres Rudy (W Grant)
Week 7- Howard Rosecroft (Bud Gilmour)
Week 8- Armbro Express (H. McKinley)
Week 9- Selka Song (H. McKinley)
1961
How many two year old fillies can say they won 13 races this year racing exclusively in Ontario? Well probably none, but when horses start to talk Fleetwood E Grattan they can spiel off quite a few facts. The brown miss sired by Dusty MacGrattan has had an impressive season, facing the starter 22 times and recording 13 wins to go along with 8 seconds, all good for earnings of $3083. Her regular driver throughout the year has been owner Earl Shea who piloted her to a freshman record of 2:07.4. The pair raced at Peterborough, Orono and finished at Lindsay but had a highly productive summer at Old Woodbine, twice finishing second in major stake events. Their home is the quaint little hamlet of Bethany, Ont., located just west of Peterborough in the Kawartha Lakes region. It is nestled among many small communities, such as Pontypool, Cavan, Nestleton, and even one named Fleetwood, no longer on the map.
I remember the year 1951 my
I remember the year 1951 my Dad trained the Horse Wanda Harvester, My dad name was Roy Jeffries, Any way I watched all of Wanda races In the Year 1951 she had eleven wins And seven thirds and taking pacing mark of 214 and earning 623,31. Back then harness racing was a family business. Our friend Roy Lawson drove Wanda to all her wins that year.And when Roy could not get there Dave Dowson Drove her I also believe she finished third in the Supertest that year in Stratford. Thanks For The Memories Robert.
Hi Norm : William made his
Hi Norm :
William made his first drive on October 23,1959 as chronicled in my "Rewind" story entitled "Memories of William Wellwood" published right here last October .Coincidentally he first drove Royal Aileen, the same mare as mentioned here . In 1960 Bill was dispatched by his Uncle Harold (his mentor and employer) with a small quality based stable of horses to compete at the Woodbine summer meeting . He was an instant success,winning many races and quickly drawing the attention of other owners who frequently used him as a catch driver .
Thanks for reading , and thanks even more for paying such close attention !!
My Mother used to go all the
My Mother used to go all the fairs circuits in Ontario , her name was Edna and she used to follow and bet on a horse Edna Consella which was driven by Wm Madill he also trained and owned the horse. He came from Shellburne not to far from were we lived On a Sat. they were having the Orangville fair racing this is before they had a raceway it was at the same spot as the race track was years later.So we went to watch Edna races To my surprise there was a horse in the 2 year old race with the same name as me its name was Jennys Joe I think he won the last division as they raced twice We went to the barn to find Jenny a man said thats him that the lady is cooling out. The man called the lady over an said this girl wants to see Joe.We talked a little and they let me walk the horse out. There name was Mr & Mrs Lawson. Mr Madil came out and said why is she walking that horse that's not Edna and my turn out walking Edna around it was one of my happiest days of my life. Thank Standardbred Canada. JENNY JOE HARPER
Just thinking you should re
Just thinking you should re check Royal Aileen.
I think 1960 is before Bill Wellwoods time and the driver should actually be listed Harold F Wellwood Sr