In this week's rewind Robert Smith travels back in time to the late 1960s when the tracks that made up the Golden Horseshoe Circuit held special attractions to entertain fans beyond the day or evening of racing.
In this week's rewind Robert Smith travels back in time to the late 1960's when the tracks that made up the Golden Horseshoe Circuit held numerous special attractions to entertain fans beyond the day or evening of racing. A number of pictures help to capture the times and also even the fashions.
Back in the day, the publicity people for the Ontario Jockey Club tracks staged many attractions to entertain fans who were in attendance for the races. The events were varied and today's offering touches on all three of the tracks then in existence. Some were one-time events while others were held on numerous occasions. In several, the interests of young children were a priority. My thanks to Wm. Galvin for supplying much of the background information and the accompanying photographs.
NHL Donkey Derby At Garden City Raceway
Horseman and starter Glen Campbell (not the singer) holds the winner of a special race at Garden City Raceway. The unnamed donkey wearing saddle pad # 1 was driven by Boston Bruins goalie Gerry Cheevers wearing silks loaned by OJC driver Wes Coke. It appears that having the rail position helps donkeys win races too. The photo bears the autograph of the winning driver.
The sports of harness racing and hockey have somehow had close ties down through the years and the interactions between the two have taken on many different forms. A few years ago a couple of editions of Rewind (Part I and II) even discussed the pairing.
Back on July 21, 1968 six members of the National Hockey League made their driving debut in a special Donkey Derby held at Garden City Raceway. The participating hockey players turned drivers were Gerry Cheevers (Boston Bruins), Doug Favell (Philadelphia Flyers), Harry Howell (New York Rangers), Fred Stanfield (Boston), Wayne Hillman (Minnesota North Stars) and Ray Cullen (Minnesota). Frank Elliot, former NHL Referee was the official starter for the event.
Children who attended the races that evening accompanied by a parent received miniature hockey sticks which had all been previously autographed by the participating players. Due to the popularity of the event, more sticks were autographed and handed out immediately following the race.
The race itself was contested at a distance of one furlong (a popular measure in thoroughbreds = approx. 1/8 mile) and was won by an unnamed but speedy donkey driven by Boston goalie Gerry Cheevers. I think the smiles on the faces of the hockey players spoke volumes of how much fun was had by all. Even the donkeys looked like they were enjoying it too.
Some smiling hockey stars offer a bunch of carrots to a pair of starters in a special donkey race. The Garden City grandstand is in the background.
Driver and goalie Gerry Cheevers records another shutout as he coasts to the finish wire three lengths ahead of his nearest pursuer Fred Stanfield, handling no. 6
Hayrides At Greenwood
In January of 1968 teams of Belgian, Percheron and Clydesdale horses pulled sleighs carrying a lot of smiling children around the snow-packed thoroughbred racing strip at Greenwood Raceway. Children who accompanied their parents to the track that day received free tickets for the hayride. The event was such a success that it was again held during the summer months but with wagons instead of sleighs. At this time children 12 and under were admitted free to all of the Golden Horseshoe Tracks.
On August 5, 1968 a hugely successful hayride took place at Greenwood as part of the Civic Holiday weekend festivities. Wagons pulled by teams of beautiful Percheron and other draft horses gave rides to over 1,400 children in attendance that day with their parents. The hayride took place continuously throughout the evening on the three-quarter mile thoroughbred strip which surrounded the five-eighths standardbred course. While the children loved the cold weather version this warmer time of year was a bit more enjoyable. On the far left that appears to be Jim Lampman assisting a youngster from the wagon.
This hayride was not your ordinary affair and the children were all well cared for throughout the trip. Eight aptly-named "Hayettes" attired in mini-skirts and R.C.M.P. tunics and hats helped the children on and off the wagons and also accompanied them during the ride. The Hayettes represented eight different nationalities and countries.
Fashion Shows At Mohawk, Greenwood And Garden City
Back in the late 60's a series of fashion shows were held on Wednesday evenings in Mohawk's Terrace Dining Room. Styles of the day for both men and women were on display with live models walking about the clubhouse. The clothing was provided by Liliana's Furs and Fashions and by Ray Howe's Villager, both located in Hamilton.
Many fashion shows were also held in the Seaway Dining Terrace during the racing program at Garden City. Clothing was supplied by the popular Roseanne Shops which were located in both St. Catherines and Niagara Falls.
During Grand Circuit week at Greenwood in 1970, fashion shows were held nightly as advertised here.
I can recall a couple of very interesting contests held between races at Windsor Raceway probably about ten or so years ago. Each event pitted a horse supplied by Hall of Fame trainer Bob McIntosh competing against a male sprinter from The University of Windsor. One year "The Magic Man" Wm. O'Donnell was the driver; the next year it was Wm. Gale.
Perhaps people in the reading audience will recall some fun and interesting events from the past that were held during an evening or afternoon of racing.
I was one of the lucky ones
I was one of the lucky ones to be on the hayride in 1968.