Writer Robert Smith files this report from Canada's most southerly track at Leamington, Ontario midway through the 1983 season
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Sun Parlour Raceway located in Leamington, Ont. advertises "The Finest in Standardbred Horseracing". Racing under the guidance of race secretary Cliff "Chappy" Chapman, this venerable old track is having an excellent meeting. Races under the lights are being held Mondays and Thursdays until Thanksgiving. In addition to the regular racing, this year's schedule also includes three visits by the ever popular Ontario Sires Stakes.
Apparently track superintendent and former auto dealer Clarence Hyatt has the track in "lightning" fast condition based on the race times being recorded. To date, 76 miles have been in 2:10 or better with seven already in 2:05 or less. Also of note is that 20 new lifetime marks have been taken by mid-season. Three new track records have been hung out already this year. Two belong to driver Doug McIntosh who steered Super Playboy in 2:02.2 to set a two-year-old colt and gelding record as well as the two-year-old filly Emerald Omaha, who stepped the track in 2:07.1 equaling cousin Scott McIntosh's mile with Revalee Kathy just four days earlier on July 21.
A big mile was just recorded by newcomer Bills Mate racing out of the Dinning barn for trainer Howard and owner and son John. The son of Deep Adios stopped the timer in 2:00.4 with Norm McKnight Jr. at the controls in the Topcrop Feeds Pace earning a nice blanket for the Windsor-based Dinning Stable.
Racing Officials - Current meet
General Manager - Dale Henderson
Starter - Bob Harris
Paddock Judge - Bucky Platford
Chart Caller - Jan Fulmer
Announcer - Vance Cameron
Veterinarian - Dr. Gordon Gilbertson
Timer - Herben Heatherington
Judges - Allan McManus, Ron McGee, Paul Dyson
Now the voice of harness racing for Prince Edward Island, Cameron fondly recollects his time in Leamington.
"I was only there a couple of years, that was my introduction to south-western Ontario at the time. I had been up in Sudbury, and Dale Henderson was looking for help."
Cameron chuckled at one of the experiences unique to Leamington.
"The way the track was configured at the time, they had to have an individial in the infield tell the timer when the race started as it wasn't a regulation half-mile track. He'd stand in the infield with an arm up and as soon as the starting gate passed the starting point, he'd drop his arm to signal the start of the race."
Some of the names synonymous with racing in the area were able to learn the finer points of driving at the small track as well.
"Guys like Randy Kerr and Mark Williams were able to get a good start there," continued Cameron. "It was a fun place to be."
Working with the late Cliff Chapman was also a personal highlight for Cameron.
Trainer & Driver Stats, through July 25, 1983
Top 10 Leading percentage drivers
Scott McIntosh - .637
Doug McIntosh - .486
Ed Cook - .414
Dennis Nadon - .383
Ross Siddall - .370
Randy Kerr - .364
Jack Wray - .354
Lazlo Simon - .346
Wayne Hinnegan - .333
Bill Kirkpatrick - .333
Top Non-Driving Trainers by Wins
Warren Walstead - 10
Bill McIntosh - 6
Jack Hinnegan - 5
Don Maurice - 3
George Makaric - 3
Mark Ferriss - 3
I was glad to see the
I was glad to see the comments on Leamington especially from my old associate Jim Cauchon. The facility is in terrific shape but only has one pari mutuel date each year in June. In 1997 the late Tom Joy put forward a plan that included extended meet racing, slots and simulcasting and the establishment of an equine course in co-operation with St. Clair College. Political support was lacking and the window of opportunity lost. Janette Mulholland is chair of the fair board and is a pleasure to work with. If many of you will recall she and Cheryl Harrison ran the track in the 80's.
Used to do radio there, and
Used to do radio there, and loved the evening card (thur?) and occasional sunday aft.
**remember one sunday afternoon, marty adler was disqualified from 2nd to 4th, IN A FOUR HORSE RACE.
**my friend asked me once, how can you have a finish line photo, if the finish line blows in the wind....too loose, and it always did...not sure how the judges dealt with that.
but, always a great time with the cheap stock and great locals, and those portugese and lebanese loved to bet the ponies...
memories and relatives past, like the Michauds down there, and their gutsy mare Patsy G Grattan...(early 80's)
thanks Leamington
jctoronto
In reply to Used to do radio there, and by jctoronto
Great to read comments from
Great to read comments from Jim Cauchon, the mighty Jeff Parker, from CHYR Radio in Leamington from the late 1970's and early 1980's, regarding our wonderful Raceway in Leamington. Continued good luck in the big city of T.O. Cheers!
Paul/Chuck Reynolds
Robert, One of my
Robert,
One of my favorite places.
When I first attended Leamington in either '70 or '71, there was not an automated odds board (I'd never been to track without one). They used to hang the odds manually and frequently they would change after the race was already over.
Some folks used to be able to park their cars along the fence in the clubhouse turn and watch the races from there and without even entering the track. I seem to recall that at one time there was even a single betting window outside the building and just inside the entrance gate.
At one time (likely in the late-70's or early 80's) they were offering some very low priced claiming races (both $600 and $750) and I recall seeing a very aged Bret Cashier in for $750. Believe Larry Gale may have had the horse then.
The track surface used to get "off" terribly with a little rain and the outcomes under these circumstances were generally not the favorites.