The current edition of 'Rewind' takes a look back at the decade of the 1980s in the monthly Years Ago feature. A variety of names, faces and happenings from that time period are featured along with a number of old photos that depict the times.

1981 - Dr. R.M. Armitage Announced as New General Manager of Rideau Carleton Raceway

June 1981 - Dr. Roland Armitage D.V.M. of Dunrobin, Ont. has been named as the new General Manager for Rideau Carleton Raceway in Ottawa. A native of South March, Ont. (the present day Kanata) "Roly" is described as a rather versatile individual who is at home in a jog cart, as a backstretch participant or virtually wherever he may be found. His home farm has been in the family since the 1830's. He is a Past C.T.A. President and has been involved with the political scene in his home area for many years as well as being a decorated military veteran. Well-known and widely respected throughout the Country, the good Doctor will undoubtedly perform this new job with distinction. Dr. Armitage is but one in a long succession of Veterinary practitioners who have dedicated their time and talents to promote and improve the sport of harness racing.

The future of Rideau Carleton appears to be in good hands. It is now in its 20th season of operation.

In the above photo Roly Armitage is pictured with figure skater Elizabeth Manley when Rideau hosted a special pacing series in her honour following the outstanding performances she enjoyed in the 1988 Olympics winning a silver medal. (Can. Sportsman)

1984 - Kawartha Happenings: Early Season 1984

Schedule of events for 1984 season

The first "Miracle Mile" of the season at Kawartha was hung out by Smokin Gus when he "smoked" home in 1:58.4 for owners Eleanor & Ted Wilson of Whitby, Tom Wilson of Ashland, Ohio and August Lehman of Oshawa. Driver Ted Wilson opened up a seven-length lead and held it to win his third in twelve starts. A crowd of 1,414 fans were on hand this Saturday evening.

Popular Port Perry horseman Nelson Cochrane had his baseball team "The Cochrane Trotters" Bantam House League Champions on-hand at the track as a special treat. They joined in the trackside cooler presentation after Mingo Joe trotted home a winner for owner trainer-driver John Sharp of Bowmanville.

Driver Challenge night is upcoming with four local teamsters -- Reg Gassien, Tony Kerwood, Mark Johnson and Allan Nicholls -- taking on the "Mohawk" Team of Ron Waples, Doug Brown, Steve Condren and Dave Wall. Amongst the eight drivers they have garnered nearly 12,000 lifetime wins and earnings of nearly $50 million.

(Thanks to Grant C. Wade, Kawartha publicist)

1987 - Wm. Herbert Passes Away in London

Wm. Herbert is shown above holding one of the many silver trays won by his stable members. This oldie is from 1946 at Tillsonburg, Ont. (London Free Press)

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June 28, 1987 - One of the sport's best known personalities, William Henry Herbert passed away in a London Hospital on June 28 at the age of 88. Bill began his career in the sport in the 1920's in his native Niagara Peninsula area and has been involved for well over 60 years. In addition to owning The Brunswick Hotel in downtown London for many years Herbert bred, raised, trained and raced some of the most outstanding horses the sport has seen. Bill and his son Jack handled the majority of the driving duties and his wife Ruth was also an integral part of the huge operation. Dating back to the early 1940's, the Herberts started naming all of their horses with the name "Herbert" and it has been one of the most recognizable and successful names in the history of Canadian harness racing. Betsy, Oro G., Dean, Blaze, Brisco, Replica Herbert...the list was endless and numbered in the many 100's. Bill Herbert was a colourful, talented and very important part of the sport in its formative years and he will be forever remembered.

1988 - Corby's Lil' Jug Held Annually at Stirling Ont. Fair

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Harness racing at the Stirling Fair in Hastings County is always a fun affair and provides a chance for locals to attend "The Jug" without having to travel all the way to Ohio. The annual race sponsored by nearby Corby Distilleries is based on one of the Company's products "Little Brown Jug Whisky" that is sold in a neat little bottle with a shape and label befitting the name. Each year a cooler and a trophy is presented to the winner.

The 1988 Jug winner was Larry Starr shown crossing the finish wire for driver Bob Pennel. In second place was Bengay Brandy (Al Cassiday) with the show spot taken by Jeffs Choice with Al Newman up. Time of the mile was a swift 2:08.2. (Can. Sportsman)

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1989 - Nealies Ten Spot Wins Nat Christie at Stampede Park

August 13,1989 - This year's edition of the Nat Christie Memorial drew an outstanding crowd of 4,288 who were treated to a fine show of all local talent in search of the $90,000 purse for the final. For the first time in years, no horses travelled from the East to compete in this great race. This year's winner was Nealies Ten Spot, an Alberta-sired colt by Bobby Hanover - Freshly Minted, owned and bred by Nealies Stable of Millet, Alberta. An excellent mille time of 1:54.4 was recorded by the winner and driver Jerv Clifton was in control at every marker cutting his own fractions of :27.3; :57.3; and 1:25.3 en route to victory over second place finisher Autocracy, handled by John Baxter who ruled as the betting favourite. Third place went to Artful Hanover driven by Keith Clark.

The race required eliminations with the first going to Autocracy (Baxter) and the other was taken by Ryans Prince driven by Brent Grundy who had to settle for fifth in the final contest.

In a post-race interview reinsman Jerv Clifton, a Saskatchewan native, was high in his praise of the winning trainer Doug Stout. He said "Doug keeps this colt tight all the time." His $52,500 winnings in this event including the elimination brought his season's total to $101,289 with a standing of 7-3-2 in 13 starts.

The winner of this race revives the name of one of the true pioneers of harness racing in western Canada Nealie Oliver, a name synonymous with dedication and horsemanship. His son Elroy is the owner of the victorious performer.

Who Is It?

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Can you put a name on the gentleman pictured in this old photograph? The correct answer will appear during the coming week.

Bonus Photo

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If you're a real oldtimer take a guess at this one.