SC Rewind's Robert Smith takes a look back at some people and events of harness racing in the 1960's in the ongoing feature "Years Ago"

.

1960

September 14, 1960 - Today's Sunderland, Ont. Fall Fair saw a clean sweep by local reinsman Lorne Brethour. The day featured three two-heat races, each with a purse of $150 and Mr. Brethour won all six. In the 28 pace he won with Rusty Bill and grabbed both ends of the 23 pace with Babe Grattan K. In the Free For All it was Marsha Lee recording the fastest heat of the day in 2:13. All horses are owned by Brethour Bros. of Blackwater, Ont. During the 1960 season these three horses won a combined total of 41 races; a rather nice 1-2-3 punch.

1961

One of the real veteran horsemen currently racing in Ontario and Quebec is Wilbert Hopkins from Walters Falls, Ont. who now lists Leamington as his home base. Among his stable stars this year is one of his own, a promising two-year old named Shadydale Babe by Yankee Scott .She has taken a season's best of 2:11 3/5 in winning three out of 10 starts good for $3,326 with "Wib" on the bike. He is also racing a number of horses for Ken MacKinnon of Owen Sound who had much success with Malcolm Hanover in years past.

1962

Richard Carroll, a native of Riverview, Ont., has enjoyed a busy season with his four-year-old gelding Royal Echo. The duo started a total of 32 times at 10 different tracks and ended the season 32-1-5-4 with earnings of $227.

They raced at Arthur, Oro, Wasaga Beach, Orr Lake, Palmerston, Brampton, Shelburne, Barrie, London and Elmvale. The highlight of the season occurred on the afternoon of September 19th at Elmvale when the pair gained their only win of the season with a clocking of 2:25.The son of Red Echo out of Marianne Chips is co-owned by Davis Carroll also of Riverview, a small hamlet northwest of Orangeville.

1963

Listed among the summary of starters during the 1963 season is a horse that might be termed "non descript". The horse is shown as a bay gelding pacer (no age) with the name Royal Henley. His sire is "Unknown" and his dam is "Unknown". The summary lists his owner as Denis Nadeau of Chicoutimi, Quebec (surprisingly not "Unknown'). In nine starts this year he had one third place finish and season's earnings of $20.00!! All appearances were made at the Jonquiere, Que. track. It is not known at this time who was listed as his driver.

1964

London, Ont., August 3rd - A ten race card today featured three double race winning drivers. Wm. "Bud" Fritz scored with LaSalles Hope and Mae Dudley. Wes Coke doubled with September Morn C and Gingerbread Man C. Also clicking for two was Hugh McLean with Shirley Brooke and feature winner Highland Girl in 2:05 4/5 for a $1200 purse. The four other winning teamsters were Dale Dufty driving Allen Volo and Orwell Morrissey behind Prince Adam. Rounding out the day of all pacing events was "Jiggs" McFadden scoring with Evelyn Harmony and veteran Dunc Campbell tail sitting Argyel Sam. In the co-feature won by Argyel Sam, a mishap occurred resulting in both Atom Direct B. and Mauds Boy unable to complete the race.