This week's Rewind is the monthly feature called Picture Parade. This time it is a collection of old pictures from the archives that are all related in some way to the Hambletonian. Each photo has a close Canadian connection.  Next weekend on August 3rd,  this great annual race that has been around for nearly 100 years will take centre stage at The Meadowlands in New Jersey.  

#1 - This gentleman made history when he became the first Canadian to compete in the Hambo with his own horse that was owned and bred in Canada. Who is he?  That  year, which was 1946, saw the first appearance of the mobile starting gate, operated by Steve Philips of Ohio. The Canadian horse had never seen a starting gate before this day and reportedly tried to beat the gate away at the start. The driver was fined $100 for the infraction.  This day will forever stand as an important milestone for Canadian sired horses appearing in the Hambletonian.

#2 - This father and son combo were involved in numerous Hambos and are shown here with the 1942 winner.  The father, who was Canadian born, won a total of four Hambos as a driver.  Who are they?  If you name one you get full credit. 

#3 - This photo from almost 40 years ago has a Canadian born driver in the winners circle.  Who is he?

#4 - This Canadian born trainer and driver was a multiple winner of the Hambletonian.   Who is he?  

#5 - This gentleman trotted his way into the Hambletonian winner's circle as part of his fabulous career.  Who is he? 

#6 - The above horse and her connections brought a lot of attention to some Canadian owners about 70 years ago.  Can you name the horse and driver (not a Canadian) and the owners?  

#7 - These two fellows had quite a year about 30 years ago when they teamed up to win the big race.  Who are they?

#8 - When the site of the Hambletonian moved in 1981 to its current home at the Meadowlands, a Canadian born driver made the headlines after a long day of work.  He had never been in attendance at this famous race and did rather well in his initial visit.  Who is he?  

#9 - This was a modern day picture (in colour) from nearly 25 years ago.  A couple of Canadian "boys" teamed up to get the job done this year.  Can you name the horse, the trainer and the driver?  

#10 - This great photo is from Hambletonian day  in 1996.  This horse was U.S. owned and trained but he did have a Canadian born driver.  Can you name at least the driver?  

Do You Remember?  

Do you remember when the phones were turned off at the racetrack as soon as the races started?  Long before the days of cellphones,  the bigger tracks had phone booths and pay phones in various areas of the grandstand.  Once the races started they were "off limits" and no one could call in or out until the race program was completed.  Oh my how things have changed! 

Quote For The Week:  A young boy was asked by a neighbour lady if his family prayed before they ate dinner each day.  He said "No,  we don't have to because my mother is a good cook."

Blast From The Past 

This vintage photo shows quite a lineup waiting their turn to place a bet on Hambo day at Goshen, N.Y.