This week's Rewind is the monthly edition of Years Ago,  a regular feature.  Robert Smith has found some old short stories and pictures and this time around it's all based on people, events and anything to do with the decade of the 1980's.  That means 40-plus years ago.   Hope you find something of interest. 

1982 - Kading Wins Aged Trotting Mare Award 

OHHA General Manager, Joe Burke (left) on behalf of the United States Trotting Association makes the USTA/USHWA Aged Trotting Mare Of The Year Award won by Kading to Lenore, Dorothy and Charles Armstrong of Inglewood. Kading is owned jointly by Arnold Bachner of Stamford, Conn. and Armstrong Bros. of Inglewood. The presentation took place at the annual OHHA dinner dance and award ceremony held at the Westin Hotel, Toronto on January 16,1982 (Harness Horse photo) 

In January 1982 a gala event was held at the Westin Hotel in Toronto to honour the outstanding performers of the 1981 season.  As shown above the award for aged trotting mare went to Kading,  a then four-year-old daughter of Hickory Pride.  She had an outstanding season, most often driven by Ron Waples. 

Second from left in the above photo is Lenore Armstrong, a well known personality in Canadian harness racing and part of the famous "Armbro" family for many years.  She recently passed away on November 20, 2024 at the age of 93.  She was predeceased by her husband Charles in 2017 after 57 years of marriage.  Edith (better known as Lenore) was born in the hamlet of Snelgrove, Ont. and spent her entire life in that general area.  Her three daughters and their extended families remain. 

1986 - Ken Heeney Killed In Racing Accident 

Oct.  1986 - A veteran harness race driver was killed in a chain-reaction collision of four horses at Foxboro Raceway. Driver Ken Heeney, 52, a native of Saratoga, N.Y., who won more than 1,500 races, was catapulted from the sulky and hit head first into the hubrail in the sixth race, officials said. The accident occurred when Cody Lee, driven by Bruce Ranger, broke stride, causing a chain reaction in which four horses — including W Cs Luck, driven by Heeney — collided. 

None of the horses in the accident finished the race. Heeney was taken by ambulance to Norwood Hospital and apparently was dead on arrival. John Marshall, who drove Ideal Worth, suffered leg injuries in the accident and was also brought to Hospital for treatment. The other horse in the accident was E J Star, driven by J. Carl Smith.

 Heeney’s death came less than three months after Hall of Fame driver Billy Haughton died of head injuries suffered in a racing accident at Yonkers Raceway in Yonkers, N.Y. Like Haughton, Heeney was not wearing one of the newly-designed safety helmets which have been made mandatory in New York since Haughton’s death. After being at Saratoga for many years, Heeney had been based previously based in New England.   

1988 - Wager Without Leaving Home  

That was the heading of a news item in the Feb. 2nd issue of the Canadian Sportsman.  This was not a joke it was fact and involved an area of the country that was probably not considered to be involved in cutting edge technology. 

Harness racing fans in Brandon, Man. will now be able to watch and wager on racing programs from Assiniboia Downs some 120 miles away, without even leaving the comforts of home.  In mid-January a local cable TV company introduced the concept which is the first of its kind in Canada.  A Winnipeg firm is expected to do likewise in a very short time. 

Assiniboia Downs has received the necessary approval to broadcast its races throughout the Province. Track officials are confident that all 13 cable companies in Manitoba will eventually be telecasting the race cards.  Under this system fans will be able to view the post paardes, watch the change in odds and make their wagering choice.  They will then have to call a toll-free number. Track officials do not anticipate a great increase in handle but are hopeful that viewers will be impressed and start attending races in person.  

1989 - Dr. John Findley Honoured At Arnprior 

September 1989 - Dr. John Findley was recently honoured by the Arnprior Agricultural Society, marking the 50th anniversary of his involvement in harness racing. Joining in on the occasion was the Arnprior Lions Club for service to the community.  A detailed address was read at the ceremony and I have included a few details of his lengthy career.  

John Steele Findley was born in Braeside, Ont. On Sept. 2, 1924. He attended school in Braeside and later Arnprior and eventually graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1947.  He practiced veterinary medicine in the Arnprior area from 1947 to 1961.  He then decided to devote full time to the sport of harness racing and opened his own public stable.  

"Dr. John"  as he was commonly referred to, began jogging horses in the early 1930's and started training miles at the age of 10.  He drove in his first race on Aug. 29, 1939 at the Arnprior Fair,  winning one heat out of three.  He drove in his final race in 2005 at the age of 81,  having participated in an unprecedented eight decades. 

His entire lifetime was consumed with activities related to all aspects of the sport.  In 1953 John was mentioned in the minutes of the Ontario Veterinary Association for his work with burned horses during the fire at Richelieu Park.  He served on many boards and committees including serving as President of the United Horsemen Assoc. 

I had the pleasure of many conversations with "Doc" and always enjoyed our "visits" which continued until shortly before his passing.  He left us on Saturday, Aug. 20, less than two weeks from his 98th birthday. In many respects he was among the most accomplished people ever in the sport of harness racing. 

Crimson Duchess with Dr. Findley in the bike

Quote For The Week: “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Who Is It #1?  

Can you identify the above pictured gentleman who was once a driving force in Canadian harness racing.  Sadly he passed away very suddenly at a young age. 

Who Is It #2?  

Can you identify this fellow?  

Who Else Is It?  

Can you identify the driver being interviewed in this photo?  I don't know who the other fellow is but if anyone recognizes him please send it along.  (Iron Horse Photo)