In this week's edition of Rewind, Robert Smith recalls the start-up and some early happenings from the now-defunct Windsor Raceway. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the 1965 opening of the border oval. This is the first in a series of reminiscences from the more than 45 years the track operated (1965–2012).

Sixty years ago, on Oct. 22, 1965, when Windsor Raceway first opened its doors, a new era of Canadian harness racing was born. The plant, located at the far west end of the city in a historic area known as Ojibway, was a work of mastery, designed entirely to meet the needs and fancies of a new breed of harness racing fan. It was perhaps the fulfillment of the passage “build it and they will come.” Its design and overall plan was a leap of faith — and for many years, it worked marvelously.

Windsor Raceway President Al Siegel inspects the new tartan surface being installed at the soon-to-open Windsor Raceway. A portion of the recently completed grandstand can be seen in the background.

Below are a few milestones and memorable happenings from the early years at Windsor Raceway.

Opening Night – 1965

The inaugural race took place on Oct. 22, 1965, with Castle Direct, driven by Fred Roloson, becoming the first horse to ever cross the line a winner with a time of 2:10. Opening day attendance was 5,136, and fans wagered $194,204. The owners of the initial winner were U.S.-based, as was the driver, Fred (“Red Fred”) Roloson, who was Canadian-born from the Tillsonburg, Ont., area.

Much of Windsor’s design was the result of input by The Hon. Earl Rowe and his son William, who, along with Race Secretary Joe DeFrank, designed virtually every detail. The Rowes’ extensive racing experience was evident throughout. They knew what fans and horsemen would enjoy. Intense attention to sight lines for the crowd at every level was important. As for the horsemen, Mr. Rowe Jr. said: “We were tired of washing our faces in horse pails and believed no horseman should have to do so. Everything will be first class.”

The Raceway’s opening attracted a huge number of stables from both sides of the border. Canadian horsemen included veteran Herb Craig from nearby Chatham, Jack Gordon, Bert Madill, Pat Crowe, Fred Goudreau, Keith and Murray Waples, Clarence Lockhart, Harold Wellwood, Wilf Duford, Merv Kirkness, Fred Roloson, Henri Filion, Brian Webster, and dozens more.

From the U.S., such names as Gerry Bookmeyer, Wally McIllmurray Sr., Bud Foster, Don Keeton, Gordon Norris, Don Hall, the Merrimans (Tom and Jim Jr.), Jack Betts, and Bert Amos Jr. were on hand.

Because of its location, the track attracted many fans from the U.S. In a novel move, the mutuels were set up so bettors could place their wagers in either Canadian or U.S. funds. Winnings, of course, could also be cashed in the corresponding currency.

A view of the Windsor betting area on opening night in 1965 as lucky patrons wait to cash their winning tickets (Windsor Star)

Albatross Visits Windsor – 1972

This large poster was on display at Windsor Raceway for many years recalling a special record setting night in the summer of 1972. This great old picture survived the track's demolition and for a time remained on display at a local establishment.

On June 23, 1972, Windsor Raceway played host to the great Albatross, a special horse in the midst of a record-setting season — his last before beginning his breeding career.

The crowd of 7,312 was treated to a thrilling evening, highlighted by a new Canadian record and a new Windsor track record that had stood for five years. Organizers wisely scheduled the big race as the 10th and final on the card — after all, who was going to leave without seeing the sight of a lifetime? The track did take a small hit, experiencing its first-ever minus pool when $1,044 was lost as the prohibitive 2–5 favourite romped to victory. The handle exceeded $425,000.

Albatross controlled the race from the start, never threatened as he set fractions of :28.1, :58.3, 1:28.2, and home in 1:56.3 after a final quarter of :28.1 — impressive given the cool June weather (58°F) and a brisk wind. Track man Ken Myles had the oval in excellent condition despite lingering effects of Hurricane Agnes.

Bruce Nickells, driving Kentucky, enjoyed a perfect trip and had plenty left for the stretch, but admitted afterward: “I gave my horse a few clucks, but when I looked up, Dancer was still in command and no one was ever going to catch him.” Jack Bailey with Bye Bye Max, who raced third throughout, closed quickly to grab second; Kentucky settled for third.

The field of six also included Nansemond, driven by Herve Filion. Having upset Albatross in the Jug the previous year, he was expected to provide stiff competition — but on this night, he offered little challenge and finished a disappointing fourth.

The clocking of 1:56.3 shown in the background told most of the story of the win by Albatross in the 1972 Continental Cup at Windsor. The old track record of 1:59.4 set in 1967 by Philip Brian was erased as Canada's fastest ever mile was established by Albatross (Windsor Star)

Quote for the Week: “Change is the only constant in life.” — Mark Twain

Who Is It?

Can you name the winning driver in the above photograph? He was a regular for many years and part of the original cast of horsemen who populated Windsor’s backstretch when it first opened.

Who Else Is It?

Windsor hosted many charitable events. The 1988 photo above shows two gentlemen in the back row at the far right representing the charity. Can you identify the drivers who participated?

Blast from the Past

Who is this fellow who starred at Windsor for many years? He won countless driving titles and at times seemed to drive in virtually every race. This one shouldn’t pose too many problems — who is he?

(The correct answers will be posted here by Robert as a comment in a few days.)