In this week's Rewind, Robert Smith takes readers back in time to the decade of the 1940s with the monthly version of Years Ago. That could mean stories, names, and events from around 80 years ago. It was a time of rapid growth in the sport as racing entered the “big time” as a spectator sport.

The first totally new track dedicated to nighttime harness racing was at Saratoga, N.Y. in 1941. Both Roosevelt Raceway and Batavia Downs had opened previously, but their facilities had existed prior to their debut (both in 1940) as hosts to harness racing.

1947 - Russell Miller Finds Success in Colt Futurities

Winning owners Russell Miller (at horse’s head) and Carl Smith (centre, my father) accept the Canadian Standardbred trophy — a silver tray — from C.S.H.S. President Dr. J.S. Ferguson M.D. of Chatham. This photo was taken following the 1946 victory by their two-year-old pacing filly Minda Dillon, who won both heats of the $1,400 event. The driver is Joe Hodgins.

A relative newcomer to the sport of harness racing, J. Russell Miller from Dutton, Ont., recorded a first in 1947. He became the first owner to win both the two- and three-year-old pacing Futurities in the same year. It was considered quite an accomplishment at the time, since the program dated back to 1929.

He achieved the feat when his super colt David Dillon won the two-year-old division. He also captured the three-year-old race that same year with Dividend. Both colts came from the breeding operation of Dr. W.N. Meldrum, a Norwich, Ont., medical doctor. Joe Hodgins drove both colts.

This was not Miller’s first taste of victory in Futurity competition — he had won the two-year-old pacing division the previous year as co-owner of the filly Minda Dillon. He shared ownership with Carl Smith (as pictured above).

Dividend is shown with his breeder and original owner, Dr. W.N. Meldrum of Norwich, and driver Joe Hodgins.

1948 - Roosevelt Raceway Leads the Way

Blanketed in glory after winning the $40,000 Roosevelt Two-Mile Trot in 4:17 — a world record over a half-mile track — Proximity is shown in the winner’s circle with Race Secretary Walter S. Gibbons, Robert G. Johnson, Mrs. Elizabeth MacDonald (author of Under Cover Girl) presenting the trophy, driver Clint Hodgins, and owner Ralph Verhurst. (Harness Horse photo)

By 1948, Roosevelt Raceway on Long Island, N.Y., was truly the big leagues of harness racing. Six nights a week, from May until the season closed in November, it was a literal beehive of activity. Huge crowds, gigantic mutuel handles, and fast horses were the order of the day.

All of the most talented horsemen, accompanied by the top equine campaigners of the era, were at Roosevelt. At least one Canadian-born driver was at or near the top of several categories — that fellow was Clint Hodgins, originally from the hamlet of Clandeboye, a small town just north of London, Ont. He had a number of good horses in his stable, but none were the equal of the great trotting mare Proximity (pictured above).

1949 - London Free Press Observes 100th Anniversary

In 1949, the London Free Press in London, Ontario, observed its 100th anniversary of publication. The daily paper was delivered to many households throughout southern Ontario and beyond. As part of their centennial celebrations, the sports department visited numerous harness racing meetings and presented inscribed blankets to winning horses. At that time, most racing took place at small-town tracks.

For many years, the paper provided excellent coverage of harness racing and often employed a writer who specialized in keeping readers informed daily. Names such as Jack Parks and, later, Harry Eisen were widely known for their in-depth stories of interest to racing fans.

Horse owner Tom Yearly of Crediton, Ont., stands proudly at the head of his prize horse Amber Grattan II following a winning effort at Strathroy, Ont. The driver was Lloyd Turvey of Exeter, Ont., a popular and successful horseman of that era. This remarkable horse won 49 races that season.

1949 - Collingwood Race Day Opens the Season

For many years in the Collingwood area, the season unofficially opened with a day of racing at the local track. A number of horsepeople began their careers there and went on to greater heights.

The 1949 meeting was sponsored by the Collingwood Harness Racing Club, headed by Clarence Lockhart as president. On this day, a total of five races — each going two heats — provided a fine way to start the season. With an admission charge of 75 cents for adults and 30 cents for children, it was indeed good value for racegoers.

A total of 33 horses were entered. Three races were open to both trotters and pacers, while one was designated for trotters only and another for pacers.

The featured Free-For-All Trot & Pace carried a slightly larger purse of $250. It was won in straight heats by a trotting mare named Make Believe. Her owner, trainer, and driver was local auto dealer Clarence “Shorty” Lockhart, who also served as president of the local turf club.

This six-year-old daughter of Lee Harvester was just beginning what would be one of the most amazing and prolific racing seasons ever witnessed in Canadian harness racing.

During the 1949 season, Make Believe started in no fewer than 106 heats and visited 25 different tracks — a few of them on multiple occasions. She won 55 heats, many against Free-For-All pacers. Her season’s earnings amounted to $4,328.38 (approximately $54,000 today), raising her lifetime bank account to $11,233 (about $140,600). Her season’s record for a mile stood at 2:09 — also her lifetime best — taken at the Arthur track.

Make Believe and Clarence Lockhart at his Collingwood-area farm during the 1949 season.

Quote for the Week: "How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and colour are their last days." — John Burroughs

Who Is It?

Can you identify the fellow pictured above? He was a participant in our sport for a very long time — and still has family involved today.

Who Else Is It?

Can you identify any or all of the above group of fellows? I suspect they are at a sale, but I’m not sure. Give us your best shot! I think at least two of these fine gents knew they were being photographed.

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