In this week’s Rewind, Robert Smith recalls the very long and colourful history connected with Canada’s longest-serving racetrack, which is located at Truro, Nova Scotia. His story traces a few old happenings at the fabled landmark and mentions a number of names associated with the track’s lengthy past. As usual, a few old photographs are included.

The following is a brief historical sketch of Truro Raceway and its now long history. It is one of the oldest tracks in Canada and indeed North America.

Truro Raceway (originally Truro Driving Park) opened in 1865, making it arguably the oldest Canadian racetrack still in operation. Long owned and operated by the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Commission, it has been independent of the exhibition since 2018. The raceway was offered for sale in 1878, during a period of economic hardship for the province, just after hosting its first N.S. Provincial Exhibition (1876). It ceased racing in 1892, but resumed matinee racing in 1911. Pari-mutuel wagering on harness racing was legalized in 1921, after which the Bible Hill oval enjoyed a renaissance. 

In 1948, Jollity Horsemen’s Club, led by Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee Eric Whebby, took over management during a rough patch. In the late 1940s, Truro Raceway became the first Nova Scotian track providing night racing under lights, the use of a mobile starting gate, and win/place/show wagering. Its signature Atlantic Grand Circuit Week was established by past manager Brent MacGrath in 1982.

The following short stories are intended to recall a few memorable events and happenings that occurred over the years at the Truro track.

1935 - Toll Gate Wins Match Race at Truro

Toll Gate 2:00¾, a great Maritime performer and one-time world champion, appears trackside with owner and driver Heber Sweeney of Bridgewater, N.S., and his unidentified caretaker. This horse eventually gained Hall of Fame status in 2000 for his many accomplishments on both Canadian and U.S. tracks.

June 27, 1935 — “All of the glory and the fat purses went to the stables of H.M. Sweeney of Bridgewater, N.S., yesterday as the Truro Driving Club held their first meeting of the season.” That’s how the newspaper headline read. Entries from three provinces were on hand for a fine day of racing.

Sweeney’s sensational performer Toll Gate, imported the previous year from Kingston, Ont., romped home the winner of a special match race with Marjorie M., owned by Richard Jabalee of North Sydney. The special race was arranged when officials realized that not enough entries were available for the Free-For-All class. The three-heat affair was a thriller and carried a purse of $200.00.

Toll Gate was the winner of the first heat by a scant head as he overtook the pacesetter late in the stretch. In the second clash, Marjorie M. showed her class as she circled the track in the record time of 2:11, shaving a quarter of a second off the existing Truro standard. In the third, Toll Gate was again the winner, providing the huge crowd with a thrilling finish.

The day ended with two new track-record co-holders, as Toll Gate also recorded a mile in 2:11. As a comparison, the fastest time recorded in six other heats that day was 2:14-3/4, rung up by Calumet Bee, owned by H.B. Verge of Barrs Corner, N.S.

1942 - Joe O’Brien Wins 11 Races in One Day at Truro

On September 16, 1942, Joe O’Brien, a young Maritime horseman from Alberton, P.E.I., equalled a world record when he scored 11 wins on one day at the Truro track. His amazing accomplishment equalled the existing record held by Clint Hodgins, who set his mark at Dufferin Park in Toronto on November 23, 1939.

Just 25 years of age at the time, O’Brien had his rather large stable headquartered at the Truro track. From here, he began to spread out his area of participation to a much wider region. He, of course, eventually made his way to living and competing year-round in the U.S.

1960 - Drivers Injured in Accident at Truro

August 1960 — Four injured drivers were taken to hospital after incurring injuries during the sixth race at Truro Raceway. The spectacular pile-up involved five horses. Kirk Pinkney of Truro, Jack Gammon of Lyons Brook, N.S., and Basil Whelan of Tignish, P.E.I., ended up in hospital for a time. They all received cuts and bruises but were in satisfactory condition.

Joe Hollingsworth of Truro was treated in hospital but released soon after and was recovering at home. The pile-up occurred in the first turn when Yankee Fire, driven by Mr. Pinkney, stumbled and fell. The others could not avoid piling into the fallen horse.

1966 - New Grandstand Built at Truro

In 1966, the Truro track made a major decision to provide several upgrades to the racetrack facilities. A total of $100,000 was spent, with $70,000 of it devoted to upgrading the grandstand. The result was a heated, glass-enclosed structure that seated 2,000 fans. It was the first such grandstand in the Maritime Provinces and the only one east of Quebec City.

This huge upgrade (pictured above), along with a new racing surface of crushed limestone, was immediately pleasing to both fans and track operators. Glowing reports of the new features were said to bring about bigger gates, fatter purses, and cozier customers. Track secretary Carl MacKenzie stated that “the new stand, looking like a big one-sided greenhouse, was keeping racing enthusiasts warm and their betting interests keen right from its opening.”

An immediate indication of its effect on business was reflected by the mutuel handle. The mutuels showed a daily handle of $18,800 compared to the previous year, which showed about $16,000. The new amenities allowed the track to extend the racing season by a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, the resurfaced track immediately showed faster miles. This season, 113 miles were clocked in 2:10 or less, while in previous years there were only around 30 to 40 each season.

The backstretch folks also got a boost with the addition of a new 10-stall stable and improvements made to the current 200-stall accommodations. Additionally, a special 30-seat grandstand was built for the use of off-duty drivers to enjoy the racing.

1967 — Frank Daniels Night

This photo of the Daniels family was taken in 1967 with three generations present.
Left to right are Gary, Edna, Jeff, Frank, Joanne, and Scott. Joanne is Scott’s wife, and Jeffrey is their son.

Back in the fall of 1967, a very special night was held at the Truro, N.S., track to honour one of their finest. Frank Daniels, who had been recently elected as a local U.S.T.A. director representing the Maritimes, was in the spotlight along with his extended family.

A long-time devotee of the sport as an owner, trainer, and driver, he had already recorded in excess of 1,000 driving victories on Canadian tracks. His name, along with several members of his family, is a big part of the track’s long history.

I have included a very brief and random list of people associated with the Truro track. It is in alphabetical order and is not intended to include any special group or time period. Also, I am not too knowledgeable about the geography of this area of Canada, so if I have misplaced anyone, please pardon me. Some are mentioned elsewhere.

Martin Brophy
Charlie Connors
Johnny Conroy
Balbo Gould
Harley Harrison
Haley — Ed, Renaldo
Billy Hood
Billy LeBlanc
Claire MacDonald
Carl MacKenzie
George “Titter” Mauger
Pinkney — Kirk, Dale, Phil, Dave
Danny Romo
Elwood Shaw
Cyril Smith
Turner — Donnie, George, Merlin
Gordon White

Quote for the Week: “In order to maintain a well-balanced perspective, the person who has a dog to worship him should also have a cat to ignore him.” — Peterborough Examiner

Who Is It?

Can you identify this veteran driver long associated with Truro?

Who Else Is It #1?

Can you identify this veteran driver long associated with Truro?

Who Else Is It #2?

Can you identify this veteran driver long associated with Truro? In a recent Atlantic Post Calls interview, he recalled that he had his first drive at Truro Raceway almost 70 years ago. “I started driving in, I think it was 1956. My first race there was May the 24th — opening day. And I finished last.” He is still not too far away, residing at Inverness, according to a recent report. (Photo courtesy Atlantic Post Calls)

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