This week's Rewind takes a look back at some of the events and people in the sport during the 1980's as well as a few other interesting items in the ongoing monthly feature Years Ago.

1983 - Quinte's 44th Season A Success

When the horses crossed under the wire in a barrage of rain, hail and wind on the evening of September 23rd, it signaled the end of the 44th season of racing at the Belleville oval. It also marked the only night of the 26-card season that inclement weather was a factor.

Race chairman Jack McDonnell was high in his praise of everyone involved, particularly the 250 member Quinte Sulky Club. He was quick to point out that this organization, in cooperation with track management, is the way to properly operate a track. Horseman Rejean Boily swept all categories in the driver standings with 39 wins as a driver, 30 as a trainer and in earnings with $23,000 in purses won. The track record was equaled when Shanes Mint and Charlie Lawson toured the Quinte oval in 2:01.1 on Labour Day.

Quinte Raceway distributed over $200,000 in purses and McDonnell was also appreciative of the participation by local business people. A record 102 coolers were given away to lucky horsemen; the most ever. The track was pleased to have so many name drivers visit during O.S.S. competition. "Drivers such as Dave Wall, Keith and Ron Waples and top colts like Brisco Herbert and Shanes Mint all came to our track," beamed McDonnell. The Quinte Jug, an annual event, went to Rompin Roanie this year.

Rejean Boily, leading driver at Quinte Raceway in 1983

1984 - Dresden Hosts Goudreau Memorial
When 34-year-old horseman Shelly Goudreau lost his life in 1982 as the result of a racing accident in California, it saddened the entire harness racing world. It was an especially traumatic event for those who came from his home area of Dresden.

Memorial races were held at various locations both at home and in California for several years. During the summer meeting at Dresden in 1984, that year's race was won by a local horse named Split Image. This was a tremendously popular win as the horse was owned by Charles Lawrence of nearby Blenheim and trained and driven by his son Don. It was a joyous occasion that day as several generations of the Lawrence family were present including Don's 84-year-old grandfather Gordon who was still very active. The elder Mr. Lawrence had driven in his first race at the nearby Chatham track over 60 years previous to this time. In those days it was not an easy task to get a horse to the races. He drove his mare 17 miles each way, hitched in a high wheeled vehicle towing his sulky. His entrant that day was a mare named Sadie Brigade, purchased by mail order.

Split Image and driver Don Lawrence record a victory in 1:59 in the Shelly Goudreau Memorial

1985 - Flamboro Hosts Female Driver's Championship Final
December 13 ,1985 - Nine of the very best female harness drivers from both Canada and the U.S. participated in the North American Lady Harness Driver's Championship this afternoon. Inclement weather delayed the arrival of two drivers, but it failed to affect the overall outcome.

A total of $4,000 was up for grabs for the three Canadian and six U.S.-based distaff drivers. Plane problems delayed the arrival of Janet Irvine and Barb Lewis, but once on the grounds, the competition was red hot. Based on a points system similar to purse distribution (50%, 25%, 12%, etc.) the eventual winner was Betsy Phillips, whose home base was Monticello Raceway. Despite the fact that she did not win a race her consistency gained enough points to allow her to take home a cheque for $2,000. In second place was Kelly Case with Danielle Duquet third.

Following the race program, the participants convened in the Confederation Room where they discussed the day's events and also celebrated Janet Irvine's birthday. Track Pres. Charlie Juravinski invited everyone to a similar event in 1986 but stated it would be during the summer. Ken Warkentin was the announcer.

Back row (L-R): Barb Lewis (Northfield Park), Janet Irvine (Balmoral Park), Karen Fekete (Flamboro), Linda McNutt (Dover Downs), Susan Looney (Freehold).
Front Row (L-R): Cindy Horner (Kawartha), Kelly Case and Betsy Phillips (Monticello) and Danielle Duquet (Blue Bonnets)

1988 - C.S.H.S. Yearling Sale at Mohawk
September 8, 1988 - The ninth annual Select Yearling Sale was held at the Mohawk Sports complex on this date and the results were most gratifying to all concerned. A total of 93 head went through the sale and brought a gross total of $1,871,000. The average of $20,118 showed an increase of $2,238 from the previous year. The sale topper was Cam Snow, a Cam Fella colt that sold to Norman Guthrie of Georgetown for $100,000.

Among the sale offerings was the aptly named Mr. Killean who is pictured here along with the squire of Killean Acres, Jack McNiven. Obviously Jack had no superstitious fears as the colt wore the number 13 and fetched a final bid of $16,000 from The Blue Mermaid Restaurant of St. Catherines. The McNiven name has long been a part of the sport and their farm offerings which carry the Killean name draw a lot of interest from prospective buyers. The offspring of their newest sire, Dallas Almahurst are increasing in popularity with each new crop.

Jack McNiven shows off Mr Killean

1989 - Norfolk County Fair Still Going Strong

One of the last of the old style Fall Fairs is still going strong and it is the Norfolk County Fair held each year leading up to Thanksgiving weekend at Simcoe. Ont. They still have four days of racing starting on Friday and ending with the featured "Hank Fess Memorial" on Thanksgiving Monday. Mr. Fess organized the races for many years and now his son in law Bob Kowalski serves as race secretary.

Many area horsemen make a special effort each year to either race at the Fair or at least to pay a visit to support the race days. The Norfolk County Fair is Canada's longest running fair and traces its history to before Confederation.

Harness racing has long been a popular attraction, dating back to when horses arrived by train and young boys were paid a nickel or a dime to lead them to the Fairgrounds. Many unique features are found at Simcoe such as a young fellow named Ben White who is the last live bugler (others use a recording) that calls the horses to the post. The announcer is Lee Paul, a most colourful race caller. The old ornate grandstand has stabling in its lower level but plans are currently underway to build a new structure.

Pictured above is driver Harold Goit of Caistor Centre, a participant at this year's fair and in many preceding ones. He is standing in front of the Nagle starting gate with Roger seated inside.