In this week's Rewind, Robert Smith takes a look back at some of the events and people in the sport during the decade of the 1980s in the ongoing monthly feature Years Ago.

1981 - Harness Racing Plans Year Long Events to Benefit MS

This season numerous special events were planned across the entire country to raise funds and promote awareness of Multiple Sclerosis. The harness racing community, acutely aware of the worthy cause, were very supportive whenever called upon. A total of 50 races sponsored by the harness and thoroughbred industries were planned to raise funds. National co-chairmen Charles Armstrong and Richard Bonnycastle were hopeful the events would raise $250,000 during the 1981 racing season. At Sudbury Downs, local trainer driver Marsha Best accepted the job of Chairman of the 1981 Race Against MS. Her interest and involvement was somewhat personal as her mother had been recently diagnosed with the disease. In an early season interview she stated "More than anything else, I want a cure."

Sudbury trainer and driver Marsha Best is shown here behind Miss Chatterbox. She served as the local MS chairperson in 1981.

1983 - Firlotte Has Career Year

With his stable anchored by Ralph Hanover and Programmed, Stew Firlotte enjoyed a banner year in 1983 as one of the sport's top non-driving trainers. From his winter training base at Ben White Raceway in Orlando, the stable travelled in many directions. With a rather large outfit Stew had a capable staff working behind the scenes. The trainers were Steven "Louie" Bell and Al "Cass" Casselman. On the roster of caretakers were Dan Riddell, James "Friday" Dean, Jim Thompson, Albert Brine, Romeo Chemerys, Doug Calvert, Terry O'Shaughnessy, Jerry Aubin, Tom Biotrowski, Steve Gilmour and Harold "Shorty" McGaw. Also foremost on the home front were the Firlottes, Joanne, Terry and Brad.

Scenes from a very happy and successful season

1984 - Eligibility Certificates Discontinued

Sept. 1, 1984: One of the longest standing documents in the sport will be phased out effective September 1. The once-indispensible Eligibility Certificate will no longer be used beyond this date. While its function was always important, many problems occurred when certificates were lost, forgotten or otherwise not available. Most problems occurred when horses moved from track to track or when ownership changes took place. In an open letter to Ontario horsemen, appearing in The Standardbred magazine, Ken Middleton, Race Secretary for Elmira, cautioned everyone to continue to maintain person-to-person contact with Race Secretaries and keep them informed of upcoming plans. He stated, "In the past we have had a chance to meet with you on a regular basis when you dropped your cards off or picked them up. Please continue this important function."

1986 - MacDonell Heads To The Meadowlands

May 1986: While a horseman's strike at Greenwood idled a number of stables earlier this season, one young trainer-driver decided to use the opportunity to try his skills at the Continent's top racetrack. Paul MacDonell, a 23-year-old horseman from Peterborough, Ont., headed for The Meadowlands with his small but productive stable of just three horses. During the first five weeks he managed a respectable 16-4-3-1 and showed earnings of $67,850. His biggest victories came behind the trotter Robins Wonder who won a $30,000 open trot and a $35,000 Invitational named The Kash Minbar.

Following the "Minbar" he was presented with a trophy by legendary Duncan MacDonald of Fresh Yankee fame. His other performers that made the trip southward were Cavans Jovial and La Pan Dow. Paul, who started driving at age 18, was not intimidated by the surroundings and relished the opportunity to compete with the likes of Bill O'Donnell and John Campbell. Last season the young horseman showed his ability as a catch driver on the tough OJC circuit as he notched 123 victories at the combined Greenwood/Mohawk meets, putting him in fifth place. In June of this year Paul has some major plans underway as he will be getting married to Miss Lynn Williams, whose father Jack is part owner of Robins Wonder.

Paul MacDonell guides Robins Wonder (7) to a head margin over Armbro Agile (2) driven by Don Corbett to take the Tie Silk win in 1:59.2. Robins Wonder and driver Paul MacDonell are joined in the Greenwood winner's circle by well wishers following a victory in the Tie Silk series. From left: Paul MacDonell, Merridy Burt, Jack Williams receives trophy from harness reporter Beverly Smith, co-owners Doug and Barb Gamsby and Shirley Williams, wife of the other co-owner and trainer Jack Williams.

1988 - Take A Look And Mayotte Best of The Early Season

Feb. 28, 1988: With the young season just two months old, the fastest mile in the country to date belongs to the six-year-old Take A Look. He toured the Greenwood oval in 1:55.3 on February 28th, to win the $100,000 Toronto Pace. The driver and part owner was 32-year-old up and coming horseman Roger Mayotte. This horse made history last year when he was claimed for $100,000, a record high figure at that time. Shortly after being claimed he was affected by a virus and thus unable to race for a time, causing some concern for his future. He has since bounced back and gone about his winning ways.

So far this season he has already won three races in just seven starts and added $78,530 to his growing bankroll. The son of Most Happy Fella currently sports lifetime earnings of just over $378,000. In a recent statement Mayotte said "This is my biggest win ever because it's one of my own horses, so it's bigger and better for me." His other recent big win came behind Rampage Almahurst in the Damsel Series, but his close connection in this one made it special. Other elated owners of the winner included Phyllis Warriner of Hamilton and the Folco Farms of Willowdale along with Early Bird Stables.

Take A Look and Roger Mayotte, winning at Greenwood