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

1983 - Cam Fella Wins Final Career Start at Greenwood

Cam Fella and driver Pat Crowe

On the afternoon of December 10, 1983 the weather was cold and windy at Greenwood, but the emotions of most of the fans on hand were exactly the opposite. A huge crowd had assembled to catch one final glimpse of the greatest racehorse many of them had ever seen. The race called "The Greenwood Special II" was staged to bid farewell to "The Pacing Machine" Cam Fella, who was closing out his four-year-old season and the end of his illustrious three-year career on the track. He was handled throughout his career by the superb horseman Pat Crowe for owners Norm Clements and Norm Faulkner, later joined by JEF Standardbreds.

Coming into the race which carried a purse of $75,000, the great son of the recently-deceased Most Happy Fella was sporting a win streak of 27 straight. As the horses left the gate Cam quickly settled into the top spot just past the quarter which was reached in 28 seconds. From there he carved out all the rest of the fractions -- 58.2 and 1:27.1 -- arriving at the wire a winner in 1:57.2. Closing very fast for second place honours was Monkey Wrench, handled by Jerry Duford with his long-time rival Millers Scout and Bud Gilmour taking the show spot. Most observers believed that No. 28 was never in doubt.

Immediately following the race Cam was unhitched in the winner's circle and led past the huge throng who sang 'Auld Lang Syne'. Thus ended the racing career of one of the greatest horses of all time. His career earnings of $2,041,367 made him the richest horse in the sport, just ahead of Rambling Willie. The next stop was his new career in the stud in New Jersey.

Trivia Question:This race was called "The Greenwood Special II". Anyone remember what was the occasion for "The Greenwood Special I"?

1984 - Young Maritimer Faring Well At Blue Bonnets

Mike MacDonald, a young horseman who grew up right near the Charlottetown Driving Park has proven he can survive well outside his home turf. After learning the basics by starting out walking horses on race nights at CDP, the youngster decided to take up the sport on a full-time basis. His first decision was a wise one and that involved joining the stable of one of the sport's best, James 'Roach' McGregor. When McGregor decided to head back home to P.E.I. and expand his Glengyle Farm, Mike opted to stay in Montreal and launch his own career. Just 23 at the time,his early lessons would serve him well.

Mike eventually drew the attention of Glenn Elliott a successful business man from Amherst, Nova Scotia who was willing to invest in quality horses. The pair soon hit it off well and a long line of successes followed. At the present time Treasure Reef is the newest of the stable's stars and was a recent winner at the tough Blue Bonnets. Earlier standouts included General Ike, Knee Boots, Ventall Rainbow, Another Red and Moldau to name just a few.

Driver Mike MacDonald is shown in the Blue Bonnets winner's circle following a victory behind Treasure Reef 1:57 during the 1984 season

1986 - Western Canada Horseman Heads To Meadowlands

Gord Remmen, 35-year-old horseman who has been a prominent figure in Western Canada racing circles, has announced that he will soon be departing for the U.S. The decline in racing opportunities in the prairie region has been cited as his reason for leaving. Remmen, who comes from a noted racing family, will be joining his two brothers at the Meadowlands track in New Jersey. The Remmen stable, which currently has about 80 horses, is headed up by brother Ray -- the eldest, and also includes Larry, who concentrates on training. Gord will also work as a second trainer.

Gord, a former practicing lawyer, has had a busy and productive career during which he has served a couple of terms as president of the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association. His departure removes one of the better stables in the entire region. One of his top horses in recent times has been Brian Almahurst, who has been tentatively sold to the Dave Smith stable of B.C. and will undoubtedly continue his successes at Cloverdale.

The Remmen brothers at a 1980's sale. From left Ray, Gord and Larry.

1988 - Canadian Drivers Dominate The Standings

As the 1988 New Year was welcomed in, The Canadian Sportsman front cover of January 19, 1988 carried an interesting illustration. It displayed caricatures of the eight Canadian drivers among North America's top 10 money earners for the 1987 season.

The drawing was done by London artist and horse owner Dick White.

Bottom Row - Ron Waples, Trevor Ritchie, Bill O'Donnell, John Campbell

Top Row - Herve Filion, Doug Brown, Steve Condren, Mike LaChance

It is interesting to note that nearly 30 years later most of these faces are are still very familiar to racing fans.

1989 - Loyens Stable Expands

The three Loyens brothers -- Bill, Frank and Harry of London have long been involved in the sport, their entry dating back some 30 years. Starting out racing horses under the name of "Lobro Stables" they have become well known for their racing interests as well as their sizable construction projects. At the yearling sales of 1988 and 1989 they have been major investors, purchasing prospects on both sides of the border. They now call their farm Winsong Acres.

A further recent venture has resulted in the construction of a new state-of-the-art horse barn at their farm near Elginfield just north of London. They all live and have farms in the area which is right in the heart of horse country. The well-groomed farm is located between two other well known operations, just north of Prospect Farms and a bit south of Seelster Farms. This area has been home to the Loyens since their family emigrated from Holland in 1951.

The partners have come a long way since their early days when Midge Diamond was their headline maker. At present they are proud to have the 1989 superstar trotting filly Armbro Ina carrying the stable colours. Trainer Jean Poulin handles the racing stock at present with Jerry Duford driving the trotters and Ken Hardy the pacers.

A view of the recently completed horse barn designed to house the Loyens Bros. broodmare band at Winsong Acres, Elginfield, Ont.