Nearly three decades ago, a quartet of top drivers based in the United States ventured to London, Ont., to take on the best reinsmen at what was then known as Western Fair Raceway.
The Coca-Cola International Drivers’ Challenge was an afternoon program held on May 18, 1992, featuring eight leading drivers competing on the track, and ‘The Voice,’ Roger Huston, calling the action.
On this day, nine of 12 races featured the following leading drivers: Doug Brown, Bill Fahy, Bill Gale, Mickey McNichol, Jack Moiseyev, Bill O'Donnell, Dave Wall and Ron Waples.
The Coca-Cola International Drivers' Challenge featured a 'who's who' of harness racing legends converging on Western Fair Raceway in May of 1992.
Race 1: Cindy Ley (Gale), off a pocket ride, won this trot for owners Fred and Terry Heatherley in 2:05. Garmor Dexter (Wall), the longest shot on the board, made a break at the start and still managed a second-best showing. B A Speedstick (Brown) was third.
Race 2: Bethel Park (Moiseyev), from off the pace, won for Joyce and George Dipierdomenico in a 2:01 life best. Sir Rockalot (Wall) closed for the deuce and pacesetter Thisbluesforyou (O’Donnell) stayed on for third.
Race 3: Domino Star (Wall) took on all challengers, winning as the fave for Carmine Elia in 2:01.3. Dreamfair Shadow (Moiseyev) was up for second and Rock N Jim (Gale) took the show dough.
Race 5: R D R D (O’Donnell), with a grinding effort, upset for Alan and John Wolosinovsky and took a new mark of 2:03.1. Heavy fave Devon Phantom (Brown) was right there in second and Lighthouse Flash (Moiseyev) finished third.
Race 6: Brigabarney (Gale) circled the field for owner Wayne Jackson, winning in 2:01. Maybe Pumpin (Wall) closed up for second, with long shot Young Harbour (Fahy) in for third.
Race 7: Maysha (Brown), with a rail advantage, led from start to finish \ for Murray Milliagn and Sven Hansen in 2:00.4. Soundsgoodtome (Gale) just missed as the longest shot with Dreamers Shadow (Moiseyev) in third.
Race 9: Eponas Prince (Moiseyev) got up late, winning off a pocket ride in 2:00.4 for Dr. James Brown. The pacesetter Lada Heart (Waples) held second over Sensational Spring (Wall).
Race 10: Dell Ridge Fella (McNichol) tripped out to win a three-way thriller in 1:59.3 for Richard Fraleigh. Bando Roger (Wall) and Everybody Hate Me (Gale) were together for second and third, only a neck behind the winner.
Race 11: Park Mansion (Fahy) paced away to win by five lengths in 1:59.1 for Gary Polillo and Francis McNeil. Coal Digger (McNichol) stayed for second and Red Woman (Brown) finished third.
In the end, hometown fave Dave Wall finished with the highest point total to win the Challenge over Mickey McNichol. Bill Gale and Jack Moiseyev tied for third, followed by Doug Brown, Bill Fahy, Bill O’Donnell and Ron Waples.
Other winners on the day included:
• Briscoal Dol (Greg Campbell), for Dan Salhani, trotting in 2:06.1 over Dee Button and Camp Queens Glory
• Witsends Cheer (Dave Wall) took the top-class $2,600 Open 3 in 1:58.3 for Susan Ouelett and Joyce Danko, winning over Glendale Freedom and Welkin Rouge
• Innisfree Jim (Ron Waples) won the finale in 2:02.3 for Alan and Monica Porter over Remsheg Sharlu and Clark Seelster.
Total wagering handle on the day was $161,152.
(The Raceway at the Western Fair District)