SC Rewind: Years Ago - 1990s

In this week's edition of Rewind Robert Smith presents the ongoing monthly feature Years Ago. For the first time ever he reviews the decade of the 1990's, the earliest part of which is now a mere 28 years ago; not as recent as one might think. The people and events of the decade are further brought to memory through a number of old photographs.

1990 - Canadian Sportsman Moves To New Location

In keeping with the times, the Canadian Sportsman has embarked on a major upgrade in facilities and equipment and has also moved to a new location in Straffordville, Ont. The publication, known throughout the industry as "The Oldest Turf Journal In America" is now in its fifth home in its 120 year history. Dating back to its beginning in 1870 it was first in Toronto with later moves to Grimsby, Woodstock, and most recently Tillsonburg. Many generations of harness racing families have relied on this venerable journal to keep them well informed.

The Sportsman has seen many changes over its long history and is dedicated to becoming even more efficient and informative in the years ahead. They have added staff to launch their new look into the 1990's.

Editor and vice-president Gary Foerster (left) and President Bruce Johnston discuss an upcoming issue prior to going to press. Their new full service printing plant will be capable of publishing the magazine on-site as well as a wide variety of other jobs related to their own as well as customers' needs.

1991 - Hudon Headed To O.J.C. Circuit

Joe Hudon, a longtime leading trainer and driver in B.C., has announced that he is heading eastward to compete on the O.J.C. Circuit in the very near future.

After starting out on the Manitoba Fair circuit many years ago he moved to B.C. in 1975 and has had a long run of success leading him to multiple local driving awards at Cloverdale and three National U.D.R.S. titles. He is planning to take three of his top horses -- Red Star Fantasy, Man Of Many Means and Bradner Gallant -- and will undoubtedly add more. He will also be accompanied by his 16 year old son Phillip.

While local fans and fellow horsemen will miss Hudon, he leaves Cloverdale with a host of well wishers. Among them are former Ontario horseman Ray Gemmill who said "He will do well back east because he is a hard worker. He's a good horseman."

Also commenting on Hudon's impending departure was Keith Quinlan, racing secretary at Cloverdale. "He races his horses where they belong. Joe knows you make more money racing two levels lower rather than too high."

1994 - Young Sire At Seelster Farm

Broodmare owners are fortunate to have another young up and coming stallion standing in Ontario, and at a reasonable fee. Unlike many other successful racehorses from the recent past who have been shipped to the U.S., the young sire Camluck is staying near home.

The aspiring son of Cam Fella out of the $597,000 winner Lucky Lady is standing at the Seelster Farm in Lucan, Ont., and his fee for the 1995 season is set at $4,000. Foals will be eligible to multiple stakes programs including the O.S.S., Cadillac Breeders Crown and Can. Breeders Championship.

Trainer Bob McIntosh, the man who handled Camluck throughout his entire racing career, predicts a rosy future for the horse as a sire. In a recent statement he said "The farther he raced the better he got. He was one of the soundest horses in the barn. I feel he has a real future as a stallion."

Camluck (Photo by Monica Thors)​

In an illustrious racing career, Camluck earned over one million dollars and took a mark of 1:52.4 at three; 1:50.4 at age four and time trialled in 1:48.4. In his career, he paced 53 starts in 1:55 or faster. To his credit go victories in the Breeders Crown, Provincial Cup, McFarlane Memorial and the Stewart Fraser Memorial.

1996 - Delvin Miller Passes

Delvin Miller pictured with the great Tar Heel in the 1950's (Hoof Beats)

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The sport of harness racing recently lost one of its dearest and longest serving friends with the August 19th passing of Delvin Glenn Miller at the age of 83. Delvin's long and illustrious career spanned many decades and saw him involved in every aspect of the sport; he literally did it all. His driving career started at age 16 and continued well into his 70's. He bred, trained, owned and drove some of the best horses of his time. His ownership and management of the great Adios revolutionized the modern era of the sport. He started his own racetrack The Meadows and assisted in the design and development of many more. In his "spare" time he travelled around the globe promoting harness racing and making new friends.

Despite being a multi-millionaire from his many horse and business ventures, he never passed up the opportunity to help someone or take an interest in a worthwhile cause. He was best of friends with movie stars and business giants and was fortunate enough to number among his closest friends the great Arnold Palmer, a fellow Pennsylvanian, and even went fishing a time or two with Babe Ruth. He also took time to correspond in his own handwritten letters to some others well down the totem pole such as I.

Delvin was oft quoted and I liked the following one when asked about his college days.

"I went to college, too. I went to Penn State for a week to be a veterinarian...and the greatest thing that I ever did was leave! I went home and got in the horse business and I am sure that I wouldn't have made it in the harness racing business if I hadn't done what I did."

1997 - Mohawk To Host This Year's Breeders Crown Finals

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On the evening of Friday, October 24th Mohawk Raceway will play host to the 1997 Breeders Crown Races now in their 14th year of competition. As usual a stellar group of competitors are scheduled to compete for the season's most lucrative purses. As race day approaches, a total of 65 horses have had their names printed in the evening's nicely appointed program.

Among this season's most successful performers expected to be in the spotlight are the likes of Western Dreamer, No Nonsense Woman, Stienams Place, Sanabelle Island, Malabar Man and Lord Stormont. Also looking to stake their claim to glory are two-year-olds like Rustler Hanover, Peace Of Art, Muscles Yankee and Clover Hanover to mention just a few.

Among the top drivers scheduled to participate are Doug Brown, Mal Burroughs, John Campbell, Steve Condren, Jim Doherty, Wm. Gale, Wally Hennessey, Tony Kerwood, Mike Lachance, Paul MacDonell, Jack Moiseyev, Tony Morgan, Luc Ouellette, Ron Pierce, Tim Twaddle, Randy Waples, Rick Zeron.

The Ontario Jockey Club is thrilled to present eight Breeders Crown championship races, with purses totalling more than $4.1 million, making this the richest evening in Canadian harness racing history.

Who Is It?

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Can you identify these three fine gentlemen? The correct answer will be given during the coming week.