In this week’s Rewind, Robert Smith offers up the monthly edition of “Picture Parade.” This time, he has assembled a group of vintage photos, all involving very “senior” members of the harness racing fraternity (and perhaps sorority). The careers of all these folks reach quite far back in time.
The individuals pictured today have all passed, but it’s nice to revive their memory and salute them for their contributions to the long history of harness racing in North America. The rules remain the same — just send along the picture number and your best answer for each one you choose.
#1 – The man on the far left won a lot of stake races in his very long career. He’s shown receiving a silver tray for his win in the Three-Year-Old Supertest Trot in 1951 at Stratford. A portion of the Supertest Stakes banner can be seen in the background. Who is he?
#2 – This man was a legendary figure in his home area. There wasn’t much that happened in his territory that he wasn’t involved in. Who is he?
#3 – Here we have a father-daughter combo with their amazing horse. This aged pacing gelding was known throughout the sport for several years. They traveled all the way to California to find competition. Can you name this once-famous Canadian owner, trainer, and driver? The name of the horse or the driver will be just what the Doctor ordered.
#4 – This fellow started driving when he was 12 years old, and by the age of 20 he was competing regularly at the two big Montreal tracks. For decades he set — and then broke — many of his own records. He is the youngest of today’s Picture Parade. Who is he?
#5 – No clues given with this fellow. Again, a Canadian legend to say the least. Name him if you can.
#6 – This horse and driver had an amazing career in the 1940s. They were well-known and loved in an era long before speed and money earnings were major factors. Who are these Canadian heroes?
#7 – Can you correctly identify this iconic father-and-son pair? They had a lot to do with shaping the sport of harness racing for a very long time — and in a number of ways.
#8 – Another legendary figure, born in Canada but achieving much of his greatness in the U.S. Who is he?
#9 – This individual had to work plenty hard for all that she achieved. Can you tell us who she is?
#10 – These two “boys” were among the brightest stars to shine when harness racing became a big-time attraction after WWII. They were Americans, but well-known by Canadians back in the day. Who are they?
(The correct answers will be posted here by Robert as a comment in a few days.)
Quote for the Week: “It’s a great life if you don’t waken.” — Just a slight variation on a time-worn saying, not a spelling mistake.
Blast from the Past
This man was “The Daddy of Them All,” the oldest by far in today’s collection. He passed away in a racing accident over 100 years ago but is still recognized for his tremendous contributions, with an annual stake series that bears his name. If it helps, the name of the stake is paired with another gentleman. He was from Tennessee.
Most people do not remember his given name, as he was nearly always referred to by his nickname. Who is he?