SC Rewind: Memories Of Bill Wellwood

Writer Robert Smith recalls his longtime friend and harness racing icon William "Bill" Wellwood and their lengthy friendship

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On a recent morning I arose a bit earlier than normal. My usual "mulling" process of what to write about had caused me a bit of a restless night. My farm based upbringing still tells me when something important is to be done, you start it first thing in the morning. It was time to write a little about a special man.

Fifty years ago, October 23, 1959 occurred on a Friday. I don't know that the day was anything special for most people but for one person it was. Buffalo Raceway, located in the little suburb of Hamburg, N.Y., was to be the scene of a young budding horseman's first official drive. Race number 5, a class B pace, had the entrant Royal Aileen - a 7-year-old black mare; her driver was to be Wm. Wellwood. He would be wearing his uncle Harold's silks, a familiar and classic green and gold. He had driven in a qualifying race handling the veteran Denny's Counsel. He was ready for the "big dance" at the tender age of 19.

One of the main things he had going for him beyond his early talent was his uncle's backing. Harold was on crutches at the time, recovering from a race related accident. He had spoken with the judges and told them "He's a good boy, he knows how to handle a horse and if there's any problems, come to me." Harold was a quiet, introspective and observant man; he knew of what he spoke. Young Bill's learning curve had been a steep one. Despite being born into an extended racing family, he had not grown up in a racing environment; but he was a fast learner.

The race went off without a hitch. Home first in 2:12 4/5 was Royal Aileen. The young teamster even emulated his tutor's style, closing with a late rush. To prove it was no fluke, the pair went on to two more victories in two starts before the meet closed and everyone headed for their winter quarters. Hard to fathom that somehow a half century has now come and gone .

I had first met Bill in 1957 at Batavia Downs the year he started with the horses. He was a few years older than I but we seemed to "hit it off" right from the start. My first and most lasting memory of him was always his smile and his hearty laugh. Even after long absences of not seeing him, I was always greeted with a welcoming look and a broad smile. Did I know that Will was at times a little feisty, maybe even "on one line" at times, liked to debate on occasion? Affirmative on all of the above, but never with me.

While I remember our first meeting, I also recall our last. It was in 2000 at Stratford as people gathered at the funeral of Bill's cousin Harold Wellwood Jr., better known as "Buddy". Following the service we shared lunch and retold many stories and tales of yesteryear. One was his favourite. We talked about old horses, old people and what had now become "olden" days. As we bid adieu, little did I know this would be our last time to share a laugh together. It is always a reminder of how short and how precious is time. Two boys who once chatted about what the future held were now both grandfathers.

In 2003 when I learned of Will's passing, I was in Florida. Even that recently, news did not seem to travel as fast as it does today. My mind lingered back to times spent visiting while sitting on a trunk or even when he was a groom living at "Hotel Tack". Despite a career filled with lofty and record setting accomplishments, he was always the same to me. He was a friend. Bill was a man known to often take the road less traveled. I also think he followed the old nautical wisdom that sailing only in calm waters does not make for a skillful sailor.

I am happy that a top flight colt trotting race now carries his name as at least an annual reminder of his contributions. I am pleased that Jean still continues her interest in the sport. The fact that Paula and his brother Jim still keep the Wellwood name alive is a source of consolation. I believe it was actor Michael Landon from Little House On The Prairie who said "Once we are here on earth, we are here forever."

I have sometimes been asked "how long does it take to write a story?" I guess truthfully I have no pat answer. Some may take many hours, others perhaps parts of several days or even weeks. And sometimes, the odd one takes 50 years.