SC Rewind: Years Ago - 1970s

This week's Rewind takes a look back at the decade of the 1970's as Robert Smith recalls many names, happenings and recollections from that time period in his regular monthly Years Ago feature. It was a busy and vibrant time in the history of harness racing. 

1971 - Ontario Jockey Club Aged Trotters Show Consistency 

During the early 1970's the top aged trotters racing on the OJC were a competitive bunch.  A rather large group of veteran trotters, regardless of their gender,  put on a lot of very exciting races during this time period.  At that time the racing action on the circuit included three tracks,  Greenwood, Mohawk and Garden City.  Whenever this group got together there was likely to be some spirited competition. 

The list above (in alphabetical order)  which appeared in the Toronto Star shows how competitive these horses were as 13 different winners appeared in as many events. 

Owner Dr. John D. McKnight (directly behind the horse next to driver Bill Stirton) and several family members enjoy a trip to the Garden City winner's circle to celebrate another win by Aunt Penny. This U.S. bred mare was purchased at the Harrisburg auction after her three-year-old season.  While her $2,100 purchase price initially exceeded her new owner's preset limit, some on the spot adjustments were made and she made her way to Ontario.   She went on to several successful seasons on the track and never left the ownership of Dr. John McKnight. 

1972 - International Trot Draws Rich Entrants 

In the days leading up to the 1972 International Trot at Roosevelt Raceway,  track officials were very busy introducing that year's entrants.  As was the case every year many big name horses were lined up for the event which then carried a purse of $125,000.  This race was first held in 1959 and Jamin of France was the inaugural winner.  At that time the purse was $50,000, an outstanding amount.  

It continued to grow in stature, year after year.  In 1961 the first U.S. entrant became a winner when Su Mac Lad won the race with Stanley Dancer training and driving.  The following year Canada's entry Tie Silk was the winner for driver Keith Waples and the owners the Miron Bros. 

Money Bags. Two famous entrants in the 1972 version pose for a promotional event.   Une de Mai, left from France,  was standing behind a bag with the words  "Une de Mai $1,545,740" sign, looking towards Fresh Yankee, standing behind a bag marked "Fresh Yankee $1,226,252".  These two horses were both recent winners of this event with Un de Mai the 1971 winner and Fresh Yankee in 1970.  

That year's International Trot winner was Speedy Crown, representing the U.S. and driven by Howard Beissinger.  The time for that year's event which was at a distance of 1-1/4 miles was 2:35.1, much slower than the record set in 1966 by Armbro Flight (Canada) of 2:31.3 with Joe O'Brien in the sulky. 

1976 - Dresden Gets New Track Record 

When night racing finally came to Ontario in 1961 Dresden Raceway became one of the earlier tracks to join in.  In 1966 the first races held under the lights immediately became a success.  Many local horse people began to race there regularly and a number of them stabled at the track.  Harness racing had been popular at this spot for decades so its popularity was not surprising.  

As the race times in all of harness racing began to become faster and faster the Dresden oval experienced much lower mile times.  In 1976 a significant new track record was set when Elly's Fellow stopped the timer in 2:03 flat.  This new mark erased the existing track record of 2:03.2 set in 1972 by Mr. Peter Ray.  In the sulky for the record setting trip was Earl Hyatt for owner Wm. Wooton of Thamesville, Ont. 

The Sunday afternoon crowd of 1,575 fans were treated to some excellent racing and also set a new wagering record of $123,158.  By coincidence the local pacer Elly's Fellow, a five-year-old gelding, was competing in the feature event of the day sponsored by Molson's.  The winner received an inscribed cooler, compliments of the brewery. 

"It just seemed that everything was right on Sunday afternoon," smiled Mr. George Deacon, Dresden's race secretary.  After just two Sunday matinees were held in 1975,  this season a total of 16 were held. 

1976 - Inaugural Edition Of Ont. Women's Driving Championship 

In 1976 a number of driving competitions for female drivers was held by the Ontario Jockey Club.  The overall winner was Elaine Burke of Peterborough. Just 21 at the time, she worked as a secretary by day but showed how well she could drive a horse in the evening, competing at Kawartha Downs.  As a result of her superb performance during the local competition she advanced to represent Canada in the World Driving Championship in Italy and Sicily. 

Along with U.S. entrants Sandy Fisher and Bea Farber as well as Suzanne Blais of Montreal,  Miss Burke was scheduled to drive against Italian women in a series of races at Palermo,  Florence, Trieste,  Milan and Bologna from April 30 to May 16. 

Pictured from left to right are OJC Publicity Director Wm. Galvin, Christine Haughen, Mary Croft, Rita Morrow, Cathy Bock, Elaine Burke (overall winner), Val Pringle (radio personality), Donna Degrow, Deborah Dee, Carol Lee Roland and Glenna Clements. 

Quote For The Week: Once again more of a short story. 

A number of years ago I had a conversation with the above mentioned Earl Hyatt (1976 Dresden item).  He related how he was granted his first ever driver's license, probably in the 1950's.  It was during the annual Dresden Fair and Art Whitesell, long-time starting gate owner was on hand.  At the time he was empowered by the C.T.A. to grant a license to an applicant if he deemed that person to be qualified.  Earl said "I paid him $5.00 and he asked me a question.  'Do you know what the lines are used for?'" That concluded the test for his first license.

Who Is It?  

Can you identify this driver as he receives a new stop watch for setting a new track record and also recording the fastest mile time of the year at his home track?  Also can you identify the presenter?  While the driver passed away a few years ago in 2015,  the other gentleman is still with us and I believe just bought a colt at the recent London sale. 

Where Is It?  

Can you identify the location and name of this Ontario track? 

Blast From The Past 

Here is what a Mohawk program looked like in 1971.  Cost was 35 cents.