SC Rewind: Years Ago - 1980s

As we begin December, this week's edition of 'Rewind' covers a number of names, faces and facts from the decade of the 1980s. Robert Smith has assembled a variety of topics for the ongoing monthly feature Years Ago.

1980 - Canadians Dominate The Little Brown Jug

In 1980 Niatross and Canadian born driver Clint Galbraith started the decade off in grand style winning that year's Jug in record time. The pair are shown here on Jug day.

During the entire decade of the 1980's, Canadian horses and drivers were prominent in the winner's circle each year at Delaware during Little Brown Jug day. In no less than eight of the 10 years, either a Canadian-owned horse or a Canadian-born driver were involved when the coveted Jug was presented. The 1980 event won by the great Niatross was considered one of the greatest ever at the time and many observers wondered if a horse could ever go much faster than the 1:54.4 he recorded back then. By the middle of the decade in 1985, a son of Niatross named Nihilator had lowered the mark to 1:52.1.

1981 - Ice Racing On The Rideau Canal

A great day of ice racing on Ottawa's Rideau Canal drew an enthusiastic crowd of at least 30,000 onlookers who joined in to enjoy watching the third such annual event. In addition to the harness races a number of other attractions such as ice sculptures and good old fashioned games being played by children in the snow highlighted the beautiful day. Officials from all of the organizing bodies were indeed pleased with the outcome. A trio of photos below underscore the success of the event and also show what extra efforts are required to race on the ice.

A smiling John Campbell accepts the Canadian Club trophy as the winner of the driving competition. On the right is C.T.A. Pres. John Hayes Sr. while an unidentified official is on the far left (Hoof Beats)

A group of children play in the snow seemingly unaware of the icy temperatures (Hoof Beats)

The starting car equipped with chains to provide proper traction for the icy racing surface on the Rideau Canal (Hoof Beats)

1983 - Borne Golden Wins Fallis Memorial

The final of the 18th annual Orville Fallis Memorial Pace for three-year-old pacers was contested at Kawartha Downs on August 18. This race was held to honour Mr. Fallis, a supporter of area racing activities for many years and a longtime advocate for night racing. A field of seven paraded to the post in search of the winner's share of the $8,850 purse. There had been three separate winners in the preliminary legs but one -- Town Lady -- was a scratch due to illness. The other two winners Borne Golden and Senor Dupp were part of the field.

Driver Stu Cochrane and Senor Dupp cut all of the early fractions and still held the lead at the three quarters in 1:30 flat. Around the final turn Borne Golden and driver Harry Leatherdale made a huge move and overtook the leader and held on to the lead reaching the wire in 2:00 flat. This equalled her personal best for winning owners Orland and Olive Tank of St. Agatha and trainer Wayne Hussey. An outsider Minto Property got up in the final strides to claim the second spot for driver Guy Larush while the betting favourite Senor Dupp retained the show spot. A crowd of 1,669 wagered just over $90,000 on the evening's card.

What was the inspiration for this filly's name? Yes she was a chestnut sired by Strike Out.

1986 - O.J.C Drivers To Meet And Greet at Royal Winter Fair

Six harness drivers currently competing regularly on the Ontario Jockey Club track circuit were on hand at that year's Royal to meet with fair goers and better inform them about the harness sport. In an arrangement between the fair, the OJC and the Ontario Sires Stakes Program these fellows were happy to answer questions and help fans of racing to better understand the sport.

See photo below. This will serve as this week's Who Is It?

1988 - Eagle Attack Set To Retire

During the 1988 racing season a total of 52 horses were still racing at the age of 14. By rule they were required to retire from racing other than at the fair level. One of the most recognizable "retirees" was Eagle Attack. The old fellow was still racing at a respectable level and certainly paying his keep. In an era when horses often change ownership and geographical area, this horse had just one owner throughout his entire lifetime. Clure Archdekin bred and raised him and also P M Eagle, his dam.

Eagle Attack was a veteran of 65 career victories and earned a total of $147,784. He took his lifetime best of 1:58.3 as a ten-year-old at Orangeville, a place where he often won the Preferred on Sunday afternoon. He made his money "the hard way" racing in overnights at spots like Orangeville, Barrie and Flamboro. In a statement about his retirement owner Clure Archdekin said "He's like the rest of us - old age is catching up with him but he's going to a good home, the only one he's ever known."

Who Is It?

Can you identify the six drivers pictured above who are discussed in the 1986 item above? The correct answers will be given during the upcoming week.