SC Rewind: Picture Parade

This week’s Rewind is another edition of Picture Parade as we close out the 2025 year. Robert Smith has assembled a group of pictures from various time periods in the long past of harness racing. Whether or not you are a “picture guesser,” it is hoped that you will enjoy seeing them and perhaps even pick out something of interest.

A keepsake key ring from the O.S.S.

This week’s group of photos were all chosen because each one pertains to the O.S.S. The Ontario Sires Stakes program was organized in 1973 and first held the following year, 1974. They have been held each year since and can now boast 52 seasons of competition. The success of the series started immediately and each year since, horse owners, trainers and drivers have showcased the finest two- and three-year-old trotters and pacers at numerous tracks across the province. Everyone is HOME GROWN, right here in Ontario!

The task at hand is to name at least the driver (or drivers) appearing in a particular photo. If you recognize additional information such as track location, horse’s name, and anything or anyone else in the photo, please send it along.

#1 – On the far left, John Milson, former Mayor of Windsor and then part of the Windsor Raceway’s management team, is shown presenting a trophy to the winning owner. The horse is also sporting an inscribed O.S.S. blanket. Beyond the driver, I do not have an identity for anyone else in the photo, so the assistance of the reading audience will be appreciated.

#2 – Can you identify the two drivers pictured? The eventual winner in this photo was number 2.

#3 – This photo goes back to 1974, the inaugural year for the O.S.S. This is a special one, as the pictured horse was the first-ever winner of this now long-running series. Who is the driver?

#4 – This horse had big O.S.S. years in both 1985 and 1986. The driver compiled some impressive numbers despite racing a fairly small stable. Who can you name in this one?

#5 – This trotting filly was impressive in O.S.S. action and also earned an O’Brien Award in 1997. Name the driver and, if you know the name of the horse, send it along.

#6 – This smooth-going trotter was a big winner in O.S.S. competition. He was co-owned by his trainer and driver (pictured) and looks like he may have taken his other owner’s initials for part of his name. Who is in the sulky and, if you know the horse, why not submit that too?

#7 – This Ontario-bred pacing filly had a phenomenal O.S.S. career for a popular driver who was a neighbour of the owners. Can you tell us the name of the driver and perhaps another person or two? Cute little guy in the sulky seat.

An excerpt from a 1977 Windsor Star ad had the following to say about this amazing filly:

“In her first campaign she piled up earnings of $102,262, a mark seldom achieved by some of the greatest names in harness racing history and probably the best ever for a Canadian-foaled filly.”

#8 – These two speedy pacers finish a mile in 1:58.2 at Mohawk late in the 1988 season. Pretty quick back then. Can you identify both drivers?

#9 – This trotting colt had quite a knack for winning back in 1985. He once had a 10-race win streak, all in O.S.S. competition. If you can name the driver, let’s hear from you. Who is he, and maybe the horse too?

#10 – This photo also goes back to 1974, similar to #3. Can you name the driver and perhaps a few others in the winner’s circle? The fellow on the far left doing the presenting had an involvement in the program for many years.

(The correct answers will be posted here by Robert as a comment in a few days.)

Quote For The Week: Old-time definition of an expert: “A person with a briefcase, 100 miles away from home.”

Blast From The Past

Ice racing in the 1920s, Orillia, Ontario

Horse racing on frozen Lake Couchiching was popular in the 1920s. The excitement and daring of racing on ice attracted many spectators — and bettors — to winter carnivals and small towns like Orillia, located in Simcoe County.

This will be the final edition of Rewind for this year. Looking forward to 2026.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!