The year of 1967, Canada's Centennial Year, was a milestone year for Keith Waples. At the age of just 44 he had already seen and done more than anyone else in the sport.
To honour one of the greatest horsemen in the history of harness racing, the Standardbred Canada website will feature a five-part series on the legendary Keith Waples as he approaches his 90th birthday.
Penned by writer Robert Smith, this is the fourth of five SC web exclusive web features on one of racing's most revered individuals.
Records Galore
In 1967 Keith Waples drove the winners of 252 races, with 246 at home ,an all time record for a teamster racing solely in Canada. On October 14, he won his 200th race during that season. The milestone was passed when he won the opening race that evening at Garden City behind the trotter Armbro Echo. His lifetime total was 1,783 at the time and eventually rose to an official total of 3,206. Observers believe that many more were not recorded in the early days.
At this time when interviewed by legendary harness racing scribe Harry Eisen of London, Ont., he offered up what he felt at that time had been his greatest moments and also commented on the best horses he had ever driven up until that time. Understandably his proudest moment came when he authored Canada's first sub 2:00 mile with Mighty Dudley in 1959. He also regarded Mighty Dudley as one of the two best horses he had ever driven, also naming Champ Volo, a horse that had tremendous success as a colt performer under his guidance in the 1957 era. While Mighty Dudley brought him lasting fame, he has always been quick to say that he was not a "super" horse and was readily beaten by the very best of his era, the likes of Bye Bye Byrd.
As far as the best trotter he had ever driven, that honour went to Tie Silk with whom he won the 1962 International Trot. While he couldn't readily name all of the horses he teamed in that afternoon interview, he recalled with fondness the day he won a total of nine heats at the Strathroy track back in the 1940's.
The years that followed brought a host of great performers of both gaits. His ability to train and drive a horse and his overall reputation as a horseman often meant that he turned down good horses in order to remain loyal to his long-time owners.
Previous Features
You were and still are THE
You were and still are THE BEST, cannot forget what you did for Bobby Seaman.Enjoy this milestone in your life Keith, Mr.Waples, have a good day. Ron