SC Rewind: Years Ago - 1970s

This week's edition of 'Rewind' takes readers back to the decade of the 1970s in the monthly offering of Years Ago. Robert Smith has assembled a few old photos as well as some short stories on the people and happenings from back then.

1970 - Batavia Downs Celebrates 30 Years Of Racing

Back in September of 1970 Batavia Downs staged a special celebration to observe the 30th anniversary of its opening in 1940. They became just the second racetrack to stage night time racing featuring pari-mutuel wagering; only the famed Roosevelt Raceway in Westbury, N.Y. preceded them, also opening in 1940.

The week-long festivities included a number of functions, receptions and special races. On Tuesday evening each of the 10 races that night was named after a Canadian person who had played a part in forming the track's long and successful history. Many of those being honoured were in attendance and made post-race presentations.

One of the real highlights of the week was the return of the Downs' first race winning driver. That honour went to a then 83-year-old Canadian named "Orangeville Bill" Harvey. On opening night way back on Sept. 20, 1940 Harvey piloted a horse named Rip Harvester to a first-race victory in 2:16 and that's where it all began. At the time the story was told that there was no phone at the Harvey home in Mono Mills, a small community just outside Orangeville where Bill lived with his sister and brother Jack who was also a horseman. Horseman Jimmy "Red" Holmes of Milton, Ont. was asked by Batavia management to pay a visit to the Harvey residence and extend an invitation to the Raceway's commemorative gathering on their behalf.

Holmes decided to use a test of recognition. "Don't tell him who I am," said Holmes to Harvey's sister when he called on him. Harvey, who had just awakened from a nap, calmly strolled into the kitchen and said "Red Holmes what the hell are you doing here?" Holmes sheepishly replied "I came here too see you!" Don Clark, a horseman from Rockwood, Ont., was given the chore of driving the enthusiastic Mr. Harvey to Batavia. "I haven't been to the races in years but I'm really looking forward to it."

Note: I remember many visits with Jack Harvey, Bill's brother. He was a long-time caretaker and trainer who in later years worked in the Harold and Bill Wellwood stable while racing on the OJC tracks as well as Buffalo and Batavia. I believe in the earlier years he worked with Cliff Chapman Sr.

1971 - Rum Customer Becomes A Millionaire

Rum Customer (5) maintains a nose margin over Ghandi to become a millionaire at Aurora Downs in 1971 (Chicago Tribune archives)

Dec. 27, 1971 - As the year of 1971 closed out, the sport of harness racing welcomed its newest millionaire at Chicago's Aurora Downs. On this late December evening Rum Customer scored the final victory of his brilliant career by the scantest of margins as shown above defeating Ghandi. The six-year-old son of Poplar Byrd added another $2,500 to his lifetime total to up it to $1,001,448; just enough. I believe he was the first horse to reach the million dollar mark racing only in North America.

Rum Customer, owned by Louis and Connie Mancuso and Kennilworth Farm and racing out of the Wm. Haughton stable, was piloted to victory by catch driver Del Insko, the most successful Illinois horseman up to that point in time. The race which was called "The Millionaire Mile" marked the end of this great horse's career and the start of his stallion duties in Pennsylvania.

In 1968 Rum Customer became just the sport's fourth Triple Crown winner, joining Adios Butler, Bret Hanover and Romeo Hanover on that illustrious list. To this point in time only Cardigan Bay had won over a million dollars and he started his career in New Zealand. As a note of interest the lifetime earnings total of Rum Customer would be equal to about $6,455,000 in today's dollars.

1973 - Pacing In A Winter Wonderland

Medallion Lobell (6) and driver Marty Adler show at least a two-length lead over Creed Dancer (9) as they cruise to victory in 2:26 on a very snowy night at Wolverine Raceway back in 1973 (Abahazy Collection)

Mar. 16, 1973 - When fledgling owner Rozzie Warner, a turkey farmer from Alvinston, Ont., purchased his first horse he couldn't have imagined what his Baptism under fire would be like. As it turned out it was more like Baptism under snow. His trainer and driver Marty Adler entered his horse Medallion Lobell at Wolverine Raceway in Detroit as he was unable to get a start at a much handier Windsor Raceway. Apparently Windsor's race secretary Joe Defrank had a rule (perhaps unwritten) that in the last week of the meet he wouldn't allow a horse to start that had not yet had a start. A fierce late winter storm blanketed the Michigan track that evening and the new owner almost didn't get there to see the race.

After a treacherous drive on snowy roads, he finally made it; just in time to place a $20 win ticket wager. As the race was about to start a recall forced the entrants to regroup. In the second try Adler shot to the front and soon opened up a gigantic lead. As he reached the half in 1:06 Marty decided to glance back at the second-place horse. Due to the blinding snowstorm he could not see anyone and later found out why. He was 22 lengths ahead but not quite home and cooled out.

The tired pair finally reached the wire with two lengths to spare on second place finisher Creed Dancer but not after some pretty frantic urging. Time of the mile after a second half in 1:20 was a blazing 2:26! The mutuels showed a nice payoff for the new owner as the tote board lit up to the tune of $20.80, $13.80 and $6.60. Reportedly there was just one patron holding a winning quad ticket worth some $27,000. A gentleman named Johnny, also a patron of the Adler stable was apparently that lucky man. About a month later this same horse and driver were again winners at Wolverine; this time in a slightly quicker 2:06.

A group of happy folks gather in the Wolverine winner's circle after new owner Ozzie and Jack Warner are at the head of Medallion Lobell. At the far end is driver Marty Adler and a further part of the impromptu celebration that resembled a snow globe. (Abahazy Photo collection)

1978 - The "Banker" Pays Dividends

Banker Fretz was purchased as a yearling by horseman Garth Gordon at the Liberty Bell sale in 1976. He was selected from three possibilities being consigned by U.S. horseman Dana Irving. After viewing the trio the day prior to sale day Garth mapped out his strategy in his own mind. If the young fellow went for $10,000 or any less, he would be headed to a new home in Canada. As it turned out Gordon had the final nod at that amount. Soon after the sale a half interest was sold to Dr. Wm. Wright, a Dentist from Gordon's hometown of Cobourg, Ont. It would be the beginning of a long and successful journey.

When it was time to break the youngster in preparation for his two-year-old campaign it was soon found that breaking this fellow would be no easy task. Still a stud and a bit of a handful it became evident that he would not be raced as a freshman. Eventually through a lot of patience and hard work Banker Fretz was properly gaited and trained to launch his debut at age three.

After qualifying twice and finishing ninth in his first three starts in January, Banker finally settled into the racing routine. He scored his first lifetime win in early February and went on a tear winning seven out of his next eight starts, finishing second in his only defeat. He went on to make 35 starts, winning 14, finishing second eight times and five third-place finishes that season. He made a start in every month but December and ended the year with just over $115,000 in his 'Bank' account. His best clocking of the campaign was 1:58.3 and that came at the end of May at Mohawk.

By mid-October Banker Fretz had earned over $100,000 in his first year of racing. A major portion of his earnings came from several victories and high placings in the Can-Am Series which was popular back then.

Quote For The Week: The custodian of an online dating service posted the following about the possibility of achieving success on his website: "The odds are good and the goods are odd."

Who Is It?

The young fellow pictured above is celebrating a birthday tomorrow on December 8th. This one might be the all-time easiest to get correct so I have included a small add-on. To submit a correct answer you have to include his second name as well as the first and last. Happy Birthday from me too!

Who Else Is It?

1 - Can you identify this popular horseman from days gone by?

2 - Can you put a name on this fellow?

Make sure to stay tuned as the correct answers will be posted during the coming week.