SC Rewind: Olympics Edition

In this week's Rewind, Robert Smith recalls a memorable moment marrying the Olympics and harness racing

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In the years following WW II as travel restrictions were eased and gas rationing ceased, it was not unusual for a handful of Canadian horsemen to head in a westward direction during the winter months. Their purpose was not exactly in search of gold like their predecessors, but rather to seek out the lucrative racing opportunities that existed there. With the Eastern part of the continent in a state of dormancy during the winter months, the best horses raced on the West Coast, mainly in California.

Undoubtedly the first great triumph of this era by a Canadian owned and trained horse occurred in 1946 when Blue Again owned by Windsor based Warren Leatherdale won the first ever Golden West Pace. He was driven by U.S. driver Jimmy Cruise, who was just launching his great career. While purses back in Canada lingered in the past, the inaugural of this great event carried a purse of $50,000; well worth the time and effort to travel to the Golden State.

Another notable Ontarian who wrote the headlines week after week at one time was Lindley Fraser of Forest, Ont., the owner, trainer and driver of the legendary Dr Stanton. In 1946 an unlikely low profile horseman named Wilbur Apthorp made the long journey to California with a stable of horses owned by Chatham, Ont. medical Doctor J.S. Ferguson. He too enjoyed a fair amount of success, and was the first Canadian to win a race at the inaugural meet. The greatest accomplishments belonged to transplanted Canadian horsemen such as Clint Hodgins, Ralph Baldwin and Joe O'Brien who drove large stables of horses for prosperous U.S. owners. Mr O'Brien is of course the man for whom the now coveted O'Brien Awards are named.

With all eyes on the current winter Olympic games it is a great time to showcase our beautiful Country as Canada literally plays host to the world. For those who were able to stay up late enough to see all of the opening ceremonies last Friday evening, it was heartwarming to see one of our truly great Olympians of the past included in the kick off to this great event. I refer to Barbara Ann Scott, a household name to generations of Canadians and a person who still occupies a special place in our hearts. Looking much like she could still "cut a figure" on the ice, she will turn 82 in May of this year. Throughout her skating career she made a nation proud and was affectionately known as "Canada's Sweetheart."

Ms. Scott endeared herself to Canadians by winning the 1948 Olympic figure skating title St. Moritz, Switzerland. Her capture of the coveted Olympic Gold Medal on Feb. 6, 1948 made her an instant celebrity. When she returned to her hometown of Ottawa, she was honoured by adoring crowds and showered with gifts. Long before the days of television and instant media, her fame spread via radio and newspaper accounts. Soon tens of thousands of young girls were named Barbara Ann. Still today she is one of Canada's best remembered athletes. Following her retirement from skating she began training show horses and in her mid-40's was rated among the top equestrians in the U.S. She specialized in gaited saddlebreds and her all time favourite, a bay named Kings Regal Tipper, was a winner of over 400 first place ribbons at many small country shows.

While she was never directly involved in harness racing she followed the sport very closely and often attended the races as well as visiting backstretch personnel, especially those who originated from Canada. In the late 1940's and early 50's, as she toured with the Hollywood Ice Revues as a professional, she often visited the fabled Hollywood Park and Santa Anita Racetracks. I am pleased to have a picture of her among my personal collection as she leads a chorus of "O Canada."

Enjoy the Olympic Games.