SC Rewind: Years Ago – 1960s

This week's Rewind takes a look back at some of the events and people in the sport during the 1960's in the ongoing monthly feature Years Ago.

1960 - Island Song Carries The Ingles Stable To Many Victories

Brighton, Ontario horseman Harry Ingles is one to take things pretty seriously but the performance of his nine-year-old Victory Song trotting gelding Island Song has given him reason to be pretty happy this year. The season started with four victories at Blue Bonnets and then it was on to Toronto's Old Woodbine where on August 19 a new speed badge of 2:05.2 was set. Following the big track performances, Harry headed closer to home and in a span of five weeks the pair scored a total of 14 wins at eight different ovals. The tour started at Lansdowne on September 2nd, then proceeded to Napanee, Shannonville, Warkworth, Stirling, Roseneath, Campbellford and they finally ended the season at Madoc on October 5th. Most of these performances were against pacers. It has not been confirmed, but it is believed that Harry may have actually smiled (or at least came close to it) on one or two occasions as he entered the winner's circle. Season's earnings amounted to $6614 thanks to 19 wins from 37 tries.

1961 - Gilmour Stable Campaigning at Brandywine

August 1961 - Wm. D. "Buddy" Gilmour, the 29-year-old "veteran" of the sulky, currently has his large public stable at Brandywine Raceway in Wilmington, Delaware. Gilmour, a native of Ridgeway, Ont., was a standout driver at the old Dufferin Park track until it closed six years ago. He is currently among the top reinsmen competing on the tough U.S. circuit and has been for several seasons. Included in his powerful stable are such performers as Howard Rosecroft, Meadow Rooney, Top Admiral, Kala Pence, Tar Baby, Artist Hanover, Yankee Flyer, and the promising two-year old Symboleer (by Demon Hanover). Howard Rosecroft, now eight years old, is almost certain to surpass the $100,000 career earnings mark by season's end.

1966 - Young Windsor Driver Scores First Win

February 4, 1966 - A driver's first win is always a momentous occasion. For young Greg Wright his first victory was extra special, as he scored it at the track located right in his own neighbourhood, the newly opened Windsor Raceway. The milestone win came behind a horse named Happy Spencer, a 10-year-old pacer owned by Mrs. Vera Utley of Detroit, Mich. The young Mr. Wright, who is just 21, became interested in the horses at the age of 12 through visiting his neighbour Cecil Snyder, a veteran of the sport. Throughout his High School years he continued to learn and gained experience with Bruce Fulmer breaking colts and is now involved full time as a trainer and driver working for conditioner Bruce Fenn. He is also currently getting quite a bit of attention as a catch driver and is willing to take on even hard to handle horses, not just the ones most likely to win. Race secretary Joe DeFrank recently said of him "He has a bright future as a horseman."

1967 - Morrow Park Completes Successful Racing Season

October 1967 - The 1967 harness racing season concluded here on October 14 and is being termed the best ever thanks in part to The Peterborough Driving Club, regarded as one of the best organized outfits around. A total of 23 nights of racing were held with only one card cancelled due to weather. There was quite an increase in both attendance and handle with the largest crowd and betting mark set on July 19th when over $53,000 went through the machines. A few improvements are planned for next season including better infield drainage and there is also talk of a new grandstand. At the present time this track does not stage qualifying races but a move is currently underway to institute this practice and with the co-operation of the C.T.A., it is hoped this will happen next season. The track record at Morrow Park has now gone unbroken for 16 years. It was set in 1951 when Danny Direct owned by Alex Parsons of London and driven by Vic Rowntree stopped the clock in 2:06 flat. The record mile was part of a three-heat winning performance in the Free For All on closing day that year.

1968 - O. H. H. A. Meeting Date Set

The annual meeting and dinner of the Ontario Harness Horsemen's Association will be held on January 17, 1968 at the Skyline Hotel in Toronto. Dinner tickets are priced at $5.00 each "For Horsemen and Ladies" and will also feature an All Star variety show. President Les Ehrlick is seeking an increase in membership and is hoping for a large turn out. In the afternoon, a business forum will be held to discuss the business of the Association. Membership has increased rapidly, growing from 300 to 1150 in the past year. Also on the executive list besides President Ehrlick are Scott Burchell, Eric McElroy and Dr. John Findlay serving as VP's. R. L. "Tobe" Harris continues as Secretary. Anyone who has not yet joined is urged to fill out an application form, attach a cheque for $5.00 and send it to the Toronto office.