In this week's edition of Rewind Robert Smith takes readers back some 45 years to 1980. He recalls a number of names, faces and things large and small that were going on back then. It was a prosperous time in the overall history of the sport.
Peter Haughton Dies In Car Accident
A famous father and son duo, William and Peter Haughton
The world of harness racing suffered a huge loss on the evening of January 25, 1980 when a then 25-year-old Peter Haughton lost his life in a car accident just after leaving the Meadowlands Racetrack. Despite a very short lifetime Peter established himself as an excellent horseman, much in the image of his great father.
The following is an excerpt from a 1975 Sports Illustrated article
"Peter Haughton is the second eldest of Billy and Dottie Haughton's five children. He was named after Peter Campbell, a trotter his parents once owned. ("I'd rather be named for a horse than a lot of people I know," Peter says.) As a youngster he shunned the company of other children in order to listen to his father and other horsemen talking shop. "I didn't have what you'd call a normal childhood," he says. "I was interested only in horses."
Niatross Races At Greenwood
The great Niatross made a very special visit to Toronto's Greenwood Raceway on Saturday, December 13, 1980 thus getting close to 45 years ago. It was called "The Greenwood Special" and was undoubtedly one of the most heralded races in the track's long and storied history. In fact the race and its huge publicity lead up may have almost worked in reverse as it was later stated that many people may have stayed away that day to avoid the confusion and overcrowding that was anticipated. As it turned out a record crowd was in attendance and numerous wagering records were established that day. I would doubt that anyone that was there that day will ever forget this event.
Fan Hanover Equals World Mark at Mohawk
Fan Hanover as a two-year-old is shown winning at Mohawk with driver Glen Garnsey for owner Dr. Glen Brown.
Described in the press as "a small but powerful daughter of former pacing great Albatross" the two-year-old filly Fan Hanover paced her way into the record books on August 31st at Mohawk. The young miss equalled a world record when driver Glen Garnsey steered her to a six-length victory in 1:58 flat. Her winning time also set a new Mohawk track record, shaving three seconds off the current standard.
Despite the 11th starting position, she dominated the competition in winning her ninth race in 12 career starts. Her season's earnings were right at $75,000 following this win which carried a purse of just over $20,000.
To date, the only filly to beat Fan Hanover had been Areba Areba who had bested her on all three occasions when she did not win. At season's end the filly with the repeating name became the richest two-year-old filly in history as she banked $297,931 while winning 15 of 19 starts.
Book Auction
Long before the days of the Internet we relied heavily on records, photographs and other data that were stored in books. At this time people were still buying and selling good old fashioned books. Today they are considered almost obsolete but in 1980 there were events called Book Auctions.
Shown above is an ad that appeared in The Standardbred magazine announcing an upcoming Book Auction to be held at Mohawk Raceway
Free Seat Cushions At Windsor
Fans in attendance at Windsor Raceway on the evening of May 27th, 1980 were all recipients of a special gift. All entrants who paid either $2.50 or $3.50 were eligible to receive a free seat cushion. It was a commemorative issue to observe a world record performance from the previous season. A two-year-old filly named Armbro Vibrant toured the five-eighths mile Windsor track in an amazing 1:58 flat to establish this new record.
The seat cushion was described as "made of heavy durable vinyl and they are perfect for the racetrack, ball games, football games or just sitting around." Armbro Vibrant was a product of the Armstrong Bros. "Armbro" operation and owned by them, and raced out of the Bill Wellwood stable. She was a star at both two and three and set numerous track records at both U.S. and Canadian tracks.
O.S.S. Enters First Full Decade
As the 1980 season began the Ontario Stakes program started its first full decade of existence. After just six years it was rapidly growing in popularity and the success of the entire program was very positive.
This 1980 ad shows that for a small price horse owners could immediately join in the many benefits the new program had to offer.
1980's Trivia
A Rewind was devoted about 10 years ago featuring the fact that numerous automobile dealers have been involved in harness racing circles down through the years. In a 1980 edition of The Standardbred magazine a Southwestern Ontario automobile dealer ran an ad offering "Substantial Savings" on any kind of new GM car or GMC Truck. This offering also included delivery to any of the major racetracks.
What dealership was offering this deal and perhaps where was it located?
Quote For The Week: "Big opportunities come infrequently. When it's raining gold, reach for a bucket, not a thimble." - Words of famous investment guru Warren Buffet
Who Is It?
Can you name this horse and driver shown in a winning mode during the 1980 season? They were in the process of winning in 1:57.2 at Mohawk. After a standout season as a three-year-old, this four-year-old was just getting started for the season despite this being early September. This pair were part of a powerful stable at this time.
Who Else Is It? #1
Can you identify at least some of the people in this 1980 winner's circle photo following a victory by the two-year-old Wonderful Miss? The owners were very well known then and members of the family are still very prominent today. The lady presenter, standing third from left, has family members currently active. The driver might still be taking the odd driving assignment despite the passage of 45 years.
Who Else Is It? #2
Can you identify this gentleman who spent a lifetime in the sport? We recently lost him.
The correct answers will be posted here by Robert as a comment in a few days.