In this week’s Rewind, Robert Smith recalls the great role played by Clinton Raceway in staging fundraising events for local charities and other worthy causes for many years. He has displayed a number of pictures of past gatherings and included a number of them in the regular weekly picture quiz section.
When the first-ever Legends Day was held in 2001 at Clinton Raceway, it started a long-running event to honour many well-known horsemen while also providing a great venue for valuable fundraising for the local community. While the every-other-year event was a first of its kind bearing that name, the theme of the get-together already had a history of nearly twenty years.
Over time, it has become a major community, charitable and industry gathering. The event is designed to bring together some of the best in the sport while giving back to the community, making it a good news story for the harness racing industry.
The staff and management of Clinton Raceway have done a magnificent job of blending the best of the past of our sport with the present day. They have maintained a modern, up-to-date facility that offers racegoers a pleasant, modern experience, with a few nods to the past such as the revered Red Barn and the old photos on display.
The main theme at Clinton is to provide a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, suitable as a family gathering place where folks can not only enjoy the racing but also meet with others who share similar interests. Once on the grounds, patrons feel “at home” in the pleasant surroundings.
The Clinton track started hosting race days about 80 years ago, back in 1946. For many years, perhaps at least 25 or so, it was a one-time-a-year experience. This small-town track took its turn providing a day of racing for many local horsemen, as well as providing entertainment for racing fans.
Some of the early-day racing participants were people who are still well remembered; some still have family involved. People like Allan Walker, Hughie McLean, Keith Feagan, Duncan Campbell and family, George Caldwell, Lloyd and Wray Turvey, Reg and Ron McGee, Dr. Elliott, Cecil Pollard, Clarence Young and many more — too numerous to recall. They all helped to bring harness racing from its grassroots to the modern day.
In later years, more race days were held each year. In 1970, pari-mutuel wagering was introduced as the local Kinsmen Club became involved. In 1974, now over 50 years ago, Clinton was chosen as one of the 20 tracks to host the new Ontario Sires Stakes Program. That tradition continues.
While many tracks have abandoned stabling facilities in recent years, the Clinton track has 75 horses that train there during the winter months. The facility also has stabling for 32 horses. The tradition of welcoming people goes back a very long way, as stated on the program cover (shown below) from 70 years ago:
“The Clinton Turf Club needs and appreciates your patronage — please come back again.”
Shown above is an old-time race program from 70 years ago when an afternoon of racing was enjoyed by many. The names of two racing pioneers, Dr. George Elliott and A.M. Knight, appear on the front.
A view of the featured race of the day is also shown. The race winner was Carter Chips from the barn of Al Leverington of St. Thomas, Ont.
SCENES FROM THE “OLD DAYS”
A field of horses at the Clinton track in days gone by.
A view of the homestretch with a huge crowd in the background from days gone by.
A view from yesteryears at Clinton Raceway with a full house on hand.
A modern-day version at the track is shown above.
Above is an ad announcing the 1984 get-together, which included an invitation to stay and enjoy the beef barbecue for the incredible sum of $6.00. I believe Fred Sadler emerged as the winner (courtesy of The Standardbred magazine).
PHOTO QUIZ
Shown below are a few photos and short stories related to a number of race day gatherings at the Clinton track in days gone by.
#1 – Can you identify the people shown in the above photo taken during the 1983 event?
#2 – Can you identify the people shown in the above photo taken during the 1987 event?
#3 – Can you identify the people shown in the above photo taken during the 1988 event?
#4 – Let’s have an easy one to close out the quiz. Can you name the two genial fellows above? The horse in the background may be a little tougher. (Dave Landry photo)
(The correct answers will be posted here by Robert as a comment in a few days.)
THE FAMOUS CLINTON RED BARN
A goodly portion of the quaint, friendly atmosphere that prevails at Clinton Raceway could certainly be attributed to the famous red barn that has adorned the property for many years, the original creation of the late Dr. George Elliott. Shown below is a wonderful photograph and lovely tribute to this stately structure.
Standing watch over the homestretch, the iconic red barn at Clinton Raceway is more than a backdrop — it’s a keeper of memories. Season after season, it has witnessed early-morning training miles, thundering finishes, quiet moments of reflection and roaring celebrations. Its timeless silhouette and snow-dusted roof tell stories of grit, tradition and community, anchoring the past to the present as horses and drivers charge home beneath its gaze. For generations of fans, horsepeople and families, that red barn isn’t just part of the scenery — it’s the heart of Clinton Raceway, a symbol of where we’ve been and why we keep coming back. This thoughtful photograph and passage were authored by Jessica Carnochan.
Quote For The Week: “A true horseman does not look at a horse with his eyes; he looks at his horse with his heart.” – Unknown
I would like to pass along my thanks to Jessica Carnochan, Marketing Manager at Clinton Raceway, for her gracious assistance and for providing so many great photos from years past.
REMEMBER
Upcoming later this summer, on Sunday, July 26, Clinton Raceway will host the National Driving Championship (NDC) for the first time ever. It is indeed quite an honour and likely to be a “World Class” day. The event will serve as a fundraiser for the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation.