In this week's Rewind Robert Smith offers his monthly edition of 'Years Ago' in which he chooses stories from a particular decade. This time he goes back to the 1950s and recalls some happenings and the people who were then involved. As usual a few old photos help to tell the story.
1950 - Delvin Miller Wins Both Three-Year-Old Classics
A smiling Delvin Miller appears in the Goshen. N.Y. winner's circle following his Hambletonian winning drive behind Lusty Song to capture the 1950 classic for three-year-old trotters. (Photo courtesy of Hambletonian Society)
In 1950, a then 37-year-old Delvin Miller became the first driver in history to record a victory in both the Hambletonian and the Little Brown Jug. His achievement was extra special because he accomplished it in the same season. A number of drivers have won both classics but not too often do they win both in the same year.
In August Delvin drove Lusty Song to victory in the Hambo at Goshen. The following month he won the Jug with Dudley Hanover at Delaware, Ohio. Both horses were owned by the Hayes Family of DuQuoin, Illinois who later hosted the Hambletonian from 1957 to 1980. While Delvin was associated with other winners as a trainer, these were the only two he accomplished in the driver's seat.
The 1950 field shows a huge crowd in front of the old rail fence with the traditional jugs visible in the judge's stand. The eventual winner was Dudley Hanover, driven by Delvin Miller for The Hayes Fair Acres stable of DuQuoin, Ill. This was one of the first mobile starting gates to be used at Delaware, operated by Riley Couch.
SEE TRIVIA QUESTION BELOW
1950 - Thorncliffe Park Opens In Toronto
An aerial view of Thorncliffe Park in the Leaside district of Toronto introduced major league harness racing to the Province
In 1950 the province of Ontario was experiencing a rise in interest in the sport of harness racing by its residents. At the time, no major tracks were in existence beyond Dufferin Park in Toronto and their annual program consisted mainly of wintertime racing. In response to the growing demand a group headed by Mr. Herb Hatch of Maple, Ont. decided to start a new racing venture during the summer months.
An old racing venue dating back to 1910 known as Thorncliffe Park was chosen as the site and it soon became the scene of some major renovations. A new half-mile track was installed, the grandstand was refurbished and several new stables were built. It was designed to meet the future needs of a growing market in Ontario. Mr. Hatch was said to have invested about $500,000 in the venture.
When the track opened on July 3, 1950 several major stables were on the premises. Such well known names as Clifford Chapman Sr., Keith Waples, Cecil Champion, Wm. and Jack Herbert, Harold Wellwood, Honorat Larochelle, Eph L'Heireux, Marshall Moore and Wilbert Hopkins were among the first year participants. A very lucrative stakes program provided races for all classes of horses. Topping the list was The Canada Cup for pacers and The Maple Leaf Cup for trotters.
While this location held racing for just four years (1950 - 1953), it formed the start of the Ontario racing program that continues to thrive to this day, 75 years later. In a lengthy article in the Harness Horse magazine just prior to opening day, the following statement was made: "It will be the biggest gathering of the trotting clans on this side of the line that the harness sport has ever seen."
Thorncliffe program from 1950. The price of $1.00 was probably a bit ahead of its time
1953 - Canadian Trotter Has Outstanding Season
In 1953 a then six-year-old trotting gelding named Vanduzen may very well have been termed Canada's Best Trotter. This could be perhaps based on his win in that year's Maple Leaf Trot, then held at Thorncliffe Park in Toronto. Owned, trained and driven by Jack Mehelenbacher of Nelles Corners, Ont., he had a great season.
Vanduzen won that year's MLT in 2:07, a new record time for the annual classic and one that would stand until 1958 when Mr. Baldridge and driver Phil Dussault came to town and trotted over the Old Woodbine track in 2:02 1/5. That record would stand until 1966 when Lively Kid and Roger White won the race in 2:02 even.
Later in the 1953 season Vanduzen finished out the year racing at Batavia Downs and is pictured below.
Vanduzen, held by assistant racing secretary John O. Marra, after winning the Peter Provenzano Memorial Trot. Owner-driver Jack Mehlenbacher accepts the trophy from Donna Lu and Barbara Ann Provenzano, daughters of Downs President Pat Provenzano, along with Elliot Cushing, Assistant to the President. The race, an annual Batavia fixture, was named in memory of the late Peter Provenzano, Rochester sportsman and brother of the Downs' president. Young Miss Barbara Ann (Provenzano Samberg) in later years headed up the Batavia management team. (Harness Horse Photo)
1955 - The End Of An Era
In March of 1955 the fabled Dufferin Park in Toronto closed its doors forever. Generations of horse fans, both Standardbred and Thoroughbred followers, had enjoyed racing at this suburban location for parts of two centuries. Wintertime racing was held for a very long time and attracted a rather large following.
The following quote appeared in a Rewind about Dufferin Park published ten years ago on March 21, 2015.
"Dufferin Park was truly a beloved place, a track with its own unique clientele who considered it their track. Lunchpails and working clothes were a common sight whenever races were held at 'Little Saratoga' as it was often called. It was a track that admitted people for free after a few races and it was not uncommon for folks to stop, watch a few races, place a bet or two and go on about their day. At the time of its closing, then-Track superintendent Tommy Anderson said in an interview, "We liked to think this was a track for ordinary people." For some reason people were just naturally drawn to Dufferin."
Belmont Lady trots home a winner at Dufferin Park in this 1955 photo finish. The owner and driver was Alex McDonnell of Hamilton. This was the final year of racing at Dufferin.
Alex McDonnell is shown with The Lee Express, a winner during the 1946 summer meeting at Dufferin Park. Descendants of Mr. McDonnell have been active in Ontario racing for many years including his sons George and Terry and grandson Gord. His nephew, the late Wm. "Bill", was long associated with various branches and served in several capacities during a long career.
Quote For The Week: "Ask me to show you poetry in motion and I will show you a horse." – Author Unknown
TRIVIA QUESTION RE: 1950 ITEM
What important connection to Canadian harness racing history is related to the 1950 Little Brown Jug winner Dudley Hanover? Let us know what you think it is.
Who Is It #1?
Can you identify the two gents in this old picture? The fellow on the right was on the receiving end of a plaque for "meritorious service" in this 1981 photo.
Who Is It #2?
This 1950's photo was taken at Roosevelt Raceway back when they wore silk hats. How many of the five can you identify? There is just one Canadian horseman in the group among some pretty well known U.S. drivers. Let us know who you think they are.
Where Is It?
Can you identify the location of this racing scene? To narrow it down I will offer a clue that it was taken in Ontario and east of Toronto.
The correct answers will be posted here by Robert as a comment in a few days.