The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame was the place to be Wednesday evening, as Inductees, friends, family members and supporters of the Hall were in attendance to see 2016 Legends Exterminator and Woodlawn Drummond inducted.
Jonathan Davis of Saratoga, N.Y. represented thoroughbred Legend Inductee Exterminator, affectionately known as ‘Old Bones’. Davis, whose great aunt was married to Exterminator’s owner Willis Sharpe Kilmer recalled stories passed down through his family of the 1918 Kentucky Derby winner. During the horse’s eight-year career Exterminator record 34 stakes victories during an eight-year career that began in Kentucky and Windsor, Ont., and ended in 1924 in Montreal.
Bred by Clermont Veilleux of Drummondville, Quebec and raced under the ownership of Ecuries Drummond Stables, Woodlawn Drummond made quite a mark for herself in the mid-1960s. In 47 career starts she posted 22 victories and earned $128,592.
The bay pacing mare raced at tracks in Ontario, Quebec and New York state from the age of two through her four-year-old year, often competing against and defeating the best colts of the time. Alain Veilleux represented his family and spoke of the game mare’s success on the track, detailing her impressive win in the 1965 Lady Maud at Roosevelt, while also commenting on the great respect her driver, CHRHF member Keith Waples, had for her in calling her one of the best he ever sat behind.
Wednesday night's gathering also included the unveiling of 2015 CHRHF inductees permanent display panels, as well as an opportunity for 2016 inductees to be welcomed with short biographical videos presented for each inductee in advance of the formal induction at the gala planned for August 3 at the Mississauga Convention Centre. This year's inductees include Standardbred inductees include horses San Pail and Odies Fame and people John Ferguson, Yves Filion and Bruce Johnston. The Thoroughbred inductees are Wise Dan, Dahlia, Mark Casse, Dr. Michael Colterjohn and Daryl Wells, Sr. Tickets for the 2016 Induction Gala can be purchased by contacting Linda Rainey at 416-417-9404 or by email at [email protected]
The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame would like to thank all those who attended and recognize the ongoing support of industry organizations, sponsors and racing enthusiasts, in this the CHRHF’s 40th year.
The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, located at Woodbine Racetrack, Toronto, is a national registered charity, dedicated to honouring the best in Canadian horse racing, as we preserve the history and heritage of the sport.
To view the photo gallery, click the following link:
(with files from the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame)