This week's Rewind is the third in a series devoted to the celebration of 50 years of continuous night racing at London's Western Fair Raceway
, Ontario's pioneer track.
Most often my Rewind stories cover some person or event in harness racing from many years ago, usually many decades ago. This week I am pleased to report on an event that just happened, kind of one where "the ink is not yet dried." However the reasons for writing and the subjects in the story have been around for a very long time.
On Tuesday May 17th, the folks at London's Western Fair Raceway put on quite an inspiring evening. It was very special for a number of reasons and I am extremely happy to have been included on the guest list along with my wife. We are both very appreciative of the hospitality and friendliness that defined the entire event, and happy to have been seated at a table with two of the oldest and most respected names in the sport, Belore and Campbell. We have nothing but praise for the way we were treated and will be forever grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity. To top it off the food was truly excellent, enjoyed in the company of many fine people. It was a bit like a family reunion, but without your dreaded cousin Tommy present.
The evening was the result of a tremendous amount of forethought and planning and the results were nothing short of perfection. The entrance to the Carousel Room that was host to some 400 invitees was turned into a virtual Museum of photographs and artefacts from the recent and distant past of the Raceway. Large tables that displayed vintage photos and write-ups captured the attention of everyone who entered the Hall. As many who had been part of the history of the track began to meet up with each other, the conversations started to flow back and forth, evoking many trips down Memory Lane. It was for me a special time to match up faces with names I had often heard. It will probably be the largest gathering of people from this era that will ever be assembled in this century. A very special touch to the soiree included the inviting of the families of many past horsemen who are no longer with us but fondly remembered. Their presence was felt.
Western Fair Raceway has long been known for its class, its fair treatment of all segments of its business and dedication to its original purpose of being a first class track. Over the years it has been blessed with good management people who have been selfless in their efforts, knowing that people working in harmony produce a better product. An entity that survives and thrives for a half century in this business has to be doing a lot of things right.
The formal part of the evening was chaired by Mr. Hugh Mitchell WFR' s Chief Executive Officer who delivered a warm welcome to all. This was followed by a number of individuals associated with the growth and development of the now long and successful history of a most unique operation. Rounding out the evening's remarks were the Raceway's original announcer Bill McDonnell, who recalled a number of interesting incidents from the first year and how times have changed. It was particularly heart-warming to hear a very well presented address from the now 85-year-old Evan McGugan, the man credited with putting the original "pieces of the puzzle" together. His "theme" followed the pattern set by all those who spoke before him, stating that all of the 50 years of success and progress came about by working together as a team.
Harness horse people are a special breed; there is no Royalty or Elite class. They are a group of very humble and basic-minded people who work very hard for everything they get. This is one of the rare opportunities to meet so many people who genuinely love the sport. Although everyone was dressed differently, everyone was wearing a smile.
For those of you in the reading audience who were fortunate enough to be in attendance I am sure that you share my gratitude toward Western Fair and trust that you will agree it was an evening to be remembered forever, and one that ended too soon.
Thanks to WFR one and all; you sure know how to throw a party!
Thank you Hugh Mitchell and
Thank you Hugh Mitchell and the Staff at Western Fair for the outstanding evening celebrating fifty years. The guest speakers were terrific as well as the meal, the memory displays, the media presentation and the atmosphere. Seeing all the familiar faces I had not seen in a long time, and were so prominent in my years growing up in the horse racing business as a son of LeRoy Revington was very special. Your thoughtfulness and generosity for providing us with such a memorable evening is greatly appreciated.