This week's Rewind recalls a bygone era when racing on Victoria Day weekend often marked the beginning of a new harness racing season.
Long before the advent of year round racing or even extended seasonal racing, the May 24th weekend also known as Victoria Day was the unofficial start of a new racing season. Today I have chosen to feature such a day that was held many years ago at the small Elgin County Town of Rodney, Ontario, located a bit west of London. Many familiar names are recalled.
Back on Monday, May 20, 1963 the members of the Rodney Driving Club organized a day of harness racing at the town track. It was part of that year's Victoria Day celebrations. At the helm was Ernie Campbell who served as the group's head for many years. He was an interesting gentleman who lived nearby and had been involved with racing as a pastime for many years. I was fortunate enough to meet him many years after this time and to hear of his interesting life which included a multitude of things including being an old-time school teacher.
The staging of a day of racing at a small town track was often a community affair. Service organizations such as The Kiwanis Club, Kinsmen and Rotary Clubs supplied the manpower to staff certain functions and in return earned revenue for their annual projects. It is also interesting to note that advertising space was sold to local businesses and individuals who had their ad displayed on the day's race program. It was a way of showing their support. The Rodney program pictured today contained no less than 107 such ads. Also on this occasion the Kiwanis Club put on a chicken barbecue following the races. Doesn't get too much better than that!!
Additionally there were usually one or more people in a community that volunteered their time and expertise to make the annual race day a special event. Listed on the program among the supporters of this event was Dr. Archie McPherson, a medical doctor who listed his home as Duart -- a "suburb" of Highgate. Both of these localities are not exactly metropolitan areas. The good Doctor practiced medicine for many years using the home in which he was born as his office. He was also a well-respected authority on pedigrees of harness horses, and for quite a time spearheaded the race days at Ridgetown near his Kent County home.
An old "Scorecard" front shows the simplicity of a day of racing many years ago. This one was from Rodney, Ont. 1963.
Race 1
In the opening race of the afternoon which was for non winners of $200 lifetime, Marilyn Johnston -- a late-blooming product of the stable of Lorne Johnston of Rutherford -- was a double-heat winner. The five-year-old mare, who was making her first lifetime start, was piloted by the owner's son Gerald Johnston. In the first heat Superior Sunbeam was second for owner Allan Tait of Tillsonburg and in the second try, Floyd Belore got up for second with his own Golden Wave.The homebred Johnston "filly" appeared to be the class of the field, turning in a clocking of 2:19.
An interesting starter in this event was a horse named Royal Nutonia, who unfortunately finished last in both heats driven by Ernie Campbell . The nine-year-old stallion was making his only start of the season and perhaps of his career, and with his out-of-the-money finishes his lifetime bankroll remained at $0 .
Race 2
The second event of the day for a $200 purse was decided by split winners. In the opener Stormy Way showed the way with owner Nelson Russell in the bike and Belmont Doug took second for Fenn Bros. of Windsor. In the second dash, Floyd Belore of Salford was home first with his three-year-old filly Ann Budmite while Stormy Way got up for the second spot. On a track slowed by recent rains the second heat recorded the day's fastest mile of 2:16.4.
Race 3
Event number 3 again had two winners, as Goldie Frisco annexed the opener in 2:17 flat for veteran Allan Tait as they edged out Wine List. In the second try Rufus Jones was the victor for Essex, Ont. owner Ab Buhler with Dresden teamster Lonnie McCorkle handling the leather. George Bennett of Mossley closed quickly on the outside with his own Worthy Frisco to take second money.
Unfortunately for the betting public, a logical choice in this race named Royal Victoria was unable to reward her backers, finishing a disappointing 5-6 in the two heats. This mare was owned by John Johnston of Mull, Ont. and driven by race organizer Ernie Campbell.
Race 4
The featured event of the day drew a field of just five starters going two heats for a purse of $250. Listed on the program but unfortunately not appearing that day were Bimbo Chief, Lochinver King and Atomic Sir; all were scratched. The winner in straight heats was the seven-year-old mare Priscilla's Maid from the barn of W.J. Shean of Stratford and handled by Cecil Crandon. Second in both heats was Sue K Harmony owner-driven by Tom Keck. Ben Lee was the third place finisher for Dale Dufty of nearby Union.
Driver names - Jack Anscombe, Floyd Belore ,George Bennett, Ernie Campbell, Cecil Crandon, Les Dolson, Dale Dufty, Jack Graham, Stan Hughes, Gerry Johnston, Lorne Johnston, Tom Keck, Lonnie McCorkle, Nelson Russell, Robert Russell, Allan Tait, Vaughn Webster, Stan Williams.
The era of small town racing, or "matinee" racing as it is sometimes called, forms an important link in the history of Canadian harness racing. I have often spoken with people about these days including such accomplished trainers as Bob McIntosh. Despite the stellar career he has experienced on a much larger stage, it is evident that he treasures the memories of these days as he recalls attending many such old "gems" with his father Jack McIntosh.