SC Rewind: Years Ago - 1960s

This week's Rewind takes a look back at some of the events and people in harness racing during the 1960s in the ongoing monthly feature Years Ago.

1960 - Sydney, N.S. Has Long Season

Racing at the Sydney track known as The Sydney Sports Centre (later Tartan Downs) kicked off the 1960 season on June 9th and continued through to closing day on November 12. Races were held at least weekly throughout the season. A number of familiar faces, many who also trained here were among the weekly winners. A partial list includes the following driver's roster: James Andrews, Perry Cadegan, Michael Chaison, Donald Coadic, Howard Collins, James Collins, Timothy Donovan, Ernest Frost, Hanford Graham, Percy Guam, Harold Jabalee, Mike Jabalee, Lloyd MacAulay, Michael Laffin, Adam Lewis, Buster Lewis, Worell Lewis, Duncan MacDonald, Greg MacDonald (leading driver), Lemuel MacDonald, Russell MacDonald, Thomas MacDonald, Chas. MacKay, Michael MacKinnon, Johnny MacAskill ,Geo. Mauger, James Moffat, Laurie O'Brien, Donald Rankin Sr., John Ratchford and Jos. Sutherland.

The highlight of the meeting occurred on July 28th when five-year-old Bob Lee Boy captured both heats of the Dosco Pace and took home half of the $3,000 purse. He was driven by George Mauger for owner John Mac Rae of Dartmouth, N.S. and paced in 2:07.3 in the opening heat for the meeting's fastest mile .

1964 - Season Opens At Collingwood
May 18, 1964: Nine heats of racing were featured at the Collingwood track as the season began in this region. Four races of two heats each saw brothers Wm. and Richard Carroll in the winner's circle three times as Bill piloted Billy C Grattan to two wins and Richard was 1-2 with Royal Echo. There was also a double heat victory by Charlie Lawson driving Worthy Blue owned by his father Bill.

Undoubtedly the youngest owner and also the happiest here today was young John Burns, a local boy who is just approaching 15 years of age. His colt J R Spencer, which he purchased from a local horseman Walter Seely with money earned delivering papers, won his first lifetime start. His $50 share of the purse will help to offset the $250 young Mr. Burns laid out to purchase the colt. J R Spencer was a handy winner in a respectable 2:18.2 for driver Russ Rentner. Young John was also presented with a cooler and a halter for his efforts.

His future plans include a possible career in veterinary medicine but in the meantime he will be working with the horses. Based on his early showing, an offer of $1,500 was reportedly made to the young Mr. Burns but he politely turned it down.

1967 - Twins born on Mohawk Backstretch
The birth of twin horses is generally considered bad luck, but twin fawns entering the world is a different story. Mohawk trackman Henry Neave discovered twin fawns on the morning of August 22 and they have created quite an attraction.

Lori (left) and her sister Carrie Thibaudeau admire "Donner" held by trackman Henry Neave

While horse owners often delay the naming of foals, apparently young deer are named immediately. The cute little pair, now known as Donner and Blitzen have had a steady flow of admirers. Among the fawns closest friends are sisters Lori and Carrie Thibaudeau, young daughters of horseman Peter Thibaudeau and his wife the former Jean Walker.

1968 Track Records At Greenwood
December 1968: The following are the current track records at Greenwood Raceway in Toronto at the close of the 1968 racing season.

Trotters
Two-year-old - Mighty Hoot 2:12.1 (James Holmes) August 10, 1967
Three-year-old - Camper 2:02.1 (Wm. Habkirk) August 5, 1968
Aged - Sprite Kid 2:02 (Roger White) August 13, 1966
Aged - Earl Laird 2:02 (Jas. Cruise July 27,1968 (Tie)

Pacers
Two-year-old - Sharp 'N Smart 2:03.1 (John Hayes Sr.) August 10,1966
Three-year-old - H A Meadowland 2:00.1 (Ron Feagan) August 20,1966
Aged - Good Time Boy 1:59.4 (Jim Larente) July 28,1967

1969 - Giguere Recalls Early Years at Richelieu Park
August 1969: Race Secretary George Giguere was in a reminiscent mood as he discussed the recently closed summer meeting at Richelieu Park. He also took a long and thoughtful look back at the track's past two decades, dating back to when he started in 1952. He vividly recalled the day when a $48,000 mutuel handle was considered normal in the early years. He also remembered when the handle first hit $100,000 as if it was yesterday but it was actually October 26, 1952. This year, the mutuel handle hit a remarkable $452,000 as part of the track's most successful year to date.

In other news, Marcel Dostie was making a return to training and hopefully would soon be driving again following a lengthy absence due to back surgery. His stock is being shipped to Greenwood. Normand Bardier is enjoying his best season ever as he has been handling some Miron-owned colts in the Quebec Standardbred series. Claude St. Jacques has nailed down his second driving title and is planning to ship to Saratoga as the Richelieu meeting closes.