In the latest edition of 'Rewind' Robert Smith recalls the long ago visit to Canada by a very famous horse of the times. While there were virtually no actual racing opportunities in Canada for a horse of this calibre at that time, it was still possible to stage an appearance that drew a huge crowd.
The above ads appeared in the Stratford Mirror weekly newspaper advertising the big day of racing at the Stratford fairgrounds. The purse total stated of $3,500 was huge at the time and equal to approximately $75,250 in today's values.
Way back in late July of 1939, a very famous equine personality of the times paid a special visit to the fairgrounds in Stratford, Ont. Billy Direct, the fastest performer in the history of harness racing at that time by virtue of his clocking of a mile in 1:55 the previous year at Lexington, was there in person (or however you might state a horse's presence).
Program cover for 1939 Stratford Race Day featuring the exhibition mile by world champion free legged pacer Billy Direct. (Program photo courtesy of Leon Siple)
In July of 1939, as a promotional scheme and a treat to Canadian harness racing followers, Mr. David Pinkney of Stratford, Ont. arranged to have Billy Direct brought to Canada for an exhibition mile. The event was officially billed as "Vic Fleming Day" and took place on July 22, 1939 at the Stratford fairgrounds.
The "Classic city" track was home to many local horsemen including Dave Pinkney, a Stratford hotel owner and horse fancier. It was recognized as one of the best ovals in the country. Sources close to the event recall that the Stratford Turf Club paid $1,000 to Billy Direct's owners to defray shipping and travel expenses for the trip to Stratford.
The visit of Billy Direct marked one of the very rare occasions that a world champion appeared on Canadian soil. The day was well advertised and carried the usual widespread promotional build up associated with Dave Pinkney. He was assisted by his capable and very colourful publicity man J. Orlon "Bones" Livingstone, a very talkative, slender man with a gimpy leg. Many of Bones' literary works appeared on the pages of the renowned Canadian Sportsman back then.
It was estimated that more than 8,000 people were on hand to take part in the great day, although like many attendance figures from that era it was calculated without the aid of a turnstile. Licence plates in the parking area showed visitors from Quebec, Michigan, Ohio and New York. This was of course in addition to a huge throng of Ontario natives.
Mr. Pinkney was careful in his advance billing of Billy Direct's visit not to predict that an attempt on the Canadian mile record on a half-mile track would be made. He made it very plain that he was unaware of Vic Fleming's intentions and that all he could promise was an exhibition mile for all to enjoy. He was obviously hoping for much more. The horse arrived several days in advance of July 22nd and was stabled at the track.
At this time in history the record for the fastest time on a half-mile track in Canada belonged to Walter Dale. On September 15, 1937 the son of Abbedale owned by Sullivan and Mawhiney of Machias, Me. stepped off a mile in 2:02 1/2 for driver Henry Clukey over the Fredericton, New Brunswick track. That mark would stand for a number of years.
Walter Dale and driver Henry Clukey appear in the winner's circle with his owners who were two businessmen from Maine: John Sullivan, a millionaire lumber czar and friend Fred Mawhinney, an automobile dealer from Machias, Maine.
HISTORIC MILE
Billy Direct with trainer and driver Vic Fleming
The original plan for the exhibition mile was to accompany Billy Direct with a thoroughbred prompter. While the famous reinsman Vic Fleming would drive Billy Direct, the prompter would be handled by one of his three driving sons, Charlie. As the big moment approached, with a locally known running horse named The Miner chosen for the task out on the track and ready to start the speed trial, the scene became very volatile.
The prompter suddenly bolted from his handlers and decided to put on a show of his own. He began to gallop at top speed and around the track he went. Billy Direct was on the track and soon it was feared that the out of control runner might collide with the honored guest. The "galloper" made the most of his time in the spotlight as he circled the track five times (or 2-1/2 miles).
After the runner was finally subdued and order was restored it was decided to proceed with the exhibition mile without a prompter. Late that afternoon Billy Direct was sent away. The track was rated as a bit "off" but not considered a problem.
At about 5:15 p.m. Billy Direct was sent away by starter A.S. Miller of Aurora, N.Y. Vic Fleming in his crisp green and white silks (see further note below) sent "Billy" to the eighth pole in 15 1/2 and the quarter in an even 30 seconds. Pacing on free-legged as always they reached the half in 1:00 even. They reached the 3/4 pole in 1:31 1/2 and came flying home in 2:02 flat. It was a new Canadian record! Vic Fleming later revealed that his watch read 2:01 3/4, but the official time would stand as 2:02 flat as recorded in the judge's stand.
Immediately following the record setting performance, organizer Dave Pinkney placed a huge red and white floral wreath around the great pacer's neck. A silver tea service was presented to driver Fleming by CTA President F.S. Scott of Galt, Ont. A leather travel bag was also given to the driver compliments of the Stratford Turf Club. A brief speech by Mr. Fleming which included a big "thank you" concluded the trackside festivities.
The above is a short summary of the Billy Direct exhibition mile that appeared in the local papers at the time.
Closing summary: A race day of this proportion on Canadian soil 86 years ago would have been an epic event. To have such an accomplished horse and world famous driver on hand at a small town track was quite an undertaking.
This was not the only high profile horse to visit Stratford for an exhibition mile. In 1950, Dave Pinkney staged an event which displayed the world famous trotting mare Proximity in action. Often referred to as "The Queen of Trotters" she was driven to a new Stratford trotting mark of 2:06.4 by her long-time trainer and driver Clint Hodgins who was a close personal friend of Mr. Pinkney. This story was covered in a Rewind back in November of 2010.
Vic Fleming Trivia Question
Mr. Fleming, who was a top performing driver for several decades, always wore green and white silks as did his three driving sons Bill, Charlie and Jimmy. In later years a very famous driver wore green and white throughout his career and often said that his inspiration for that colour choice was because of Vic Fleming. Who was that man?
Quote For The Week: "Money cannot buy happiness but it's more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes than on a bicycle." - John Wayne
Who Is It?
Can you correctly identify the gentleman pictured above? He probably hasn't changed a bit even though this was taken about 45 years ago.
Who Else Is It?
Can you correctly identify these two fellows who appear to be sharing a light hearted moment together?
(The correct answers will be posted here by Robert as a comment in a few days.)