Regarded by many as one of the greatest Standardbreds to ever look through a bridle, the great Dan Patch took his place among the immortals of Canadian harness racing with his induction into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame on Wednesday (June 5).
The induction of Dan Patch into the Legends category took place at the 2019 Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame President's Reception on Wednesday at Woodbine Racetrack.
"We're proud of Dan Patch, and we appreciate his Canadian recognition. Thank you so much," said Janet Williams, Mayor of Savage, Minnesota and a charter director of the Dan Patch Historical Society, in an address to the crowd in attendance.
Representatives in attendance from Savage, Minnesota for the induction of Dan Patch into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame included Dan Patch Historical Society Director Will Williams, Janet Williams and Jim Ross, also a director of the historical society
Dan Patch, easily the most famous pacer of the early 1900s, won all 73 races he contested and attracted large crowds of fans at his appearances in both the US and Canada. He set records in races and time trials throughout the U.S., earning the titles ‘The greatest harness horse in the history of the two-wheeled sulky’ and ‘World Champion Harness Horse.’ In the fall of 1906, Dan Patch paced a time-trial mile in 1:55 ¼ in Lexington, an almost unbelievable record that would stand for several decades.
The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame’s decision to honour Dan Patch’s exploits is a result of the Canadian portion of his career and the role he played in Canadian harness racing history. The Hall of Fame continues to expand its reach to honour all racehorses and people who have brought honour to Canadian racing and to Canada as a nation.
As part of the President's Reception, the plaques for the 2018 Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductees were also unveiled. Standardbred inductees from 2018 included Builder William (Bill) Andrew, Communicator Dave Landry and Trainer/Driver Jim Doherty, along with horses Chancey Lady and Blissfull Hall.
The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Class of 2019 features five Standardbred inductees: Builder Ian Fleming, Driver Trevor Ritchie and Trainer Jimmy Takter, along with horses Tricky Tooshie and Angus Hall. The Induction Ceremonies will take place at the Mississauga Convention Centre on Wednesday, August 7, 2019.
Be sure to check out the June issue of TROT Magazine for features on the five Standardbred inductees.
What took them so long?
What took them so long?