In this week's Rewind Robert Smith turns the clock back to 1953 and the opening of the newly renovated Connaught Park in Aylmer, Quebec.
Back in 1953, fans in the Ottawa Valley district got a first hand look at "big time" harness racing close up as Connaught Park opened its doors July 1 that year. This storied track had been home to thoroughbred and steeplechase racing dating back to its original opening in 1913. It was named after Prince Arthur, the Governor General at the time who was Duke of Connaught and Strathearn. He served as the track's first Honorary Chairman.
The 90 acre site was selected from several in the area and special soil was brought in for the original mile track. The first races, part of a seven-day meet, were held on June 14, 1913 with Sir Wilfred Laurier in attendance. Music was provided by the band of The Duke Of Cornwall. Forty years later in 1953 the standardbreds arrived and stayed for over six decades.
A number of upgrades, renovations and additions had been made to accommodate harness racing. Among the most interesting features in addition to a brand new half mile track with a lighting system, was the shiny new cream coloured Cadillac starting gate which would be the "office" of starter Stewart Potter of Glen Falls N.Y. The old judges’ stand in the infield had been demolished and the officials were now quartered high in the stand. The first ever harness meeting was for 14 nights under the lights and governed by C.T.A. rules. Post time in those days was 8:30 sharp and prospective fans were assured that delays would not occur with a set period of 20 minutes between the eight races.
The man in charge was Race Secretary Glen Rublee, Presiding Judge was Bill Westwick and Walter Gilhooly serving as Associate Judge. Beginning in 1920 the name Gorman was associated with the ownership, management and betterment of Connaught Park and remained so through successive generations beginning with Tommy and later his sons Joe and Frank and eventually their children.
The following is a list of Ottawa Valley area horse people along with their respective hometowns, who were scheduled to race at the inaugural meeting. The opening of Connaught Park provided a welcome addition to "Valley" horse folks, long known for their excellence in horsemanship.
Stedman Craig, Smith Falls; Wm. Pyke, Cornwall; Bernie Grant, Lombardy; Gerald Hess, Morrisburg; Colborne Hess, Morrisburg; John Findlay, Arnprior; J.W. Connors, Dickenson's Landing; Parker Locke, Williamsburg; Dave Behan, Pembroke; Buster Duval, Morrisburg; Cecil Cook, Cardinal; Rene Monette, Eastview; Ed Birtch, Smith Falls; John Dunlop, Westboro; Edmond Cline, Arnprior; John Zeron, Morrisburg; J.C. Cameron, Smith Falls; J.W. Baskin, Renfrew; Amos Simpson, Gatineau; Hillary Lawson, Harrisons Corners; Jean Chas. Lafleur, Buckingham; Karl Wells, Aultsville; Laurier Bourgon, Berwick; Geo. Timmins, Inkerman; Joe Smith, Ottawa; Thos. Smith, Renfrew; Claire Smith, Ottawa; Thos. Lennox, Spencerville; J.K. Mahoney, Malone, N.Y.; W.H. Patterson, Perth; J.J. Stewart, Easton's Corners; Leo Murphy, Kingston; Gordon Davidson, Renfrew; Wm. Cook, Cardinal; Pem Caldwell, Merrickville; Chas. Sandrelli, Pembroke; W.L. Ireland, Smith Falls; Russell Hanna, Cardinal; Fred Diotte, Hull; Gordon Cummings, Spencerville; Lucien Dionne, Drummondville; Arthur McConville, Ogdensburg, N.Y.; Rupert LaForce, Buckingham; Aldrich Blanchette, East Templeton; Hubert Arthur, Carleton Place; Alex McQuigg, Morrisburg; J.A. Lapointe, Embrun; Geo. Alquire; Berwick.
In addition to the above, a number of other noted drivers appeared at the inaugural meeting including Keith Waples, Wilmer Hillock, Dave Burke, Percy Robillard, Edmond Filion, Vern Waddell, Truman Gale, Frank Baise and Claude Miville to name a few.
Connaught Park existed as a racing facility for almost 100 years, the last half century plus the scene of many exciting harness races. This long and enduring record places it among the most memorable of all Canadian Race Courses.
I am sure boundless recollections reside in the memories of the many who were fans or raced there over the years and some may even remember some nicknames, among them "Coconut Park".