SC Rewind: Picture Parade

In this week's Rewind Robert Smith displays a collection of vintage photographs to create a trip back in time.

These old pictures depicting the sport as it once was cover a wide range of subjects.

Brother acts in harness racing are not exactly a rarity but this group was pretty well known for over the past half century. Three of the four driving Gilmour brothers are shown here in this 1959 photo taken at Batavia Downs. From left: John (Guy), George and Wm. "Buddy" Gilmour. John passed away just recently as the last of the three. They started together and eventually each member of the family distinguished themselves on their own. Another brother Lloyd remains.

Three well-known horsemen are shown visiting in Montreal beneath the stable banner of the A.D. Dumas Stable. From left: Jimmy Larente, Russ Caldwell and Hall of Famer Paul Larente, father of Jim. Jimmy recorded the first ever sub-2:00 mile in Ontario when he reined Good Time Boy in 1:59.4 to win the Canadian Pacing Derby at Greenwood in 1967.

In this vintage photo taken at the Red Mile in Lexington in 1935 Mr .P.W. Moser, a well-known photographer of the day, is pictured with a group of young harness racing enthusiasts in a trackside location. There were no iPods in those days [Harness Horse].

Well-known horseman Jack Herbert is shown driving one of the better known Herbert Stable colour bearers Replica Herbert. This double-gaited horse had an outstanding career on the track and also sired a number of talented individuals while he was still racing. The son of The Intruder was selected at auction as a future sire after his racing career was completed. The Herberts were unique in the operation of their farm and stable and named all their horses using the Herbert name.

At the conclusion of the 1965 Spring meeting at Greenwood the drivers awards were handed out by Dave Heggie of Carling Breweries. On the receiving end from left is Ken Galbraith, George Hawke (holding trophy) and Allan Walker. All of the award winners received multiple gifts including a set of racing silks along with a pair of matching red trousers. This era preceded the now customary wearing of white driving pants. George Hawke also received a cheque for $50 for winning a leading 18 races in this just his second year of driving.

In 1956 when Keith Waples came to London's Western Fair two day meeting he got a bit more action than he planned. While driving Millers Anne, an entrant in that year's Three-Year-Old Pacing Futurity, he locked wheels with Coronation Derby and Stan Williams and was soon tossed from the sulky over the hub rail. Here he is shown seated in the infield as officials scramble to restore order. His injuries apparently were minimal as he went on to drive for another 50 years.

Hayrides may not be a common happening at racetracks today but back in 1968 at Greenwood some 1,400 children took advantage of the opportunity to experience a ride on the racing surface. Teams of Percheron, Belgian and Clydesdales were used to tow the sleighs over the snow-covered thoroughbred track. Children who accompanied their parents were given free tickets for the rides which were ongoing during the entire nine-race card.

Members of the Cantario Farm management confer at the 1985 Harrisburg Sale with books in hand. From left: John MacDonald is joined by three generations of the Burgess family -- Bob, Blair and on the far right Bert Burgess, the family's senior member.

From the mid 1940's on the most prolific horse racing in Quebec was Guy H. In this 1945 photo taken at Sorel, Que. he appears in the winner's circle with owner Elzear Cournoyer holding the trophy being presented by track officials. In the sulky was the horse's driver and trainer, Honorat Larochelle accompanied by his son and assistant Denis Larochelle wearing matching colours.

In 1950 Canada's leading race winner was Huron Express racing for the Gardner Stable of Goderich, Ont. During that season the black gelding won a total of 36 heats in 49 starts. Racing mainly at small town venues and always going multiple heats, the season's leader managed a bankroll of just $2,552.89. Above photo shows driver Bill Gardner at the controls at their home track of Goderich. Mr. Gardner in later years became a racing official serving in that capacity for many years.