SC Rewind: Leamington A Hot Spot

sun-parlour.jpg
Published: August 15, 2009 08:42 am EDT

Writer Robert Smith files this report from Canada's most southerly track at Leamington, Ontario midway through the 1983 season

.

Sun Parlour Raceway located in Leamington, Ont. advertises "The Finest in Standardbred Horseracing". Racing under the guidance of race secretary Cliff "Chappy" Chapman, this venerable old track is having an excellent meeting. Races under the lights are being held Mondays and Thursdays until Thanksgiving. In addition to the regular racing, this year's schedule also includes three visits by the ever popular Ontario Sires Stakes.

Apparently track superintendent and former auto dealer Clarence Hyatt has the track in "lightning" fast condition based on the race times being recorded. To date, 76 miles have been in 2:10 or better with seven already in 2:05 or less. Also of note is that 20 new lifetime marks have been taken by mid-season. Three new track records have been hung out already this year. Two belong to driver Doug McIntosh who steered Super Playboy in 2:02.2 to set a two-year-old colt and gelding record as well as the two-year-old filly Emerald Omaha, who stepped the track in 2:07.1 equaling cousin Scott McIntosh's mile with Revalee Kathy just four days earlier on July 21.

A big mile was just recorded by newcomer Bills Mate racing out of the Dinning barn for trainer Howard and owner and son John. The son of Deep Adios stopped the timer in 2:00.4 with Norm McKnight Jr. at the controls in the Topcrop Feeds Pace earning a nice blanket for the Windsor-based Dinning Stable.

Racing Officials - Current meet

General Manager - Dale Henderson
Starter - Bob Harris
Paddock Judge - Bucky Platford
Chart Caller - Jan Fulmer
Announcer - Vance Cameron
Veterinarian - Dr. Gordon Gilbertson
Timer - Herben Heatherington
Judges - Allan McManus, Ron McGee, Paul Dyson

Now the voice of harness racing for Prince Edward Island, Cameron fondly recollects his time in Leamington.

"I was only there a couple of years, that was my introduction to south-western Ontario at the time. I had been up in Sudbury, and Dale Henderson was looking for help."

Cameron chuckled at one of the experiences unique to Leamington.

"The way the track was configured at the time, they had to have an individial in the infield tell the timer when the race started as it wasn't a regulation half-mile track. He'd stand in the infield with an arm up and as soon as the starting gate passed the starting point, he'd drop his arm to signal the start of the race."

Some of the names synonymous with racing in the area were able to learn the finer points of driving at the small track as well.

"Guys like Randy Kerr and Mark Williams were able to get a good start there," continued Cameron. "It was a fun place to be."

Working with the late Cliff Chapman was also a personal highlight for Cameron.

Trainer & Driver Stats, through July 25, 1983
Top 10 Leading percentage drivers

Scott McIntosh - .637
Doug McIntosh - .486
Ed Cook - .414
Dennis Nadon - .383
Ross Siddall - .370
Randy Kerr - .364
Jack Wray - .354
Lazlo Simon - .346
Wayne Hinnegan - .333
Bill Kirkpatrick - .333

Top Non-Driving Trainers by Wins

Warren Walstead - 10
Bill McIntosh - 6
Jack Hinnegan - 5
Don Maurice - 3
George Makaric - 3
Mark Ferriss - 3

Tags
Have something to say about this? Log in or create an account to post a comment.