This week's Rewind is the monthly feature "Picture Parade." Robert has displayed a bevy of old pictures related to the now-famous Gold Cup and Saucer race, which will be contested later today. From humble beginnings some 65 years ago, it has become one of the most watched and talked-about races in Canadian harness racing and indeed draws interest from the entire sport.
In each of today's collection of pictures, the driver shown has won one or more Gold Cup and Saucer races. I have attempted to show as many photos as possible that were taken at these events down through the years, but not all were. Since a number of the photos include several people, one simple rule will apply: try to name the winning driver, and anyone further will be a bonus.
Note: Non-Maritimers are encouraged to join in too.
#1 – Can you name some of the participants in this 1969 photo?
#2 – Can you name the driver and perhaps the presenter in this photo from a little over 40 years ago? Looks like a rep from CHTN Radio was in on the festivities.
#3 – This horse and driver had their names added to the glorious list of Gold Cup and Saucer winners about 50 years ago. This photo was not taken at the time of that winning effort. Can you name the driver and maybe the horse?
#4 – This gentleman was a two-time winner of the Gold Cup and Saucer. The pictured horse did not win either race, but it’s a good picture of the driver. Name him if you can.
#5 – The winning owner is on the far left, driver in the middle, and presenter P.E.I. Lt. Gov. F. W. Hyndman on the right. This win was a memorable one (as they all have been), but this time for a very special reason. Can you name anyone, plus say why this particular race was so special? Notice that the driver is wearing the old-style silk cap — probably the last time before helmets were introduced. Unfortunately, the horse did not get into the photo, but if you can come up with the name, let us know.
#6 – The winning driver on the far right endured a lot of mud to win this race, and his face shows it. He left us in 2018 but will forever remain a huge part of the history and lore of this great race. He had an unprecedented five Gold Cup & Saucer wins over a 20-year span. Who is he?
#7 – A little over a half-century has passed since this winner's circle photo was taken. This gentleman passed away at almost age 89 in 2011. He continued to drive until the age of 84 and was considered at the time to be Canada’s oldest active participating horseman. This was his only Gold Cup & Saucer victory. Who is he?
#8 – There aren’t too many races that this fellow has not won in his long and illustrious career, and he recorded two trips to the charmed circle as a Gold Cup and Saucer winner. Who is he?
#9 – This gent was a true hometown product who raced at Maritime tracks throughout his long career before passing away in 2018. He had one Gold Cup and Saucer victory about 45 years ago. Can you name him?
#10 – This driver was legendary in the area and was involved in Gold Cup and Saucer races from the early years. He managed to drive two winners, both during the 1960s. His name remains as part of the annual celebration. Who is he?
(The correct answers will be posted here by Robert as a comment in a few days.)
Quote For The Week: "Never perceive anything as being inevitable or predestined. The only absolute is uncertainty." – Lionel Suggs, Author
Blast From The Past
A vestige from the past. Local reinsman Hosley Hooper poses in front of the CPD grandstand in this 1890 photo. This was taken not too long before the old high-wheeled sulkies faded into history.