Robert Smith takes a rather long look back in this week's Rewind as he recalls the year 1960, a mere 65 years ago. He remembers a number of people then active, where they were racing, and what they were accomplishing. His reminiscence includes a number of old photographs of the times and happenings.
In 1960 the sport and business of harness racing in Canada, and especially Ontario, was about to experience a huge transformation. I guess you could say “the winds of change were blowing.”
In 1961 night racing finally came to Ontario when London’s Western Fair launched racing under the lights in May of that year. In 1962 the new and ultra-modern Rideau Carleton opened, followed the next year by Mohawk. In 1964 the Ontario Jockey Club expanded to a three-track circuit when Garden City started up. A year later the new wintertime plant called Windsor Raceway began its 45+ year history.
Back to 1960 and what was happening back then. I have selected a number of random short stories that relate to the 1960 era. They are intended to cover a wide range of subjects, locations, and participants.
Old Woodbine – Ontario’s Only Major Track in 1960
Here is how things looked at Old Woodbine in 1960 as a field of horses came down the long stretch in front of a large crowd.
In 1960 the only track in Ontario that offered an extended race meeting was Old Woodbine, which later became Greenwood. The race season lasted a total of 53 days. All racing during that time period was conducted during the daylight hours. The rule at that time stated that it was not against the law or the rules to race under the lights, but apparently betting under the lights was not allowed.
In past Rewinds I have often referred to this time period of racing at the Old Woodbine track. Below is an excerpt from one such column published here on April 3, 2010.
1960: Fifty years ago the summer meeting at Old Woodbine was the highlight of the season for Ontario horsemen. The following were the weekly Invitational winners, with drivers shown in brackets. The season ran from July 1 to August 31.
Week 1 – Stormy Volo (Jiggs McFadden)
Week 2 – Royal Aileen (Wm. Wellwood)
Week 3 – Armbro Express (Harold McKinley)
Week 4 – Captain Wright (Harold McKinley)
Week 5 – Captain Wright (Harold McKinley)
Week 6 – Hi Acres Rudy (Walter Grant)
Week 7 – Howard Rosecroft (Bud Gilmour)
Week 8 – Armbro Express (Harold McKinley)
Week 9 – Selka Song (Harold McKinley)
This somewhat crinkled photo was taken at Old Woodbine in 1960. The good filly Dolly Dale B, then a two-year-old owned, trained, and driven by Floyd Belore — the gentleman who raised her — is shown after a win at the big Toronto track. It was reportedly a momentous happening as Floyd and his brother Arnold (longtime judge) ventured far away from their Salford, Ont. home to the big time. It turned out to be a worthwhile trip.
Veteran Canadian Horseman Has an Outstanding Season in 1960
During the 1960 racing season, veteran horseman Harold Wellwood of Stratford, Ont. enjoyed a profitable and successful campaign with his free-for-all pacer Andy Byrd. That year the gelded son of Poplar Byrd won nine of 25 starts and banked $32,722. His record of 2:01.2 was set the previous year, but on several occasions in 1960 he paced right near that mark. His season’s earnings in today’s dollars would equal approximately $347,000.
This horse was bred and raised by Mr. Andrew McNiven, a Canadian by birth but then living in Michigan. After failing to make it to the races at either two or three, Mr. McNiven grew tired of paying bills on this fellow and offered him to Harold to try his luck. At age four he made his first start and within a season became quite successful. Once a two-year profit-sharing agreement was reached, Wellwood became the horse’s sole owner. And yes, the aforementioned Mr. McNiven was closely related to the well-known family from Ingersoll and the famous Killean name — he was their uncle.
On a closing note, this horse from 65 years ago started out with a young groom just making his debut in the world of harness racing. Let’s include a little quiz: who was that fellow?
The above scene was captured at Wolverine Raceway in Livonia, Michigan, a Detroit suburb. Canadian horseman Harold Wellwood is shown accepting a large trophy won by his free-for-all pacer Andy Byrd. On the far left is track owner Frederick Van Lennep along with Michigan Governor G. Mennen “Soapy” Williams (known for his signature bow tie) holding the trophy. An unidentified track official is on the far right.
Fair Racing Was Still in Vogue
In 1960 harness racing as part of fall fairs was waning, but many fairs continued to honour the tradition that had been around for so many years. The above scene was taken at the Norwood, Ont. Fair around 1960. The picture shows that many fans gathered along the rail in the infield to get a “bird’s-eye view.”
Can anyone identify the leading (and probably eventual) winner wearing saddle pad number 2? He was a roan horse, five at the time, and was a favourite in that part of Eastern Ontario for quite a few seasons. In 1960 he started in 22 races and was 10-6-2. Typical of the purses paid at the fairs, he won $647 for his efforts. He started at nine different tracks. In 1961 he really went on a winning streak, scoring 32 victories in just 40 starts.
A Monticello Raceway Bargain from 1960
The above short clip from a 1960 issue of the Montreal Gazette shows what certain prices and values were like in that era. I found it quite interesting.
Quote for the Week: I once heard it described in a TV interview: “I am from a place so small that the ‘Welcome To’ and the ‘You Are Now Leaving’ signs were both on the same post.”
Who Is It?
Can you identify this young driver who is shown in a 1960 photo taken at Connaught Park?
Who Else Is It?
This horse was foaled in 1960 and went on to be a great racehorse and an even greater sire. He was U.S.-owned but trained and driven by a great Canadian horseman shown above holding him. Can you correctly identify the horse and driver?
Where Is It?
Can you identify the location of this old photo from about 55 years ago? (Photo courtesy of Hoof Beats.)
(The correct answers will be posted here by Robert as a comment in a few days.)