SC Rewind: Years Ago - 1990s

The monthly edition of Years Ago is the feature of Rewind this week, as Robert takes a look back at the decade of the 1990s. He has chosen several names, events, records, and stories that were in the news back then. This time period covers a maximum of 35 years ago down to about 25.

1991 - Rondeau Quick Hitch Becoming a Huge Success

Tarport Ramey and driver Delvin Miller setting a new world record using the revolutionary Rondeau Quick Hitch system designed by Dr. Gordon Gilbertson.

At this time, the new and revolutionary Quick Hitch attachment was becoming extremely popular among many horse people in both Canada and the U.S. Its design had quickly changed an essential piece of racing equipment that had not been modified during the past century.

The new means of attaching a horse to a sulky had been steadily gaining acceptance and popularity for some time. Many felt that the old-style attachment involving thimbles and leather wraps would soon disappear forever.

This new device made for a much quicker and safer hookup. The invention was the brainchild of Dr. Gordon Gilbertson, a veterinarian originally from Caledonia, Ont. “Doc” came up with the idea based on his personal experience racing horses, as well as what he witnessed as a Commission vet.

He surrounded himself with reliable people in the sport who supported his invention and began using it exclusively. He had many well-positioned owners, trainers, and drivers — such as Bill Wellwood, John Burns, Harold Shipp, and noted U.S. horseman Delvin Miller — as not only users but also spokespeople for his invention.

At long last, Dr. Gilbertson was voted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2017 in the Builders category. A Rewind was devoted to the genial “Doc” back in 2014.

1993 - Greenwood Closes Forever

Greenwood view in the earlier years around the mid-1950s. Photo courtesy of Toronto Public Library.

The year 1993 was a sad one indeed as Greenwood Raceway, located on the shores of Lake Ontario, closed its doors forever. The location had been home to thoroughbred and harness racing dating back 119 years. The following statement was copied from the City of Toronto archives:

“The Ontario Jockey Club, a not-for-profit corporation, needed to reduce their overhead and debt load. Taxes on the prime piece of Toronto real estate were $2.8 million, so in 1993, the Ontario Jockey Club streamlined their operations and closed Greenwood.”

“In 1994, a developer purchased the 79-acre Greenwood Raceway/old Woodbine Racetrack property from the Ontario Jockey Club for $35 million. The following year, buildings on the site, including the grandstands and paddocks, were demolished.”

Demolition of Greenwood facilities. In a relatively short time, all that remained of the iconic and beloved Greenwood Raceway was torn down and hauled away a truckload at a time.

The following headline appeared in the Toronto Star on January 1, 1994, the day after the closure of Greenwood on December 31, 1993, when the final card of racing was held: “All Bets Are Off at Greenwood”.

Note – While that may have been a witty and amusing statement to the general readership, it was not funny to those who loved Greenwood.

1997 - Armbro Rosebud Excels in OSS Competition

Armbro Rosebud and driver Rick Zeron appear in this 1997 photo. The then two-year-old pacing filly, sired by Dexter Nukes, was owned by the partnership of Mardon Stables of Loretto, Ont., and Richard Bartel of Kelowna, B.C., and trained by Ben Wallace. For Mr. Bartel, it was just his second venture into horse ownership, and he literally struck gold.

“Rosebud” had a great season of Ontario Sires Stakes activity as well as several other stake engagements. Late in the season, she had a three-race win streak in OSS competition. Keith Oliver was in the bike for two victories at Elmira, while Zeron handled the $105,160 trip at Mohawk. He was her driver in all but three lifetime starts. Going into the Breeders Crown, she had eight wins and four seconds in 12 lifetime starts.

This filly was truly a Cinderella performer. Armbro Rosebud sold at the Yearling Sale for $26,000, picked out by her eventual trainer, Ben Wallace. She earned purses of over $720,000 and, in 30 lifetime starts, won 17 races, finished second 9 times, and was third 3 times. She had a lifetime mark of 1:52.2.

Her original owners kept her after her racing career ended and bred her five times. She had five foals. Marv recently stated: “Unfortunately, after breeding her to some of the best stallions available, her progeny were not very successful on the track — certainly not like her.”

1990–1999 - London’s Signature Race Enjoys Tremendous Decade

London’s signature race, The Labatt’s Pace, first held in 1972, enjoyed a great ten years during the 1990s. While it may seem unlikely, the race saw 13 different winners during that time, despite being held just once each year. In 1992, the race underwent a sponsorship change accompanied by a name change — it became The Molson Pace two years into the decade. Still beer, just a different company and label.

The purse started at $35,000 in 1990 and reached a new high of $45,000 in 1992 and 1993. It dropped to $20,000 for the 1996 and 1997 events. A new track record was set in 1992 when Broussard scored in 1:54.1 for driver Michel Ouellet. This stood until 1999, when Durhams Kahlua reduced it to 1:54 flat with Reg Gassien driving.

The highlight of the decade occurred in 1998 when fans were treated to a rare triple dead heat for win. Sharing in the spotlight were Emery Flight (Keith Waples), Any Excuse (Dennis Morrissey), and What A Beach (Mario Baillargeon).

This race was renamed in 2018 to The Camluck Classic, sponsored by Seelster Farms. From its humble beginning in 1972, when a field of nearly all locally-owned horses competed for a purse of $7,500, it eventually reached a lofty $312,000 in 2010 when Won The West was the winner for the power-laden Ron Burke stable with David Miller in the sulky.

Quote for the Week: “For every Jack there is a Jill; if one won’t do, another will.” – Old-time saying

Who Is It?

How many people can you identify in this picture, taken in 1982? You have lots to choose from, so give it a try. I came up with two — here’s hoping we get a few more than that.

Who Else Is It?

Can you identify all three drivers in this 1988 photo from Pompano? It was a close finish with #3 the winner. I don’t have the horses’ names for the second- and third-place finishers, but the photo gives a pretty good look at the drivers. (Pompano Park photo courtesy of The Canadian Sportsman.)

(The correct answers will be posted here by Robert as a comment in a few days.)