In this week's edition of Rewind, Robert Smith offers up the monthly version of "Years Ago." This time he takes a look back at several names, faces, happenings and other tidbits from the 1980s. That means 45 or so years ago. A number of familiar names and still-active people are mentioned today.
1981 - Third Generation Driver Scores First Lifetime Win
A young 25-year-old driver with a rather familiar last name started off his driving career with a "Bang," you might say. On the evening of September 21st, Steve Harner got his first lifetime win and, in doing so, lit up the Batavia Downs tote board with some pretty bright lights. The youngster was the son of Eldon Harner and the grandson of the rather famous Levi Harner, a gentleman of long standing in this part of the racing world.
His maiden victory came behind a filly named simply Island, racing in a N.Y. State Sires Stake race. A few lucky bettors in the crowd may have immediately thought of him as their new "favourite" driver. Somewhat overlooked in the mutuels, he went postward at 82-1, with a resulting payoff of $166.20 for a $2 win wager.
As Steve came back to the winner's circle, he was joined by his cousin Mark Gilmour. In a rarity, if not a first, Steve was not the only Harner in attendance at Batavia that night. In an earlier NY Sires Stake race, his grandfather Levi was fourth, and a couple of races later, Dad Eldon finished third in yet another division. Just for good measure, Grandma Harner was in the stands as well.
1987 - LaChance Wins 12 Races At Yonkers - New World Record
On June 23, 1987, Mike LaChance won a record 12 races during a doubleheader at Yonkers Raceway. In the afternoon portion of the day's proceedings, he won seven of 10 races. In the evening, he started right where he left off, winning four of the first five. His 11-race winning performance increased to 12 when he steered Keystone Hilton to victory in the seventh race.
His even dozen wins on a single card set a new record, surpassing one that had been on the books since 1939. At that time, Clint Hodgins won 11 at Dufferin Park in Toronto on November 25, 1939. That record was equalled a few years later at Truro, N.S., when Joe O'Brien notched 11 wins on September 16, 1942.
The record-tying day by O'Brien at Truro may have been more wins except that he won every heat on the card. Yes, he won each and every race! Later that same year, on October 1, "Gentleman Joe" won all nine races at Bridgewater, N.S.
Michel Lachance is shown in this 1986 photo at Blue Bonnets, the season he set a new world record scoring 770 trips to the winner's circle.
On this day, he established a world record with his 708th victory, erasing the world record of 707 set in 1983 by West German driver Heinz Wewering. Until just before this date, he had assumed that Filion also held the world record.
1988 - Roosevelt Raceway Closes Forever
Just a bit over 38 years ago, on the evening of June 15, 1988, the once-great and equally famous Roosevelt Raceway closed its doors. Not for the week or the season, but forever. The once-mighty centre of harness racing located on Long Island, New York, would be no more.
As Majestic Andrew, driven by Canadian Rejean Daigneault, crossed the finish line a winner, the greatest chapter in the sport of harness racing came to a sad end. The "death" had been a slow and painful process, as various happenings starting with OTB in 1971 had slowly but surely led to this day. The value of the land where the track was located undoubtedly became the deciding factor.
Today, nothing tangible remains of this once-greatest centre of harness racing. Many great old photos and videos are our only reminders of almost a half-century of history and great performances at the highest level possible. Anyone who ever attended an evening of racing at this great location shares in a special part of our sport's long and colourful history.
A view of the famous Roosevelt Raceway as a huge crowd enjoys an evening of racing around 1955.
1988 - A Go Go Lauxmont At The Top Of His Class
Photo courtesy of the Canadian Sportsman
In 1988, a relatively new horse owner and trainer enjoyed a season that many wait an entire lifetime to experience. Don Leblanc from Milton, unlike most folks in the harness racing business, did not come from a racing background; no ancestors with a raft of time-worn stories about the "old days" in his family.
This man's good fortune came about through his ownership of a superb three-year-old trotting colt named A Go Go Lauxmont. Secured in May of 1987 as a two-year-old, the son of Balanced Image - Lauxmont Au Fait had a phenomenal year in 1988. Owned by Leblanc and partners George Dinova and Norm McCallum, the colt dominated the OSS. He enjoyed seven wins and a second in eight starts, good for $91,619 in those events. In total, he earned $190,245 as a three-year-old.
In late season, he was taken to Lexington's Red Mile for a time trial. With Ron Waples in the driver's seat, A Go Go Lauxmont became the fastest Canadian-sired trotter in history, regardless of age, when they stopped the timer in 1:54.3. Not a bad investment for an original purchase price of $50,000. This fellow came from the barn of veteran horseman Elden Turcotte, and Leblanc was quick to credit Turcotte for what he called "a ready-made horse." In 12 starts, he brought home $73,600 as a two-year-old.
Quote For The Week: "Getting older can be a real nuisance." Julie Andrews, famous actress and singer.
Who Is It?
Can you tell us who is pictured above?
Who Else Is It?
Can you name all or even a few of the folks in this 1980s picture? It was taken at an OHHA awards gathering in 1982.
Where Was It?
Here is a shot taken during the "Work" part of the day that most racing fans never see. It was taken at a backstretch location and shows a multitude of activities that go on each and every day to make racing possible in the evening. Where was it taken?
(The correct answers will be posted here by Robert as a comment in a few days.)