SC Rewind: Memories From Orangeville

This week's edition of Rewind takes readers back over 50 years as Robert Smith recalls the opening and early years of racing at the town of Orangeville, Ontario. This little track advertised itself as "B-Circuit Racing At Its Best." His piece recalls some names and faces from the early days and even a special milestone happening. He also covers a bit of very early history well before this time.

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When the rejuvenated Orangeville Raceway was updated and revamped for modern day racing in May of 1970, it was yet another chapter in the long history of this Dufferin County facility. Races had been held here at least on an annual basis for as far back as records had been kept. For decades the renowned Dr. W.H. Riddell, a local veterinarian, had put on race days that were known throughout the sport. His famous race meetings held annually on the July 1st weekend were among the Province's most highly regarded.

The good Doctor realized how important the purse money was to the competing horsemen and reportedly promised to pay the competitors out of his own pocket if weather or other unforeseen factors created a financial failure. Little wonder he was referred to as "The Dean of Ontario Harness Racing." A one-time mayor of the town, he staked his reputation on the success of each race day. He was held in such high regard that when he died in 1943 Dufferin Park in Toronto canceled the day's scheduled races out of respect to him.

In 1970 when a group headed by Keith and Murray Waples along with several other business partners including Jim Keeling decided to stage racing on a regular basis at Orangeville, the idea was well received by the horsepeople as well as racing fans from a fairly wide area. The parking lots were often filled on race days and buses hauled people from as far away as downtown Toronto. It was a pretty popular spot for quite a few years.

A full parking lot at Orangeville was a common sight during the track's heyday.

Opening day was Sunday May 3, 1970 and it marked the first of 18 consecutive Sunday cards that first season. Many well-known drivers were on hand to help launch the opening of the Dufferin County track, due in large part to the persuasive powers of Keith and Murray Waples. The first ever race was won by a horse named Jack Honers, owned and driven by Bill Carroll, a fellow who was born and raised not too far away from here at Riverview. Second was 12-year-old Innocent Bob for Ray Gemmill with third spot going to Pauls Signal.

Purses on opening day ranged from $200 to a high of $600 for the Free For All Pace won by Piper Herbert and driver John Hayes, Sr. who was followed in second spot by Jet Adios and Jack Gordon. A few other winning drivers on that day included John Murphy, Reg Lipsett, Brent Davies, Andy Avery, Carman Hie, Joe Truckle, George Wain. Veteran Jimmy "Red" Holmes closed out the day with a victory behind Glenholme Joe. By the end of May, two races were held which each carried a purse of $1,000 and both were won by Barbara D Pride driven by Retta Herrington for owner Hilliard O'Connell of Roseneath, Ont.

An early year Orangeville program from 1972 shows that a frugal race fan could save 10 cents by purchasing one at the track instead of offsite

Known as the "Dean of Ontario Harness Racing," Orangeville veterinarian and former town mayor, Dr. William Henry Riddell, played a pivotal role in the province’s harness racing history With large numbers of horses conscripted to the First World War, quality Standardbred race horses were on a decline. Riddell began breeding horses with proven lineages and shared his resources, which allowed racehorse stables across Ontario to thrive. Never married to my knowledge, he was known to drive a horse called The Bison to make his vet calls. Local legend had it that he was known on occasion to pay a visit at the odd young lady's residence while making his rounds.

A full house at Orangeville is shown above as patrons enjoy the outdoor betting area on a sunny Sunday afternoon. A full grandstand is visible in the background.

The First Sub 2:00 Mile At Orangeville

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In 1980 after 10 years of racing at the Orangeville oval, the track experienced its first sub-2:00 mile. On the afternoon of May 25th the Dufferin County half miler recorded its first ever "miracle mile" when the winning horse Happy Hoot stopped the timer in 1:59.4. The five-year-old son of Rob Ron Robbie was driven by Fred Gillis for owners Lou Civil of Willowdale and Lloyd Smith of Brampton, Ont.

Fred Gillis, the man who scored the first sub-2:00 mile at Orangeville, learned his early lessons far from here. He grew up in Nova Scotia where his uncle had Standardbreds which spawned his early interest. By the age of eight he had already started jogging horses and his lifelong interest began. He spent a number of years driving and training horses in Ontario and Quebec and at one time worked for top Ontario horseman Ron Feagan. He eventually made his way to Western Canada. After driving there for a time he eventually traded his driver's suit for a position as Executive Director of the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association some 15 years ago.

Happy Hoot and driver Fred Gillis made history at Orangeville Raceway on the afternoon of May 25th when they scored the first ever sub-2:00 mile in the history of the Orangeville track. Second but not in the picture was Gamblin Adios for Ray McLean and third was Jumbo Be Good driven by Ron Hutton. (Photo courtesy of the Standardbred magazine)

Quote For The Week: "An elderly man in our farming community had been living alone and lonely for several years since the passing of his wife after a long marriage. He had decided to find a new "lady friend" and made it known that he was looking. After some time had passed he was asked "Fred, how is your search going for a new mate?" His answer was "Not good at all; what I want I can't find, and what I can find the devil himself wouldn't take!" (True story)

Who Is It?

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Can you identify the above quartet of drivers from the Ontario Jockey Club circuit that appeared at Orangeville track to raise money for charitable purposes on Sunday June 1, 1980? The two ladies at the left, Huda Scott and Maiken Crole, were present on behalf of the benefitting charitable group based in Dufferin County. This event was held just a week after the new track record described above was set. (Photo courtesy of the Standardbred magazine)

Who Else Is It?

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Can you identify the winning driver in the above photo? A few clues will be given. On the afternoon of May 25, 1980 a portion of the Orangeville race day was dedicated to fund raising events to aid a local charity. One of the events was a groom's race using jog carts instead of sulkies. Each entrant paid a $20.00 entry fee which was donated to the charity. This will be a multiple choice question. (Photo courtesy of the Standardbred magazine)

Who was the above driver?

a) - Ron Leskey

b) - Harold Livingston

c) - Dan Riddell

Let us know your answer or even your wildest guess.

Orangeville Trivia

Most people familiar with harness racing's recent past know that the Orangeville track is no longer in operation. The question is: What is happening at the former site of the racetrack these days?