Robert Smith takes a look back at the people and harness racing happenings of several bygone years of the 1950's in the ongoing series "Years Ago"
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1950
Veteran driver Jerry Duford and his son Wilf had a short but productive season with their mare Francis Senator, now six years old. In just over five weeks of racing on the Carrot River circuit in Saskatchewan, she started in 14 heats, winning seven and was only out of the money on one occasion and that was at Melfort. The bay daughter of Senator F. took her season's best before the home crowd at Nipawin, Sask. in 2:20. She amassed a bank account of just under $440 for her efforts and her connections are looking forward to an even better season in 1951.
1952
Marshall Moore of Sarnia has a nice driving assignment this season and is making the best of it. Michigan owners Jack and Marguerite Neely, who have a summer home on Lake Erie at Rondeau Bay, have hired Marshall to drive their good two-year-old Bold Knight on the Michigan colt circuit. After being winter trained in Florida, the colt who is a son of Knight Dream, has done exceptionally well, winning 12 of 24 starts on his way to season's earnings of just over $5,000. His record of 2:09 2/5 was taken at Allegan, Mi. He also had victories at Mason, Hartford, Adrian, Hillsdale and finally at the Calhoun County Fair In Marshall, Michigan. Perhaps the headline read "Marshall wins at Marshall.".
1954
Veteran observers on the Western Canada circuit are starting to report on a young driver beginning to show some promise in the sulky. Driving mainly against seasoned drivers, young Jack Kopas has been finding his way to the winner's circle with regularity. Among the better horses he has driven this season is Doctor Guy Baker, who finished 1-2 in the featured three year old pace at Brandon, Man. on July 1. C.A. Cooney of Prince Albert is the owner. The bay gelding took a nice record of 2:15 4/5 at Virden, Man. in his best effort of the year.
1956
Bert Madill of Strathroy appears to have a nice prospect in Carolwyn Grattan. Now a four year old, the daughter of Steinway Grattan out of his mare Winsome Chips has enjoyed a productive season, mainly on Quebec tracks. In 28 starts the miss has been a winner nine times taking a seasons best of 2:08h and earnings of just over $2,400. Bert, who is a relative newcomer to the sport, does all of his own driving and is beginning to pick up a few good catch drives in addition to his own stable. Madill's first win in the sulky was in 1950 behind Winsome Chips at Thorncliffe Park and it appears she is now paying dividends as a broodmare.
1958
Wheatley, Ont. owners Jack McIntosh and John Baeker have had a good year with their eight-year-old, The Monarch C. He has spent the racing season in Montreal and reached the winner's circle three times with Del MacTavish handling the reins in each start. A specially designed Christmas card being sent out by the owners bears a picture of their stable star who was brought out by veteran horseman Wilbur Apthorpe. The son of Sam Hanover took a new lifetime mark of 2:05 last season at Blue Bonnets. Mr. McIntosh has two sons who appear to have quite an interest in taking up the sport and spend a lot of time with him at the track.
It is great to read Robert
It is great to read Robert Smith's articles. It brings back many memories of my father, Marshall Moore. Keep up the great work!!
I enjoyed seeing the photo
I enjoyed seeing the photo and article on the Monarch, it brought back a lot of great memories
I believe my father acquired him in a trade of some sort. At the horse was a bad actor and could not be broke, but my dad was good with those kind of horses and he got him going and he turned into a top horse.