SC Rewind: Short Story Time

In this week's edition of 'Rewind ' Robert Smith offers up a few short stories about people, perhaps places and things, all from the past of harness racing.  As usual a few old pictures are included. 

Vintage Keith Waples 

Keith Waples shakes hands with 28-year-old Herve Filion in this vintage photo taken in the Greenwood paddock in 1968 (Toronto Star archives) 

Many years ago when harness racing was at its peak in Montreal, the newspapers carried a lot of racing news.  One time a sportswriter was interviewing local kingpins Keith Waples and a much younger Herve Filion at the same time.  I can only imagine who might have been doing most of the talking.  

Here is how a bit of that conversation went.  Herve says ”when I was young, I learn everything from watching the “Keet Waple”. Then the interviewer turned to Waples and said "How does that compliment make you feel Keith?" ... Keith's response: “OLD.”  

Keith Waples in the silk hat days 

Racetrack Giveaways Were Not All Throwaways 

A few months ago a Rewind was devoted to "Racetrack Giveaways" and the role they played in publicizing the sport in days gone by.  I don't know how many of these treasures that were given away by the tracks have remained but suspect that many have been discarded as the years pass by.  It's pretty hard to keep everything (but some of us still try ). 

I recently heard from a Rewind follower who has an "oldie" that has obviously become a "keeper."  If you have ever been lucky enough to see well known trainer Jack Darling out on the track in a morning training session on certain rare occasions you may have seen his treasure. 

Jack said recently: "Here is a picture of something that might interest you.  Somehow I have kept it around since I got it at Windsor Raceway, I’m going to guess, 40 or more years ago. I wear it a couple of times a year when training at Classy Lane and always get comments on it. It would be interesting to see if any of your readers remember what year Windsor Raceway was giving them out and what the details were with the promotion." 

Does anyone remember this item and perhaps the approximate time it was given out? 

On a personal note, there must be something about a toque that makes them a very long term possession.  I have one that was given to me as a Christmas present about 60 years ago and I still get it out and wear it when I go out for a winter walk. I recall having one as a very little child and back then we didn't know the word Toque; they were called a stocking cap if I remember correctly.  

The Canadian definition of a toque is "a close-fitting knitted hat, often with a tassel or pom-pom on the crown." No mention of them being given away at racetracks. 

Remembering Brent Davies 

Brent Davies, brush in hand, tends to a member of his stable in this 1967 Photo

The following item is from the October 1967 edition of Harness Horse Happenings. Thanks to Editor Bill Galvin.

"One of the finest success stories in modern day harness racing centres around Brent Davies, a mite-sized sulky sitter from Regina, Sask. Just 21 years of age and a light 123 pounds, Davies arrived at Greenwood Raceway last Jan. 2 with a three horse outfit. He won races with his trio but they soon became sidelined with lameness. In the meantime, veteran trainers noticed Davies hustling style of driving and since then his catch-driving services have been in constant demand. Davies drove his first race in 1963 and the following season won 13 races and $2,151 in purses. This year the amazing young teamster has visited the winners circle 90 times. His drives have netted $ 95,046 in purses."

Brent passed away on February 10, 2022 in his 77th year but stories like this help to keep his memory alive. 

1980 - Canadian Horseman Shines At The Meadowlands 

By 1980 The Meadowlands Racetrack was starting its second decade of operation.  As soon as it opened on Sept. 1, 1976 it became a magnet for all  of the top horses and horse people.  The "Big M" as it was known attracted the sport's best.  A goodly number of them were Canadians. 

In 1980 most of the attention was focussed on the large stables of such trainers and drivers as Ray Remmen (winner of the track's first ever race), John Campbell, Bill O'Donnell, Bud Gilmour, Benny Webster and list went on. However, a fairly young Canadian horseman found out that he could compete there, albeit on a much smaller scale.  

Hector Clouthier Jr. made some memorable visits to the Big M that year.  The newspaper clipping shown below pretty much explains the story I am trying to tell. 

Quote For The Week: "The secret to a long life is luck, moderation and fish and chips every Friday."  This is a quote from a gentleman named John Alfred Tinniswood, a resident of London, England.  He recently became the world's oldest man at the age of 111 and was recognized as such by the Guiness Book of World Records.  By the way, the world's oldest woman and oldest living person is 117 year-old Maria Branyas Moera of Spain. 

Who Is It?  

Can you correctly identify the gentleman shown above?  He was a noted trainer and driver with many accomplishments to his credit. 

Who Else Is It?  

Can you identify this gentleman who has recorded quite a few drives down through the years?  Let us know who you think it is. 

Who Is In The Driver's Seat? 

Can you tell us who the pictured driver is?  It was nice of the photographer to include the Yonkers sign.