When Steve Condren received word last week of his induction into Canada’s Horse Racing Hall of Fame, the timing of such news couldn’t have been better
.
“I recently found out I have cancer, so when I received the call it was pretty special,” said the winner of more than 6,600 races in his brilliant career. “The prognosis from the doctors is good, but it’s going to require time including treatment and an operation.”
One of the perennial leaders on the Woodbine-Mohawk circuit for more than three decades, Condren returned to the race bike in April after wintering in Florida, but acknowledged his future as a driver is uncertain.
“I’m going to shut it down and do what’s needed to be done and devote all my energy to getting healthy again” said the 1997 O’Brien Award winner as Canada’s Driver of the Year. “Right now, I don’t know how long I’m going to need. If I don’t come back, I’ve had a career I’m very proud of that’s given me the opportunity to make a lot of friends and drive some great horses which have provided me with a ton of highlights.”
The resident of Milton, Ont. admitted the Hall of Fame honour caught him off guard.
“I knew I was nominated, but I didn’t know if it was my year or not,” he said. “I really thought 'Wally' (Dave Wall) would get in, as he’s been nominated before. It’s a great feeling to be recognized and I want to thank everyone responsible.”
Widely renowned as one of the most skilled handlers of young horses ever, Condren decided to make the local colony aware of his situation now before the heart of the stakes season begins.
“I thought it was best to let the owners and trainers I’ve driven for to know now so they can make other plans as the two year-olds are soon coming along.”
Please join the Woodbine Entertainment Group, Standardbred Canada and all of Condren’s many friends and colleagues in wishing him a speedy and full recovery.
(WEG)
Congratulations on your
Congratulations on your induction, Steve! Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.
Mr. Condren, it is a very
Mr. Condren, it is a very brave thing you have done in announcing your illness. The people who count on you for your services should be very proud of you. You have been down many times in your career and have always come out on TOP, your a FIGHTER.And so my friend, I hope you don't mind me calling you friend as I hAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN RACING FOR THE LAST 50 YRS AND HAVE MET some of the most wonderfull people in the world. MIND over MATTER (remember the mind will and can cure anything). My prayers will be with you, and I want to see you back doing what you do best. FRIEND RONALD.
Congrats on the inductions
Congrats on the inductions Steve and wishing you a full and speedy recovery.
Mr Condren, if your
Mr Condren, if your determination and fight on the race track carry over (no pun intended) to your battle against cancer, you will be back in perfect health in no time flat! You will be in my daily thoughts and prayers.
In reply to Mr Condren, if your by dancespell
Steve---congratulations on
Steve---congratulations on your well deserved induction to the HOF!!! I wouldn't own 1/3 of Put On A Show without your advice 10 years ago on the golf course with Richard Young---- be strong and positive ( as you always are!!!) in your battle with cancer---you'll win this one too!!! A real class act!!! Craig
I have been a friend of
I have been a friend of Steve's for quite a few yrs now and hes without a doubt an individual with class and integrity. We can always talk about driving skills of which he was extremely gifted but in the end, it's whats in the heart that counts. Steve is the full package. Best wishes on a speedy recovery. Besides, I need my golf partner.
Steve, Congratulations on
Steve, Congratulations on your induction to the hall of fame, an honour you truly deserve! You have been an integral part of harness racing for years with your unique style and patient driving talent, providing many exciting finishes to the wire for both your owners and your fans. Your impeccable timing and smooth hands always got Lukes Vidalia up for the win no matter how far back she was. You had a great connection with her, like no other. Thanks again for the great times! Our thoughts and prayers are with you now as you confront this obstacle in your life. We wish you a speedy recovery as you give it your all and persevere. You are a first class gentleman and wish you all the best. Frank Spagnolo and friends from Ottawa
Class Act in everyway, Drove
Class Act in everyway, Drove for me and we always appreciated the great job! Goodspeed in your recovery! Mel/Sally Gilbert
My two favorite weg drivers
My two favorite weg drivers of all time were Brown and Condren, in this sport two bona fide hall of famers. I wish Mr.Condren well in his upcoming battle.
Steve, For all the times my
Steve,
For all the times my Dad and I have been in your company whether it be at the track or on the golf course, never once have we seen you give up and hopefully this won't be any different! May the good Lord give you his blessing to fully recover from your illness first and foremost, and also allow you to get back to the two sports you love the most in Horse Racing and Golf.
Congrats too on your induction into the Hall of Fame...very well deserved!!!
Your good friends,
Danny & Gus Maue
STEVE CONDREN, what a hard
STEVE CONDREN, what a hard working individual,,,STEVE it seems like yesterday when you had a pitchfork in your hand outside barn#10 greenwood raceway ,you were working for ARTANDI,,we were chatting and these words you said,,,,i just wish i could get a catch drive,,i just want to drive,,,well my friend,may this be an inspiration to the dreamers out there it can happen and it did happen,,,way to go STEVE i always wished i could drive like you,,,congradulations on all your success you worked hard and long and endured difficult times,,,at this time MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND HEAL YOU,AND USE YOU FOR WHATEVER PURPOSE YOU WERE CALLED FOR,,,and i also encourage all of us of faith to pray for STEVE,the power of prayer works,,,your friend Mike Wassilyn
Stevie Condren I remember
Stevie Condren
I remember betting on you with a horse named Gamblon Smartie over 30 years ago and you went gate to wire at 30-1. One of my personal faves that you drove regularly was Ocean Bill, and who could forget Hornby Steve. Ive watched you over the years steer many fine horses and was there when you won the North America Cup with Goalie Jeff (again at long odds). You and Doug Brown were easily two of my favourites and you guys ruled especially at Greenwood for so long.You have had a stellar career and the HOF nomination is simply an exclamation mark and so well deserved.
But more importantly then that I WILL ROOT FOR YOU more in your next "battle" then I have rooted for you in any race. I will pray for your recovery and hope to see you back on the track behind another champion or cheap claimer. Makes no difference.It's where you belong.
God Bless you, and heal you.
Hi Steve, Congratulations on
Hi Steve,
Congratulations on your induction to the Hall Of Fame. Sorry to hear about your
illness, you won a lot of races and you will win this battle too! Thanks for being one of my mentors when I first got into the business. All our thoughts and prayers are with you.
As a harness racing fan, you
As a harness racing fan, you are and have been a favorite to many for years.
Congratulations on your induction into HOF. Well deserved!
Wishing you all the best.
Dear Steve Congrats on your
Dear Steve
Congrats on your induction into the Hall of Fame they couldn't have chosen anyone more deserving. So sorry to hear about your illness but having known you for so long have no doubt that you will beat this and we will see you in the winner's circle soon.
Thelma O'Connor
Met Steve 2 years ago on the
Met Steve 2 years ago on the backstretch of the little brown jug. Very nice guy & I hope all works out for you.Congrats from your friends in Durham,home of one other hall of famer Keith Waples,Steve you are in great company & you deserve it. Bruce Marshall
Congrats on the HOF
Congrats on the HOF recognition...always a class act.
In reply to Congrats on the HOF by Nick S
Sonny Jewitt
Sonny Jewitt
Congratulations on your induction into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall Of Fame Steve this is well deserving . And on the other horsemen are made tough and i no you are as tough as they come look what you have accomplished so far in life. Fight the good fight and i will see you back in the winners circle before the meet goes back to Woodbine hopefully.
Your Friends
Rose/ Sonny Jewitt
I first met Steve when he
I first met Steve when he worked for John Burns back in the days of Greenwood Racetrack. You could tell rightaway after meeting Steve that he was one classy individual. Congrats on your induction to the HOF you deserve it!!! You will beat this illness and I look forward to seeing you in the winners circle very soon my friend.
Steve, remembering one of
Steve, remembering one of your lines after a GREAT drive. "He or She was leaking bad down by the wire, but I carried them to the wire." Please give yourself all your known talent and carry yourself to the winners circle and beat the 'Big C'. The Hall of Fame induction proves you are a winner. P.S. Thanks for carrying Village Ghost and Songwriter(and others) for me when they were leaking.
Hey Steve, just wanted to
Hey Steve, just wanted to congratulate you on your Hall of Fame induction, you've always been all class on and off the racetrack. I wish you all best with your illness and if you handle it like you handle a racehorse you'll have nothing to worry about. congrats, good luck and get well.
Terry Lantz
All the best Steve you've
All the best Steve you've always wound up beating the odds and on top when it counted and I know you'll beat this as well. Don't be too modest your HOF induction is a well deserved honour for one of the greats. Take care.
good luck Steve your one
good luck Steve your one class act hope to see soon in the green and gold silks