This month is focused on the Hall of Fame inductees. Of the six standardbred inductees (Niatross, Admirals Express, Eternal Camnation, Carl Jamieson, Doug Harkness and William Rowe) I have had the pleasure of watching or knowing four of them. Congratulations to all the inductees!
Admirals Express epitomizes the true grit and heart of our breed. In my opinion, no other horse on the WEG circuit showed up to race, week after week, after week, like he did. Many people outside our industry aren’t aware just how tough our horses are. The Grey Gladiator was iron tough capturing two O’Brien awards in the process.
Eternal Camnation was an absolute pleasure to watch race and a very easy horse to cheer for. With a list of stakes accomplishments that would take my entire article to talk about, it is without question that this great champion should be recognized as a member of the Hall. A three-time winner of Older Pacing Mare of the Year in Canada, her place is etched in stone as one of the all-time great mares of harness racing.
Growing up in the early to mid ‘90s around Flamboro Downs, Carl Jamieson was a fixture of racing at that oval. My family had known Carl from earlier days of racing in the Maritimes and like many, he made the trek to Ontario for better opportunities. I can remember watching Elegant Killean, arguably Carl’s first major OSS success, destroy her competition week in and week out. I recall a strong sense of Maritime pride each and every time she was victorious. Carl’s list of stakes won and horses trained is as impressive as it is long. Congrats!
Doug Harkness, for as long as I can remember, was the “voice” of harness racing on the East Coast of Canada. Doug’s talent for story telling and writing were second to none. Before the invention of the internet, the Post Calls was the word and everyone looked forward to reading about the happenings at each racetrack. Doug’s editorials never failed to spark opinions and responses from his readers; I’m sure he enjoyed each and every discussion! Since his passing, it hasn’t quite been the same. He was a mainstay at each stakes event and was always hanging over the fence, taking pictures and talking with horse people.
A very deserving cast of inductees. The best of the best have been selected and honoured. A heartfelt congratulations to each and every one.