SC Rewind: OSS Report From 1980

In this week's Rewind Robert Smith takes a look back a little over 40 years ago to 1980 and revisits that season's Ontario Sires Stakes action as it stood at the start of the second half of that season's schedule.  He has included some statistics and also a few pictures from the 1980 OSS activity as well as a bit of earlier history.  

By 1980 the Ontario Sires Stakes program was just entering its second decade of existence and its seventh full season.  First launched in 1974,  the program had already seen tremendous growth and acceptance by everyone involved.  A great deal had happened since that day back on June 1, 1974 at the old Garden City track when Ronnie Feagan won with the three-year-old Robra Glider. That marked the first ever OSS event in a program that is now approaching its half century milestone.  

In the late 1960’s breeders like Lloyd Chisholm, Wib White, and Ed Boland became convinced that the future success of Standardbred breeding in Ontario hinged on the creation of a Sires Stakes program similar to the one in New York State. The trio worked tirelessly for half a decade before the OSS came to fruition in 1973, causing the average yearling price at that fall’s sales to more than double.  Better days were just ahead. 

By the time September 1, 1980 rolled around records were continuing to tumble in Ontario Sires Stakes action. When the Ontario Racing Commission released the latest data on leading money winners and fastest miles, no less than eight OSS records had been either broken or tied by the program's youngsters already that season.  Today as we look back at what was then considered very "fast" miles,  much has changed as we look at the 1980 marks.  

One of the interesting features of these latest statistics to Sept. 1, 1980 was the fact that all eight leading money winners were by different Ontario sires.   This finding was proof of the quality of Ontario stallions.  In the fairly recent past Canadian owners seeking top colt prospects tended to head to the U.S. to find their best chances but that trend was rapidly shifting.  

Statistics courtesy of The Standardbred magazine 

At that point in the season the fastest pacing mile in stakes competition belonged to the three-year-old pacer Alberton who had toured the Mohawk oval in a swift 1:58.1. This was an early season accomplishment, in fact it happened on May 25th which opened the OSS season on the Jockey Club Circuit.  On the trotting side,  the quickest trip so far in 1980 was accomplished by Jumbo Jet, also a three-year-old colt who had stopped the Windsor timer in 2:02.2. Both were OSS records.  

Statistics courtesy of The Standardbred magazine 

More About Alberton 

The performance of the three-year-old Alberton did not come as a surprise as this son of Armbro Omaha had been the 1979 season's top Ontario-sired two-year-old. After his victory on May 25th trainer-driver Jack Kopas commented "He's ready;  he's as tight as you could get a horse just training him." Other horsemen faced with the task of racing against a horse this talented were well aware that he was going to be tough to beat.  John Burns, trainer of Lancer Skip, winner of the second division of the race,  was pleased that he had drawn away from Alberton on at least this first OSS race of the season. 

Alberton, named after the birthplace of the great Joe O'Brien, was bred by Elgin Armstrong, Joe O’Brien & Jim Harrison.  The son of Armbro Omaha was owned by the estate of Elgin Armstrong who had passed away shortly before this time.  Shown in the above photo are Mr. Armstrong's daughters and son Charles.  (Photo from the Standardbred) 

A Bit of OSS History 

It took four years of OSS action before two-minute speed was achieved.  In 1977 the three-year-old pacer Aileens Tour, owned by Harold Wellwood Sr. of Stratford Ont. and driven by his 22-year-old son Harold Jr. aka "Buddy", became the first horse to record a mile in 2:00 or less when he achieved that milestone at Greenwood Raceway in Toronto on Monday July 4, 1977. Time of the record setting mile was 2:00 flat.  He would go on to lower that mark later in the season. 

Photo from the Standardbred magazine 

Quote For The Week - "The best way to pursue happiness is to help other people.  Nothing else will make you happier." - George Lucas 

Who Is It #1? 

The above pictured performer had a fantastic record in OSS action during the 1974 season, the first year of competition for the new series.  Can you identify the driver and perhaps name the horse or at least the filly's first name.  

Who Is It #2? 

Can you identify this gentleman who was involved with one of the top OSS performers listed in today's Rewind? 

Who Is It #3? 

Can you identify this gentleman driving No. 8 who was also involved with one of the top OSS performers listed in today's Rewind? 

A Blast From The Past 

A field of horses passes the judges stand during a race day at Exhibition Park some time prior to 1930 when harness racing was dropped and the racetrack taken out. (Courtesy of City of Toronto archives)

At one time harness racing was on the annual menu at the famed C.N.E. (Canadian National Exhibition) held at the Exhibition grounds in Toronto.  Of great importance back then was the annual Futurities which showcased the best talent in colt performers. Included were both gaits and for youngsters aged two and three.  As an indication of their position on the yearly racing calendar these events often carried purses in the neighbourhood of $3,500 while most other types of races were still going for as little as $100 at many small town venues. To win a Futurity was indeed "a feather in your cap" as the old saying went.  

The first Canadian National Exhibition took place in 1879, 143 years ago, largely to promote agriculture and technology in Canada.