RAISE A COLT

CHAPTER ONE HEAT RACING 1934 - 1956 In the early days of harness racing the contests were, more often than not, a series of match races between two horses. The standardbred breed did not officially come into existence until the 1860’s and it took many years to develop enough horses of comparable ability to provide several contests on any one day. One way to make up for the shortage of horses was to race them against each other more than once on the same day. The system was called heat racing and it was not uncommon to see horses race five or more heats to determine the winner. Races were advertised as best of 3, 4 or 5 heats. If, in a best of three heat race, there were three different heat winners then a fourth heat race-off between the three winners would decide the overall winner.

Jerrys Nightmare sets a three-year-old Maritime record in 1953 of 2:12.2 winning all three heats.

With heat racing a program could be put together with a dozen or so horses split into two or three classes based on time.

Palacona wins both heats in 1956 and sets a Maritime record for two-year-old trotters of 2:19.4

As the number of competitive horses grew the race promoters were able to have more classes racing fewer heats with the same number of actual races. Ada Worthy, in 1940, was the only Colt Stakes winner of a race that went five heats.

There were several four heat races including the race won by Nita Volo with Joe O’Brien driving in 1938. He won one of the first three heats and then won the three horse race-off. It was a typical Joe O’Brien come from behind charge from last to first in the stretch. One of the big factors in the move to reduce the number of heats was the interest in speed rather than endurance. The “standard” after all was based on time and as speed became the focus, the ability to trot or pace several heats or go long distances became less of a priority. Another consideration was the method of starting the races. In the days before the mobile starting gate, the starting method was called open scoring. The starters would approach the starting line together but were not allowed to be ahead of the “pole” horse, the one on the inside.

Dr Charles Dougan

The starting rules were enforced by a starter, who would announce a “recall” or restart if one of the horses got out of line. It took a special person to enforce the rules and one of the best starters was Dr. Charles Dougan at Charlottetown. The Island Colt Stakes raced under the heat system until 1956. Ultimately it was the tracks who forced the switch to double dashes in order to accommodate the flood of entries for their limited race dates.

RAISE A COLT

1934

The President’s View - George A Callbeck – President “For every officer who had anything to do with the conducting of the meet we have only words of commendation. There was no unnecessary scoring of the colts in either of the races, and the spectators, generally, regarded the racing as a good exhibition of clean sport. Nor must we let this occasion pass without voicing our grateful appreciation of the capable assistance and the very thoughtful consideration our Club received from the officials of the Charlottetown Exhibition Association, and especially from its President, Lt Col D A MacKinnon, who, with courteous attention, provided for us every convenience that might add to our comfortable well-being, or help win the ultimate success of our Club’s first venture in a public exhibition of the King Of Sports. The winning owner of the two-year-old futurity was Gordon Dawson while the MacArthur entry, with the second heat to his credit, won second place. So ‘tis now plain to be seen that these men were not mere braggarts when they challenged each other with a flourish of bets on the ice of Summerside harbour in February of the previous year.” Race Highlights Paddy Aubrey (Colonel Aubrey – Baby K) was a chestnut gelding, foaled in 1931. He was bred by his owner Harry O’Brien of Alberton, PEI who also trained and drove him to a win in the first ever Colt Futurity on Prince Edward Island. Harry, father of the legendary Joe O’Brien, was one of the first directors of the PEI Harness Racing Club. Personalities George Albert Callbeck was born March 26, 1894, at Augustine Cove, P.E.I. He became involved as an owner of Standardbred horses in 1916, which led to his taking up the King of Sports - Harness Racing. He became a breeder, trainer, driver and promoter. In 1919 he became active in ice-racing. To assist in the King of Sports, by producing good race horses, he brought to the Island the stallions Abner T. Clegg, Watchim and Ableway. In 1920-1933 he acted as Race Secretary or Judge. He was one of the judges at the first night race at Northam in 1933. In 1934, George and eight others formed the P.E.I. Harness Racing Club. He was the first President from 1934 to 1939. George Callbeck was also an original director of the United States Trotting Association, was inducted into the PEI Sports Hall Of Fame in 1969 and in 1978 was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall Of Fame in the builder category.

September 20th 1934 – Charlottetown 3 Year Old Futurity Purse - $345 Paddy Aubrey (Harry O’Brien) 2, 1, 1 Lena Worthy 1, 4, 5 Bud Cope 4, 2, 2 Miss All Worthy 3, 5, 3 Balbo 5, 3, 4 Willow Bud 6, 6, 6 Winning Owner – Harry O’Brien, Alberton Times: 2:24 ¼, 2:23 ¼, 2:22 ½ 2 Year Old Futurity Purse - $310 Bud Aubrey (Tyndall Semple) 1, 2, 1 Colonel Upton 3, 1, 3 Dominion Belle 2, 3, 4 Leta Kalmuck 5, 2, 4 June Worthy 4, 5, 5 Helen Kalmuck 6, 6, Winning Owner – Gordon Dawson, Summerside Times: 2:28 ½, 2:32, 2:32

Christie Budlong in 1934 with Earle Avery up.

George Callbeck

RAISE A COLT

1935

From The Minutes - F J E Wright – Secretary The minutes of the third meeting of the Directors of the PEI Harness Racing Club, held in Summerside at the offices of the Canadian National Fox Breeders Association, carry the following changes to the Futurity. “Moved by J C Cobb, seconded by Willard Kelly, that we proceed to form a Four-year-old Futurity Stake for 1935 and any four-year-old having won $500 or over previous to the race is barred and his entrance fee to be returned” “Moved by B W MacArthur and seconded by Willard Kelly, that the nomination fee be $5 payable March 1st, second payment of $5 July 2nd, and starting fee of $5 due fifteen days prior to the date of race.” Race Highlights Paddy Aubrey was the first repeat winner in the Futurity, winning the three-year-old event in record time after winning the two-year-old event in 1934. He was driven by Lloyd O’Brien for his father Harry. Leta Kalmuck also set a stakes record in sweeping three heats of the three-year-old class for Willard Kelly. Guy Ann set a track, stakes and Maritime record for two-year-old trotters of 2:24 for breeder, owner and driver George Callbeck. She went on to claim a Maritime bred record of 2:11 ¾. She was a bay filly, foaled in 1933 and bred by her owner George Callbeck. Her mother, Lady Helena by Captain Aubrey, was last owned by Ray Lidstone of Freetown, PEI Personalities Harry O’Brien was one of the founding directors and the second President. He was the patriarch of a legendary harness racing family. He had three sons, Claude, Lloyd and Joe, who all took up the call and made their marks on the history of the sport. Claude drove Nita Volo to a heat win in the third running of the Futurities and his son Mike O’Brien would also have a stakes winner in 1984. Lloyd won with Paddy Aubrey in 1935, and Joe O’Brien would become the greatest trainer/driver of his generation. A three time winner of the Colt Stakes, Joe would go on to fame in the United States, winning virtually every major stake race and blazing the way for Island horsemen to compete and succeed anywhere. It is no wonder that the annual awards in Canada are named after him, the O’Brien Awards.

September 25th 1935 – Charlottetown 4 Year Old Futurity Purse - $250 Paddy Aubrey (Lloyd O’Brien) 1, 1, 1 Bud Cope 2, 2, 3 Balbo 3, 3, 2 Rosebud 4, 5, 4 Ima Bee 5, 4, 5 Winning Owner – Harry O’Brien, Alberton Times: 2:19 ¼, 2:17 ½, 2:17 Stakes record 3 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $125 Leta Kalmuck (Willard Kelly) 1, 1, 1 Belfast 2, 2, 2 Holly Britton 3, 4, 3 Donna Watson 5, 3, 4 May Cope 4, 5, 5 Winning Owner – Willard Kelly, Charlottetown Times: 2:21 ½ Stakes record, 2:24, 2:22 ½ 3 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $125 June Worthy (Wellington MacNeill) 1, 1, 1 Bud Aubrey 2, 2, 2 Bonnie Britton 4, 3, 3 Temple Kalmuck 3, 4, 4 Winning Owner – Wellington MacNeill, Ch’town Times: 2:22, 2:23 ½, 2:26 2 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $100 Guy Ann {G Callbeck) 1, 1, 1 Miss Victoria 2, 2, 2 Hi Sox 3, 3, 3 Jackie Volo 5, 6, 3 Queen Helen 4, 4, 5 June Morning 6, 5, 6 Winning Owner – George Callbeck, Summerside Fastest heat: 2:24 Stakes record, 2:27, 2:26 2 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $100 Raymonette (W. Macneill) 1, 1, 1 Darky Kalmuck 1, 5, 3 Miss Belle Aubrey 3, 3, 2 Guy Zombro 4, 2, 5 Guy Todd 5, 4, 4 Winning Owner - Wellington MacNeill, Ch’town Times: 2:33 ½, 2:35 ½, 2:33

Joe O’Brien and his oldest brother Claude

RAISE A COLT

1936

From The Minutes - F J E Wright – Secretary The minutes of the meeting of the Directors of the PEI Harness Racing Club, held at the Montague race-track recorded the following: “Moved by Willard Kelly that the Stakes Races be held on Labour Day, September 7th and that the secretary be instructed to insert an ad in the Charlottetown Guardian calling for tenders for the meeting.” In response to a tender of $400 from the Charlottetown Exhibition the Futurity races once again took place there as they have for all but two of the Colt Stakes’ events in its 75 year history. Total purses for the third edition came to $945, a considerable sum in its day and the Guardian reported “an enthusiastic crowd was on hand to watch this fine exhibition of the trotting sport.” Race Highlights Guy Ann repeated as a Futurity winner for breeder, owner and driver George Callbeck and set a stakes record for three-year-old trotters of 2:16 ½, sweeping all three heats. Leta Kalmuck also swept her four-year-old class in three heats, repeating her Futurity triumph of the previous year for breeder, owner, driver Willard Kelly. Buddy Volo broke the two-year-old record with a 2:23 best time while sweeping all three heats for breeder and driver Harry O’Brien, and owner George Barbour MLA. Personalities Gordon Dawson, at the age of seventy-three, was one of the first to promote colt stakes racing. An argument between him and Wilbur MacArthur over who had the best yearling in training resulted in some serious bets being made. The problem was finding a venue to have a race – and so the concept of an annual colt-racing program was born. Dawson enlisted the help of his friends Dr Bell from Borden, Fred Wright and Jack MacPherson. Dawson did indeed win the two-year-old race the next year in the first event in 1934 of their newly created PEI Harness Racing Club. Wilbur B MacArthur had to wait until 1937 to get his revenge with Ethel Bellini. Lauretta Abbe, in 1942, was the second Futurity winner for Gordon Dawson but sadly it was to be his last as he passed away shortly after at the age of eighty. President Willard Kelly noted, “ It is fitting that we refer to the great loss this club has sustained in the passing of one of its most esteemed members”.

September 7th 1936 – Charlottetown 4 Year Old Futurity Purse - $238 Leta Kalmuck (Willard Kelly) 1, 1, 1 Belfast 2, 2, 2 June Worthy 3, 3, 3 Bonnie Britton 4, 4, 4 Winning Owner – Willard Kelly, Charlottetown Times: 2:18 ¼, 2:17 ½, 2:17 ¼ Stakes record 3 Year Old Futurity Purse - $350 Guy Ann (George Callbeck) 1, 1, 1 Millie Kalmuck 3, 2, 2 Miss Victoria 2, 3, 3 Hi Sox 4, 4, 5 Jackie Volo 5, 5, 4 Guy Todd 6, 6, Dr Winning Owner – George Callbeck, Summerside Times: 2:19, 2:16 ½ Stakes record, 2:17 1/2 2 Year Old Futurity Purse - $357 Buddy Volo (Harry O’Brien) 1, 1, 1 Nita Volo 3, 2, 2 Guy Kalmuck 2, 6, 6 Volo Scott 5, 3, 3 Major Bowes 4, 4, 4 Leland 6, 5, 5 Winning Owner – G H Barbour, Coleman Times: 2:23 Stakes record, 2:25 ¾, 2:25 ¼

Charlottetown racing program for the 75thAnniversary of Confederation. Fred Wright, secretary for the PEI Harness Racing Club, was the starter.

RAISE A COLT

1937

The President’s View – George A Callbeck - President “Our Futurity races which took place on August 17th, 18th, and 19th, were held in connection with the Charlottetown Exhibition races for the first time.” “Keen interest was displayed in all three races and the close competition prevailing made those speed contests a source of veritable enjoyment to racing fans. We wish to thank the donors of trophies presented by Dr Charles Dougan, Wilbur MacArthur and The Peerless and the Imperial Fox Feed Company Manager John McDonald.” Race Highlights Anne Worthy , a three-year-old filly that was bred, owned and driven by Nova Scotia native Ollie Hudderham, became the first out of province winner of a Futurity race, sweeping her class in three heats. Ethel Bellini won the two-year-old class and was driven by Nova Scotia based driver Johnny Conroy in the first of his six driving wins in the Colt Stakes. She was owned by Racing Club founder , Wilbur MacArthur. Millie Kalmuck was by Kalmuck and won two of three heats in the four-year-old class setting a new stakes record of 2:14 ¼ for breeder, owner, driver Willard Kelly. She would end up with a very respectable record for her day of 2:08 ¾ h and would go on to a career as a broodmare, producing nine foals, mostly by Playdale, and including a Futurity winner in Mildale in 1950 for her longtime owner Willard Kelly. She is one of only a few mares to win a Futurity and also foal a Futurity winner. Personalities Wilbur MacArthur farmed in the Kensington area and was a great supporter of the ice racing in Summerside. It was on the harbour ice in 1933 that he met up with Gordon Dawson and made the wager that resulted in the formation of the PEI Harness Racing Club. After finishing second in the inaugural two-year-old class he enlisted the top driver of the day , Johnny Conroy, to steer Ethel Bellini to victory in the 1937 Futurity. Conroy is the first “catch” driver to win a Colt Stake and also the first driver to score three consecutive wins with the same horse with Hillside Scott in 1938-1940. His first of six wins in the PEI Futurity came in 1937 with Ethel Bellini, his last in 1945 with Quakers Boy.

August 17th to 19th, 1937 – Charlottetown 4 Year Old Futurity Purse - $223 Millie Kalmuck (Willard Kelly) 3, 1, 1 Guy Ann 1, 2, 2 Hi Sox 3, 3, 4 Jackie Volo 4, 4, 3 Dorothy Dix 5, Dr Winning Owner – Willard Kelly, Charlottetown Times: 2:14 ¼, Stakes record, 2:15 ½ , 2:14 ¼ 3 Year Old Futurity Purse - $360 Anne Worthy (Ollie Hudderham) 1, 1, 1 Major Bowes 2, 5, 2 Nita Volo 5, 2, 3 Leland 3, 3, 5 Volo Scott 4, 4, 4 Winning Owner – Ollie Hudderhan, Cape Breton,NS Times: 2:23 ½, 2:19 ½, 2:21 ¼ 2 Year Old Futurity Purse - $285 Ethel Bellini (Johnny Conroy) 6, 1, 1 Royal Jim 1, 2, 2 Nancy Scott 2, 3, 3 Peter Bellini 3, 6, 5 Bessie Scott 5, 4, 4 Joe Volo 4, 5, 6 Winning Owner – W MacArthur, Kensington Times 2:32 ¾, 2:29, 2:32

Millie Kalmuck and Willard Kelly

Johnny Conroy

RAISE A COLT

1938

The President’s View – George A Callbeck - President “Horse racing has long been known as the Sport Of Kings which, when conducted in a spirit of true sportsmanship, it is not only the Sport Of Kings but also the King Of Sports. The 1938 Futurity races were conducted at the Charlottetown Exhibition over three days. The track was in fine condition and the days, though warm, were tempered with favoring breezes and the thousands of sport lovers there were thrilled with the performances. The grounds were in the pink of condition and where a brush of paint could add anything to the beauty, neither was this neglected. Those who attend horse races in other Provinces consider the Charlottetown track to surpass any such Canadian grounds and race course.” Race Highlights Nita Volo gave Joe O’Brien his first Futurity win as he drove the mare to victory in a hotly contested four heat class of four-year-olds. Despite a shaky first heat the mare prevailed in the final two heats with the fastest time. Hillside Scott shipped in from Nova Scotia and took two of three heats in the two-year-old class, losing the third heat to another Nova Scotia owned horse. Royal Jim avenged his loss to Ethel Bellini in the previous year and swept her and four other rivals in three straight heats, all clocked in the same time of 2:20 ½.

Personalities Joe O’Brien was born on June 26, 1917 in Alberton, Perhaps the greatest driver and trainer of harness horses the world has ever seen, he was the son of Harness Club founder Harry O'Brien. Joe was introduced to the Sport of Kings at an early age. At age sixteen, Joe claimed his first victory with "Mickey Mouse" at the Summerside track. A true legend of Maritime racing, Joe would leave for the United States in 1947. and would open his own stable and was later based at Shafter, California. In 1975 the U.S. Harness Writers honoured O'Brien for winning the 1975 North American driving title. Joe O'Brien was inducted into the Harness Sports Hall of Fame in 1976, and he died on September 29, 1984. Joe had driven more sub two-minute miles than any man in racing history; he had won the famed Hambletonian on two occasions, the Little Brown Jug, and countless other major stakes races He also held the world's pacing record driving Steady Star to a time trial of 1:52 flat in Lexington, Kentucky in 1971.

August 16th to 19th , 1938 – Charlottetown 4 Year Old Futurity Purse - $392 Nita Volo (Joe O’Brien) 7, 3, 1, 1 Anne Worthy 3, 1, 2, 2 Hillside Jack 1, 2, 6, 3 Major Bowes 2, 5, 3, Ro Leland 4, 6, 4, Ro Margarets Abbe 6, 4, 5, Ro Volo Scott 5, 7, 7, Ro Silent Mac 8, 8, 8 Guy Kalmuck 9, 9, Dr Winning owner – George Barbour, Coleman Times 2:16 ¼, 2:17 ¼, 2:16 ¼, 2:20 ¼ 3 Year Old Futurity Purse - $289 Royal Jim (Willard Kelly 1, 1, 1 Joe Volo 2, 2, 2 Ethel Bellini 6, 3, 3 Scotty Watson 3, 6, 6 Peter Bellini 4, 4, 5 Bessie Scott 5, 5, 4 Winning Owner – Willard Kelly, Charlottetown Times 2:20 ½, 2:20 ½, 2:20 ½ 2 Year Old Futurity Purse - $334 Hillside Scott (Johnny Conroy) 1, 1, 6 Little Aubrey 3, 2, 1 Polly Scott 2, 3, 3 Mr Tillie 5, 6, 2 Tommy Volo 4, 4, 4 Star Jr 6, 5, 5 Winning Owner – J A Kerr, Truro, NS Times 2:32, 2:31 ¾, 2:34

Harry O’Brien’s barn at the Alberton track where Joe O’Brien began his career.

Joe O’Brien and Armbro Flight

RAISE A COLT

1939

The President’s View – George A Callbeck - President “August 15, 16 and 18 when the two, three and four-year-old Futurity races were respectively conducted, on the Charlottetown Racing Park were days of thrills and pleasure, days of recreation enjoyed by throngs of men, women, and younger folks, the majority of whom were keen admirers of clean sport. We are glad of the true sportsmanship, fairness and cooperation displayed and thank all those who have done so much for the up-building of the Prince Edward Island Racing Club, a club of which we are all proud to be members.” Race Highlights Track conditions were fast on August 15th as Happy L tied the track record of 2:06 ¾ in the 2:19 class. Hillside Scott and Little Aubrey renewed their previous year’s rivalry and although the latter won the first heat it was Hillside Scott that won the final two heats and the hardware. Margaret Jean gave Andrew Perry of Summerside his first of many racing victories but his only Futurity win as a driver. Royal Jim repeated his last year sweep of all three heats, this time in the four-year-old class as Willard Kelly had yet another Futurity win. Royal Jim was by Kalmuck and he took his record of 2:15 ¾ during Old Home Week 1943 as an eight year old. His sire, Kalmuck, a son of the legendary Peter The Great, was a favorite of his owner Willard Kelly, having already sired two Futurity winners for him in Leta Kalmuck and Millie Kalmuck. Kalmuck would also go on to produce the Maritime record holder Kellys Nightmare and the speedster Bonaparte p.2:05 ¼ and continued to sire foals till he was 31 years old.

Personalities Andrew Perry of Summerside was active throughout his life as a horse owner and much of his enthusiasm came from early success as a driver and trainer, including his 1939 Futurity win aboard Margaret Jean. It was as an owner, though, that he had his proudest moments. In 1954 he paid $250 for an unproven 5-year-old trotter called Bay State Pat who developed into a free-for-all pacer during a career in which he faced the best aged pacers in North America. By the time his career ended in 1963 at the mandatory age of 14, the former trotter had compiled 77 wins and 63 second or third place finishes in 272 starts.

August 15th to 18th, 1939 – Charlottetown 4 Year Old Futurity Purse - $270 Royal Jim (Willard Kelly) 1, 1, 1 Joe Volo 2, 2, 3 Ethel Bellini 3, 3, 2 Bessie Scott 5, 4, 4 Scotty Watson 4, 6, 5 Mickey Volo 6, 5, 6 Winning Owner – Willard Kelly, Charlottetown Times 2:20 ¾ , 2:18 ¾ , 2:18 ½ 3 Year Old Futurity Purse - $342 Hillside Scott (Johnny Conroy) 3, 1, 1 Little Aubrey 1, 2, 2 Guy Aubrey 2, 3, 3 Mr Tillie 5, 4, 4 Polly Scott 4, 5, 5 Jean A Hal 6, 6, 6 Winning Owner – J A Kerr, Truro, NS Times 2:19 ¾, 2:22 ¼, 2:19 ½ 2 Year Old Futurity Purse - $280 Margaret Jean (Andrew Perry) 2, 1, 1 George Mac 1, 2, 2 Ada Worthy 3, 3, 3 Nora Worthy 4, 4, 4 Duke Abbe 5, Dr Winning Owner – Andrew Perry, Summerside Times 2:38 ¾, 2:36 ½, 2:30

Willard Kelly with Nell Kalmuck by his stallion Kalmuck

Andrew Perry and his trotter Nyland Hanover

RAISE A COLT

1940

The President’s View – Willard Kelly - President “Our Futurity races were held as usual in Charlottetown on August 13, 14 and 16 in connection with Old Home Week. On account of the number of starters in the two-year-old class it was decided to divide this class with five in the trot division and six in the pace division. We might just here remark that we have heard many favourable comments on the whole racing program, the credit for which is entirely due to the President and Secretary of the Driving Park to whom we extend our thanks for their interest in the Futurity Stake racing.”

Race Highlights Ada Worthy was awarded the trophy in the three-year-old class on the basis of her best overall summary in a four heat contest that saw three separate heat winners. Hillside Scott swept his three heats in the four-year-old class to become the first horse to win a Futurity race in three consecutive years as was his driver Johnny Conroy and owner J A Kerr of Truro. Lusty First won both heats of the two-year-old trot Futurity division Hilda Budlong smashed the two-year-old pacing record with a 2:20 ¼ victory over five rivals. She was driven by Tyndall Semple for owner Bert Lawless. Hilda Budlong was by Calumet Budlong, a stallion owned by Frank MacKay of Charlottetown that produced several futurity winners. She ended up with a record of 2:11 ½ taken at age four.

Personalities Willard Kelly was one of the nine men who formed the PEI Harness Racing Club. Like his father Hammond Kelly, he was a force to be reckoned with and was an active participant for many years as a breeder, owner, trainer, driver and activist for change. He served as President of the club from 1940-43 and won his last Futurity with Mildale in 1950, a son of Millie Kalmuck, a mare he also won a Futurity with in 1937. In all he had six Futurity wins as a breeder, owner or driver and nineteen all-around wins. His love of the sport was shared by his brother Lorne and his nephew, Dr A Blair Kelly, the latter being an honorary Director of the current PEI Colt Stakes, and himself a breeder/owner and a past President and Secretary/Treasurer of the Association.

August 13th and 16th, 1940 – Charlottetown 4 Year Old Futurity Purse - $250 Hillside Scott (Johnny Conroy) 1, 1, 1 Little Aubrey 2, 2, 2 Sampson Royal 5, 3, 3 Polly Scott 3, 5, 4 Star Jr 4, 4, 5 Winning Owner – J A Kerr, Truro, NS Times 2:17 ½,2:19 ½,2:16 ½ 3 Year Old Futurity Purse - $280 Ada Worthy (Hugh Fraser) 3, 3, 1, 1 Margaret Jean 2, 1, 2, 2 George Mac 1, 2, 3, 3 Presto Kalmuck 4, 4, 4 Kellys Dream 5, 5, Dr Winning Owner – Hugh Fraser, NB Times 2:20, 2:19 ¾, 2:23, 2:24 ¼ 2 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $193 Lusty First (Clarence Schuman) 1, 1 Dorothy Abelle 2, 2 Wait N See 4, 3 Kellys Nightmare 3, 4 Miss Brewer 5, 5 Winning Owner – Fred Bennett, Charlottetown Times 2:38, 2:34 ¼ 2 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $193 Hilda Budlong (Tyndall Semple) 1, 1 Bonnie Budlong 2, 2 Jack Clyde 3, 3 Raymond Budlong 4, 4 Dr Budlong 5, 5 Bullett 6, 6 Winning Owner – Wilbert Lawless, Kensington Times 2:24 ½, 2:20 ¼ Stakes record

Willard Kelly

RAISE A COLT

1941

The President’s View – Willard Kelly - President “The offer of the Charlottetown Driving Park of $500 to include our stakes in their Old Home Week program was accepted. In the three stakes, first and second payments were made by forty-four entries, an increase of two over 1940. Twenty-two paid the starting fee and eighteen faced the starter, being three less than last year. On account of the number of starters it was decided to split the three-year-olds by gait leaving five starters in each division”.

Race Highlights Trixey Budlong won the two-year-old division in straight heats giving the driver owner combination of Tyndall Semple and Wilbert Lawless their second consecutive two-year-old Futurity winner, another first. Margaret Jean made it three Futurity wins in three years when she took all heats of the four-year-old class and joined select company as only the second pacer and the first mare to accomplish the feat. Raymond Budlong dropped the three-year-old pacing record by over two seconds as he took both heats of the pacing division. Bred by Raoul Raymond of Charlottetown and owned and driven by Wellington MacNeill, he took his record of 2:13 later in the year. Kellys Nightmare won two of the three heats in the three-year-old trotting Futurity and had the fastest heat time in the last heat. She was also bred by Raoul Raymond and that makes him the first breeder to win two Futurities in the same year.

Personalities Wellington MacNeill was a horse trader who could also train and drive with the best. A resident of Southport, he kept a horse shipping business across the river on the Buntain Bell wharf in Charlottetown. He was a dapper dresser and entertained many of the Maritime horsemen and women at his CDP stable during Old Home Week. He was one of the first in the area to have two telephones, one at home and the other in the barn, just in case there was a horse to be bought or sold. He carried a lot of cash and it was said that no-one ever got behind Wellington MacNeill, or ahead of him for that matter. He was quick to move Raymond Budlong after he won the four-year-old Futurity in record time. The horse went on to race for new owner, Charlie Willis.

August 12th and 14th, 1941 – Charlottetown 4 Year Old Futurity Purse - $215 Margaret Jean (George Callbeck) 1, 1, 1 George Mac 2, 2, 2 Ada Worthy 3, 3, 3 Winning Owner – Andrew Perry, Summerside. Times 2:16, 2:16 ½, 2:18 3 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $188 Kellys Nightmare (Willard Kelly) 3, 1, 1 Dorothy Abbelle 1, 3, 4 Lusty First 2, 2, 2 Abbe Jackson 4, 4, 3 Miss Brewer 5, 5, 5 Winning Owner – C H Horton, Murray River Times 2:26 ½, 2:24, 2:22 ½ 3 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $188 Raymond Budlong (W MacNeill) 1, 1, 1 Hilda Budlong 4, 2, 2 Bionnie Budlong 2, 3, 3 Jack Clyde 4, 4, 4 Wait N See 5, 5, Dr Winning Owner – Well MacNeill, Charlottetown Times 2:16 ¼, 2:14 ¼, New Record, 2:16 2 Year Old Futurity Purse - $193 Trixie Budlong (Tyndall Semple) 1, 1 Margaret Rose 2, 3 Eva Worthy 4, 2 Margaret Frisco 3, 4 Janet Bud 5, Dr Winning Owner – Wilbert Lawless, Kensington Times 2:29 ½, 2:27 ¾

Kellys Nightmare with Willard Kelly

Wellington MacNeill

RAISE A COLT

1942

The President’s View – Willard Kelly - President “A number of members have suggested that we abandon the two-year-old stake for 1942. This will be a matter for later discussion. The number of starters this year again shows a small drop with just seventeen facing the starter, of which there were but four in the two-year-old Futurity. This happened despite the fact that there were eighteen nominations in the first place. We applaud the win by Lauretta Abbe owned by Gordon Dawson, a founding member of this club, who, we are advised, is four score years young.”

Race Highlights Trixey Budlong won the three-year-old division with two of the three heats to her credit although the fastest heat, the third, was won by Margaret Rose. A young Earl Semple captured his first Futurity win for new owner George Brookins. Lauretta Abbe took the last two of three heats needed to decide the two-year-old stake. Tyndall Semple became the first driver to win three consecutive two-year-old Futurity races with three different horses. Raymond Budlong repeated his heroics of the previous year, setting another stakes record in winning the four-year-old division. Personalities Tyndall and Earle Semple were born in Travellers Rest and had long and illustrious careers. Tyndall began behind the sulky at 13 years old, and he would still be active into his 85th year, driving at Charlottetown's Old Home Week for sixty consecutive years. The love of horses and the competitive impulse would shape the career of his equally famous son Earle, who made a name for himself in the United States, where he would buy the colt most associated with his own career, a quirky but lightning fast horse called "Dean Gallon." In 23 races, Dean Gallon picked up 20 victories. Earle Semple would sell the horse in 1954 for the hefty sum of $20,000. He and his father Tyndall would drive seven futurity winners in total including a three year sweep beginning in 1961 with what was perhaps their most famous horse, Little Art, bred by another son, George Semple, who also farmed in the Kensington area. As surely as Tyndall Semple could shoe a horse, no-one equaled him in this art especially when it came to trotters.

August 11th to 14th, 1942 – Charlottetown 4 Year Old Futurity Purse - $320 Raymond Budlong (W MacNeill) 2, 1, 1 Jack Clyde 1, 3, 3 Hilda Budlong 4, 2, 2 Peter Budlong 3, 4, 5 Wait N See 5, 6, 4 Lustys First 6, 5, 6 Winning Owner – Wellington MacNeill, Ch’town Times 2:14 2/4, 2:13 1/2, Stakes record, 2:14 3 Year Old Futurity Purse - $374 Trixie Budlong (Earl Semple) 1, 1, 2 Margaret Rose 2, 6, 1 Eva Worthy 3, 2, 3 Alta K 4, 3, 6 Margery Budlong 5, 4, 4 Weatherman 6, 5, 7 Christy Budlong 7, 7, 5 Winning Owner – George Brookins, Kensington Times 2:26, 2:27 ½, 2:23 ¾ 2 Year Old Futurity Purse - $273 Lauretta Abbe (Tyndall Semple) 4, 1, 1 King McKane 1, 3, 2 Lady Rose 2, 2 Bud The Tramp 3, 4 Winning Owner – Gordon Dawson, Summerside Times 2:34 ½, 2:31 ½, 2:27

Wellington MacNeill and Raymond Budlong

Tyndall’s son Earle was known as The Wily Fox

RAISE A COLT

1943

The President’s View – Willard Kelly - President “This has been a banner year with respect to nominations in the individual stakes. In the three-year-old class a total of fifty-one nominations exceeded by far our best previous total resulting in a record purse of $379. There were sixteen paid the starting fee in the four-year-old Futurity resulting in two divisions of six each to greet the starter. It was necessary, however, to draw the small number of trotters in with the pacers since there were not enough of the trotting gait to have their own division. In addition to such bounty of entries the Charlottetown Exhibition increased their bid to $600 to get the stakes for the Old Home Week program to be raced on August 10th and 11th.”

Race Highlights Scotty McKane got the best of favorite Trixie Budlong in one division of the four-year-old class which saw the driving debut of a young Eric “Ike” Moreside for Milton Bell, who also had his first Futurity winner. Margaret Rose made amends for her contentious loss the previous year by winning the first two heats and posting the fastest time in the other division for new owner Fred Lahey of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Lela Budlong came out the best of the five two-year-old entries, winning both heats. The win was the first of three for the Montague partnership of Yeo and MacEachern. Lady Rose won all three heats for a young Rankin McLaine in the three-year-old class. She was owned by long time horse owner Wilfred Praught who was winning his first and only futurity. Personalities Milton Bell and his son Myron were major players in horse ownership over a span of fifty years. Milton’s first and only stakes winner came with Scotty McKane, driven by a young Ike Moreside who was also taking his first Futurity win. Milton was a well-respected Charlottetown businessman who will be remembered as the proprietor of Milton’s Old Spain restaurant on Kent Street, a favourite hang-out for the racing fraternity. The walls of his establishment were covered with racing photos and memorabilia, all of which have been lost, unfortunately, with the closing of this harness racing landmark Myron was a business associate of James MacGregor and a partner in several horses with Roach that raced under the Glengyle Farm banner.

August 10th and 11th, 1943 – Charlottetown 4 Year Old Futurity Div. Purse - $243 Margaret Rose (Johnny Conroy) 1, 1, 4 Christie Budlong 2, 2, 1 Billie Bishop 3, 3, 2 Just Betty 5, 5, 3 Marjorie Budlong 4, 4, 5 Winning Owner – Fred Lahey, Dartmouth Times 2:16, 2:18 ½, 2:21 ½ 4 Year Old Futurity Div. Purse - $243 Scotty McKane (Eric Moreside) 1, 1, 5 Alta K 5, 2, 1 Mac Worthy 2, 5, 3 Nancy Budlong 6, 6, 2 Trixie Budlong 3, 3, 4 Margaret S Frisco 4, 4, 6 Winning Owner – Milton Bell, Charlottetown Times 2:18, 2:18, 2:21 3 Year Old Futurity Purse - $379 Lady Rose (Rankin McLaine) 1, 1, 1 Bud The Tramp 2, 2, 3 Miss Fingo 4, 5, 2 Shirley E Temple 3, 3, 4 King McKane 5, 4, 5 Winning Owner – Wilfred Praught, Rose Valley Times 2:19, 2:19 ½, 2:23 ½ 2 Year Old Futurity Purse - $295 Lela Budlong (George McIntyre) 1, 1 Molly Kalmuck 2, 2 Nell Kalmuck 3, 3 Betty B Hal 4, 4 Harrys Budlong 5, 5 Winning Owner – McEachern &Yeo, Montague Times 2:34 ¾, 2:26 ½

Milton’s Old Spain Restaurant

Milton Bell

RAISE A COLT

1944

The President’s View – Lt. Col. J P Hooper - President “As you know, your directors on suggestion from the owners and concurred in by Col. MacKinnon, the two-year-old Futurity was raced at the Goodwill Meet in September instead of Old Home Week and I feel sure it was a move in the right direction. We have in the past felt that the extra month of training would put the young trotters on a more equal footing with the pacers. The ideal condition would be to divide the entries by gait and it is hoped the entry list in future will permit this. I would like to stress the point of early colts to be raced at two should be foaled not later than March. I would suggest that stallion owners encourage early breeding.”

Race Highlights Bud The Tramp led the four-year-old division with two wins in a race that saw all three heats won by horses from Nova Scotia. It was the first of several Futurity winners for Halifax owner Cyril Dauphinee, a long time supporter of Colt Stakes racing. C Harry Budlong won the two-year-old trophy to start Alfred Lowery out on a long and successful career winning Futurities on seven separate occasions as a driver. Lowery would later team up with Jack Annear and breed a winner of his own. Lela Budlong was a repeat Futurity winner, sweeping three heats in the three-year-old class and giving Rankin McLaine his second Futurity winner in a row. Personalities F R (Rankin) McLaine is perhaps best known as the owner of the “Iron Horse” Just Gary, who campaigned for many years in the Maritimes and recorded a total of 157 victories and one year made over 100 starts. As a young man, McLaine drove Futurity winners Lady Rose in 1943 and Lela Budlong in 1944, both in three heat sweeps. But it was as an owner of older race-horses for which he is primarily remembered - that, and his business acumen which led him to own a successful automobile dealership in Charlottetown. He was also the one responsible for the first mobile starting gate, which is still in use today on ceremonial occasions. He drove his starting gate, mounted on a modified two–door coupe, as the starter for meets all over the Island. The mobile gate was first used at the Charlottetown Driving Park in 1956, and became a part of Colt Stakes history the next year.

August 15th and 18th, September 19th 1944 - Charlottetown 4 Year Old Futurity Purse - $490 Bud The Tramp (Joe O’Brien) 5, 1, 1 Mack Fingo 1, 3, 4 My Ann 2, 2, 3 Lady Rose 9, 4, 2 Britains Lassie 3, 5, 5 Winning Owner – C L Dauphinee, Halifax Best Time 2:17 by Mack Fingo 3 Year Old Futurity Purse - $495 Lela Budlong (Rankin McLaine) 1, 1, 1 Nell Kalmuck 4, 2, 2 Bonnie Spruce 2, 3, 4 Lusticia 3, 4, 3 Winning Owner – McEachern &Yeo, Montague Best Time – 2:18 ¾ 2 Year Old Futurity Purse - $406 C Harry Budlong (Alf Lowery) 1, 1 Bonnie Dale 3, 2 George Guy 2, 7 Quaker Boy 4, 3 Winning Owner – Alfred Lowery, Montague Best Time 2:27 ¾

Lela Budlong with Rankin McLaine driving

F R McLaine co-owned Mighty Lee who set the CDP track record of 2:03.4, driven by George Callbeck

Rankin McLaine with Preacher Bill (left) and Just Gary

RAISE A COLT

1945

The President’s View – Lt. Col. J P Hooper - President “As you know, time brings great changes and many old friends pass on, they having run their last race. Might I mention those that you will all remember well: Frank Boutilier, Jimmy Sanderson, Bill Cummings, Tommy Raymond, Professor Rockford, J Pope Clark, Melvin Jay and William McVay. Our membership this year is thirty-three. I believe that every person making a nomination of a colt should be a member of our organization and a fee of one dollar would appear to be reasonable. The Charlottetown Exhibition is to be thanked for their grant of over $1,100 this year, which enabled us to make all purses $600 for the first time. It is hoped that this will encourage the nomination of many more colts”. Race Highlights Bee Budlong took both heats of the two-year-old stake driven by Leo Collins of Montague for owners Yeo and MacEachern. Quakers Boy swept the three heats of the three-year-old Futurity in Johnny Conroy’s last winning appearance in the Island colt stakes for Truro owner George Turner. Colonel Dan made his namesake proud in the four-year-old race by winning the final two of four heats for his New Brunswick owners. Personalities Lt. Col. Dan MacKinnon, had a love affair with harness racing. After all, he did spend 73 of his 87 years training and driving trotters and pacers. He was born Nov. 12, 1876, in Highfield, P.E.I. Orphaned at 10, he left school and four years later bought his first horse. His interests in racing were not limited to training and driving. He owned the Charlottetown Driving Park from 1930 to 1947, and was president of the Provincial Exhibition Association. His financial support of the PEI Harness Racing Club through purse contributions was a key factor in the growth of the program. He founded Old Home Week racing, which now draws the largest crowds in the Maritimes for the sport. He also was a strong supporter of the United States Trotting Association, introducing that organization to the Maritimes and serving as its District 10 director. In 1959, at the age of 82, MacKinnon was still racing two horses with success in the Maritimes, the trotter Windy June and the pacer Stalag Hanover.

August 14th and 17th, September 18th 1945 - Charlottetown 4 Year Old Futurity Purse - $600 Colonel Dan (D Morrison) 4, 2, 1, 1 Lela Budlong 1, 3, 4, 3 Nell Kalmuck 6, 1, 2, 2 Eleanor G 2, 4, 3 Bonnie Spruce 3, 7, 5 Lusticia 5, 5, 6 Lillian Budlong 8, 6, 7 May Budlong 7, 8, 8 Mollie Kalmuck 9, 9, Dr Winning Owner – Jenkins Brothers, Chatham,NB Times: 2:17 ¼, 2:17 ¾, 2:17 ½, 2:18 3 Year Old Futurity Purse - $600 Quakers Boy (Johnny Conroy) 1, 1, 1 Prince Budlong 3, 2, 2 C Harry Budlong 2, 4, 4 Bonnie Dale 4, 3, 3 Professor Clegg 5, 5, 5 June Morning 6, 6, 6 Margaret Laurel 7, 7, Dr Marlene Budlong 8, 8, 7 Winning Owner – George Turner, Dartmouth, NS Times 2:20 ½, 2:18, 2:17 ¼ 2 Year Old Futurity Purse - $600 Bee Budlong (Leo Collins) 1, 1 Vallie Long 2, 2 Daisy Budlong 3, 3 Guy Harvester 5, 4 Miss Commando 4, 6 Verna L Grattan 6, 5 Winning Owner – Bruce Yeo, Montague Times 2:32, 2:27 ½

Lt Colonel Dan MacKinnon

RAISE A COLT

1946

The President’s View – Lt. Col. J P Hooper - President “May I say that this past year was one of our best, both in numbers of colts and in paid up members. A total of ninety nominations were received and our membership grew to 103. Owing to the large number of horses wishing to race during Old Home Week we were unable to start our three-year-old and four-year-old classes at that time. They were held during the Goodwill races along with our two-year-old Futurity and suffered in attendance and in race times due to inclement weather. We regret the passing of two fine horsemen in Frank Holmes of Glace Bay and Mr P C Brown of Charlottetown. ”

Race Highlights Lucky Harvester took two of the three heats in the two-year-old class for driver Joe O’Brien and his father Harry as owner. June Morning proved the best of the four-year-olds with a remarkable mile of 2:15 considering the track conditions. She also won two of the three heats contested. She went on to race in Maine where she took her record and became the fastest Maritime mare to date. Valley Long , bred by Jack Annear, gave that breeder his first of many successes in the Futurities as he took the three-year-old class with two wins driven by Art Lowery. In a gesture of sportsmanship the top three finishers drew thier horses in the third heat. Personalities Lt. Col. J Parker Hooper served as President of the PEI Harness Racing Club from 1944 through 1950. First nominated as a director in 1942, he quickly made his mark on the Club by promoting changes to the scheduling of payments and the races themselves, in addition to swaying Colonel Dan to add significantly to the purse contribution by the Charlottetown Exhibition. As President he had some strong opinions on breeding and his annual meeting reports became increasingly filled with long commentaries on how to improve the breeding on PEI. His comments were backed up with action when his mare Rosalie Hooper became a double Futurity winner in 1948-49, with Parker himself in the sulky for the first win. A Charlottetown native, he excelled at rugby in addition to racing horses, but his greatest accomplishments came in track and field. Inducted into the PEI Sports Hall Of Fame in 1975, it was said no-one had more powerful drive or greater speed than J. Parker Hooper.

September 12 and 13th 1946 - Charlottetown 4 Year Old Futurity Purse - $602 June Morning (G MacDonald) 1, 2, 1 Prince Budlong 2, 1, 2 Sir Frances Drake 3, 3, 3 Marlene Budlong 4, 5, 4 Dorothy Hal 5, 4, 5 Winning Owner – George MacDonald Times: 2:15, 2:15 ¾, 2:16 ½ 3 Year Old Futurity Purse - $691 Vallie Long (Art Lowery) 1, 1, Dr Tiny Budlong 2, 2, Dr Dudy Budlong 3, 3, Dr Miss Commando 4, 7, 1 Nelda A Volo 5, 5, 2 Daisy Budlong 6, 4, 3 Mona McKane 7, 6, 4 Winning Owner – Alfred Lowery, Montague Times: 2:20 ½ , 2:21, 2:27 ¼ 2 Year Old Futurity Purse - $548 Lucky Harvester (Joe O’Brien) 3, 1, 1 Just A Gift 1, 3, 2 Billy McVay 2, 2 Ola Budlong 4, 4 Marys Delight 5, 5 Quakers Bud 6, 6 Winning Owner – Harry O’Brien, Alberton Times: 2:38, 2:38 ¼, 2:39 ¾

Valley Long with Art Lowery up.

Lt Col J Parker Hooper and his trophies

RAISE A COLT

1947

The Presidents View – Lt. Col. J P Hooper - President “Quite a number of events have taken place this year with two in particular affecting this Club very much. I refer to the death of our Secretary, Mr Fred Wright, one of our charter members. Another founding member, Jack MacPherson also passed away, leaving us in a state of grievous loss. Another change is the management of our Exhibition Association with the retirement of Colonel MacKinnon. This great man has been a pillar of support for Colt Stakes racing and we owe him our gratitude and appreciation. The addition of lights for night racing at the Charlottetown Driving Park and improvements at other Island tracks are good signs for the growth of the sport and more opportunities for Colt racing, as was the introduction of the mobile starting gate for this year’s event ”.

Race Highlights Daisy Budlong swept all three heats in the four-year-old class as owner/driver George MacIntyre captured his second Futurity win. Retas Trinket also went undefeated in her class, winning the two heats for two-year-olds with the Montague combination of Lowery and Annear triumphant for their second trophy in as many years. Billy McVay gave Walter Craig his first Futurity win and it was also a first for owner Temple Hooper, as the colt won two of the three heats for three-year-olds. As a four-year- old he would win another Futurity in record time of 2:12.2 and then, during The Goodwill races, he set a Maritime bred record of 2:09.3 for a four-year-old pacer. Personalities Alfred Lowery was a local legend throughout his horse racing career in his hometown of Montague. He was a meticulous horseman, with an attention to detail that was rewarded by his success as a breeder, owner, trainer and driver. Many of the younger horsemen in the area benefited from working for Lowery and learning their trade from the master. His association with Jack Annear was perhaps the one with the longest lasting benefit as Jack’s son Ralph has carried on the tradition of excellence that Lowery established to the present day. He had thirteen Colt Stakes wins, primarily as a trainer/driver, setting a stakes record with Pearlway. He also bred, and won a two-year-old trotting colt class, with Real Sett.

September 10 - 11th 1947 - Charlottetown 4 Year Old Futurity Purse - $550 Daisy Budlong (George MacIntyre) 1, 1, 1 Dudy Budlong 2, 3, 2 Valley Long 3, 2, 3 Bee Budlong 4, 5, 4 Aubrey Budlong 5, 4, 5 Winning Owner – George MacIntyre Times: 2:15, 2:16.2, 2:16.3 3 Year Old Futurity Purse - $625 Billy McVay (Walter Craig) 1, 1, Dr Ola Budlong 2, 2, 1 Dorothy Won’t Tell 3, 4, 4 Lucky Harvester 4, 3, 3 O K Volo 5, 6, 2 Merle Direct 6, 5, 5 Twilight Melody 7, 7, 6 Winning Owner – Dr Temple Hooper, Charlottetown Times: 2:17.1, 2:18.1, 2:21.2 2 Year Old Futurity Purse - $525 Retas Trinket (Alf Lowery) 1, 1 Rosalie Hooper 2, 2 Miss Cherry Valley 3, 5 Westphal Girl 5, 3 Glib Hanover 4, 4 7 Up Direct 6, 4 Winning Owner – Jack Annear, Montague Times: 2:27.2, 2:29

Billy McVay 2:09.3 with Walter Craig driving

Alfred Lowery with Venita Pearl who finished second to Royal Bank in his record mile in 1951

RAISE A COLT

1948

From The Minutes – W G Gillespie - Secretary “At the Club’s Annual meeting in October considerable discussion took place regarding the future of the two and four-year-old classes. It was moved by George Callbeck, seconded by Harold Dunsmore, that the Club sponsor three-year-old trot and pace Futurities only. Motion carried after a standing vote. At a subsequent meeting on November 26th about 50 members met to consider the continuance of the two and four-year-old classes voted out at the annual meeting. An official meeting of the Club was requested to take place at City Hall in Charlottetown. On December 3rd a motion by Jack Annear, seconded by Frank MacKay to reinstate the races, and to split the two-year-old classes by gait, was successfully passed. ”

Race Highlights All three events were won in straight heats with a four-year-old record set by Billie McVay. Billy McVay swept all three heats in the four-year-old class and set a new record of 2:12.2 with Walter Craig driving. Rosalie Hooper won the three-year-old class, also in a three heat sweep. Allen Jenkins was the breeder of both Billy McVay and Rosalie Hooper and the pair of horses were owned seperately by cousins Temple Hooper and Lt. Col. J P Hooper respectively, a unique first for the Futurities. New Money doubled up with a two heat sweep in the two-year-old Futurity for young breeder/owner/driver Jack McGuigan from Montague. Personalities Jack McGuigan has the distinction of being the oldest winner of a PEI Futurity who is still around to tell about it. By virtue of his win with New Money, a colt he also bred, at the age of sixteen he was the youngest driver in North America to ever win a stakes race and probably still is. Operating a small breeding and training establishment in Montague, a growing centre for breeding and racing, he was part of a talented group of horsemen including Leo Collins, Alfred Lowery, Jack Annear and his son Ralph. New Money gave Jack McGuigan the five minutes of fame that we all strive for and most of us never attain. In many ways he typifies the spirit of the rural roots of the sport that are grounded in the virtues of hard work and perseverance that he himself displayed in his career.

September 8 - 9th 1948 - Charlottetown 4 Year Old Futurity Purse - $533 Billy McVay (Walter Craig) 1, 1, 1 O K Volo 3, 2, 2 Ola Budlong 4, 3, 3 Marys Delight 6, 4, 4 Merle Direct 5, 5, 5 Johnny Kalmuck 8, 7, 6 Maxine Dudds 2, 6 Just A Gift 7, 8 Winning Owner – Dr Temple Hooper, Ch’town Times: 2:12.2 Stakes record, 2:12.4, 2:13.4 3 Year Old Futurity Purse - $521 Rosalie Hooper (Col.J P Hooper) 1, 1, 1 Retas Trinket 2, 2, 2 Lil Frisco 3, 3, 3 Ginger Bread Man 4, 4, 4 Winning Owner – Col. J P Hooper, Ch’town Times: 2:18, 2:19.2, 2:20.2 2 Year Old Futurity Purse - $472 New Money (Jack McGuigan) 1, 1 Little Simco 2, 2 Bingen Budlong 3, 3 Lady Rolo 4, 4 Range Hawk 5, 5 Winning Owner – Jack McGuigan, Montague Times: 2:37.2, 2:48

Jack McGuigan and New Money

RAISE A COLT

1949

The President’s View – Lt Col J P Hooper - President “I believe more interest was shown in our Colt Stakes this year than ever before. I base my opinion on the response by the public in wagering $13,000 on the evening and the number of spectators far exceeded our expectations. In addition our government and Premier Walter Jones, recognizing the value of our industry, was pleased to provide a grant of $1,000 towards our purses which was much appreciated. Today horse racing is big business both from a Government and a spectator standpoint and it is time a racing commission was appointed to look after and control the sport. We have the best pigs in the world, disease free cattle and why not the cleanest and best racing? As time marches on we must sadly mention the loss of Lloyd O’Brien, a horseman and gentleman in his prime, who met a tragic death in the United States.” Race Highlights Rosalie Hooper won the four-year-old class with a sweep of all three heats and a stakes record giving Walter Craig a third consecutive Futurity win. Kay Cash had the best summary in the three-year-old trot division while Allen Mac took the pacing division in a three heat sweep. Peter Clegg captured the two-year-old pacing class to complete a driving double on the day for Clarence Schuman while Real Sett and Tyndall Semple, the horse, waged an exciting trotting battle, separated by a head, in the deciding third heat with Real Sett the winner. Personalities Edgar Franklin (Duck) Acorn never bred or owned a colt but his influence on the growth of Colt racing on PEI is immeasurable. From his early days in the 1940’s as starter and classifier at the Charlottetown Driving Park to his role as part owner, program director and announcer at the City oval he supported the PEI Harness Racing Club in many different ways. He became a member in the late thirties and although he never acted as director or held any position he could be counted on to bring a voice of support at the annual meetings. The “Duck Acorn” stake was conceived by Acorn to support Colt racing on PEI. He was voted an honorary Director of the PEI Colt Stakes in 1983. The legacy of his leadership is evident in many areas but most notably in his dedication to harness racing.

September 16th 1949 - Charlottetown 4 Year Old Futurity Purse - $400 Rosalie Hooper (Walter Craig) 1, 1, 1 Lil Frisco 3, 2, 2 Yankee Dale 2, 3, 3 Belle Budlong 4, 4, 4 Hyland Budlong 5, 5, 5 Lustys Queen 6, 6, Dr Winning Owner – Col. J P Hooper, Ch’town Times 2:17.2, 2:15 Stakes Record, 2:19 3 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $521 Allen Mac (Clarence Schuman) 1, 1, 1 Just Brenda 2, 3, 2 Nova G 3, 2, 3 New Money 4, 4, 4 Diana Girl 6, 5, 5 Bingen Budlong 5, 7, 7 Bruce Budlong 7, 6, 6 Winning Owner – Lorne McFarlane, Summerside Times 2:21.1, 2:19.2, 2:20 3 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $521 Kay Cash (Elmer J Newson) 2, 1, 1 Little Simcoe 1, 3, 4 Milldale 4, 2, 3 Range Hawk 6, 5, 2 Money Adds 3, 6, 6 Willard Dale 5, 4, 5 April Bud 7, Dr Winning Owner – Elmer J Newson, Summerside 2:32.3, 2:31, 2:30 2 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $400 Peter Clegg (Clarence Schuman) 1, 1 Lindy H 5, 2 Billy Budlong 2, 5 Lady Hoosier 4, 3 Propane 3, 4 Miss Lady May 6, 6 Laura Budlong 7, Dr Winning Owner – George Brookins, Kensington Times 2:35.4, 2:30.2 2 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $400 Real Sett (Alf Lowery) 2, 1, 1 Tyndall Semple 1, 2, 2 Tom Stuart 3, 3 Winning Owner – Alf Lowery, Montague Times 2:32, 2:30, 2:33.2

Frank “Duck” Acorn was a member of the ownership group at the Charlottetown Driving Park fifty years ago when the Gold Cup and Saucer race was first run. We share an anniversary year with that prestigious race in 2009

RAISE A COLT

1950

The President’s View – Dr R F Seaman – Vice President “I make this report on behalf of our late President Lt Col J P Hooper, whose passing has left our club and harness racing generally with a great loss. In addition we have suffered the loss of Milton Bell, James Collier and H H Horne. With the growth of our stakes program there are four matters that were of concern to our late President that require our attention. Firstly the different classes to be raced, secondly, the number of starters necessary to race, thirdly, the amount of money to be added by the Club to the purses and fourthly, the method of dividing this money amongst the classes. This year we had a record entry requiring six classes and seventeen heats.

Race Highlights Nova G was the winner of the four-year-old pacing division with Waldy Carroll up for Halifax owner Cyril Dauphinee. Mildale won the trot division and became the first Futurity winner whose dam was also a Futurity winner. He was bred by Willard Kelly. Tyndall Semple set a new stakes record in the three-year-old trot division with his namesake driving in yet another unique Futurity event while the pacing division went to Abner The Great with George Sobey collecting his first driving win. All Budlong won the two-year-old trot winning two of three heats and Waldy Carroll completed a driving double by winning the two-year-old pace with Gallant Bobby for owner C L Dauphinee of Halifax making it also a double victory by an owner on the day. Abner The Great swept all three heats of the three-year-old pace for George Sobey driving in his first win in the Futurities. Personalities Dr R F Seaman was President of the Club for the last seven years of heat racing. While he was unsuccessful in winning a Futurity himself, his son Donald won with Just Bettys Mark in 1956, the last year of his Presidency. Donald would claim another win with Brewers Pride sweeping a double dash event in 1959. Dr Seaman’s contribution to the ongoing development and growth of the Colt Stakes program on PEI, however, far outweighed his lack of success on the track, as his quiet and professional manner did much to establish the positive relationship with the Government of the day that has continued to the present.

September 13th 1950 - Charlottetown 4 Year Old Pace Futurity – Purse - $575 Nova G (Waldy Carroll) 1, 1, 1 Just Brenda 2, 2, 4 New Money 5, 3, 2 Lanadale 3, 4, 3 Winning Owner – C L Dauphinee, Halifax Times 2:15.4, 2:19.3, 2:20 4 Year Old Trot Futurity – Purse - $410 Mildale (Willard Kelly) 1, 1, 1 Little Simco 2, 3, 3 Willard Dale 3, 2, 4 Money Adds 4, 4, 2 Winning Owner – Willard Kelly, Charlottetown Times 2:35, 2:35.1, 2:31.3 3 Year Old Pace Futurity – Purse - $700 Abner The Great (George Sobey) 1, 1, 1 Miss Lady May 2, 3, 2 Billy Budlong 3, 2, 3 Freddie Scott 4, 5, 6 Winning Owner – James Haffell, Summerside Times 2:20, 2:22, 2:22.3 3 Year Old Trot Futurity – Purse - $450 Tyndall Semple (Tyndall Semple) 1, 1, 1 Real Sett 2, 2, 2 Judy A Lee 3, 3, 3 Buds Echo 5, 4, 4 Winning Owner – George Woodside, Malpeque Times 2:20, Stakes record, 2:20, 2:23 2 Year Old Pace Futurity – Purse - $400 Gallant Bobby (Waldy Carroll) 1, 1 Julie Clegg 2, 2 Bison 3, 6 Penny Royal 7, 3 Bonnies Money 4, 4 Winning Owner – C L Dauphinee, Halifax Times 2:31.3, 2:32 2 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $400 All Budlong (Randall MacDonald) 2, 1, 1 Pepper Boy 1, 2, 2 Gertie S 3, 4 Jackies Pride 4, 3 Winning Owner – R MacDonald, Milltown Cross Times 2:40.1, 2:45.2, 2:41

Dr R F Seaman

RAISE A COLT

1951

The President’s View – Dr R F Seaman – President “A number of members have once again raised the question of our support for four-year-old racing. I trust this matter will be settled finally at our annual meeting. While the attendance at our races was not up to expectations, the racing was certainly good and the track and weather excellent. In view of our new agreement with the Exhibition to lease the track and provide for the officials, the conduct of the races over two days, to accommodate what turned out to be seventeen heats of racing, was a considerable job and we must thank all of the volunteers who made it possible and particularly Mr. W R Godfrey for donating the photo finish and public address services. The mid week dates of Tuesday and Wednesday did not help the crowds and adversely affected the gate admissions which the Exhibition had agreed to allow us in lieu of their previous purse support.”

Race Highlights Tyndall Semple scored a repeat Futurity win with a two win out of three heat triumph in the four-year-old trot with his owner George Woodside driving. Dr J A highlighted the three-year-old divisions with a stakes record in winning all three heats in his division. Royal Bank lopped over a second off the two-year-old pacing record in a two heat sweep of the pacing division. The two-year-old trot also produced a sweep of both heats by New Forest driven by Len O’Meara for Mrs James (Ma) Poulton. This was a first in the Colt Stakes for a woman as owner and breeder. Personalities George Sobey started his Colt Stakes winning streak as a driver with wins in 1950, 52, 53 and 54 including Janet Clegg and Doctor F C, both of which he bred. Doctor F C came back in 1955 to win again for new owner Ralph MacFadyen. It was to be another eleven years until Doc Price, a horse Sobey bred, owned and drove, would win the four-year-old pace in stakes record time. That win would prove to be George’s last in the Colt Stakes. His son, Dale, would win three times, once with St Catherines in a Colt Stakes record in 1984, and twice with Tom Boy Knight for the father and son owners Leith and Wayne Clark of Summerside.

September 12 and 13th 1951 - Charlottetown 4 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $600 Tyndall Semple (George Woodside) 2, 1, 1 Tartan 1, 3, 3 Real Sett 3, 2, 2 Winning Owner – George Woodside, Malpeque Times –2:18.3, 2:16.4, 2:16.4 4 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $600 Abner The Great (George Sobey) 1, 1, 1 Lindy H 3, 2, 5 Billy Budlong 5, 4, 2 Freddie Scott 2, 6, 4 Kitty McKay 4, 3, 3 Winning Owner – James Heffell, Summerside Times – 2:17.3, 2:14.3, 2:13 3 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $600 Dr J A (Ray O’Brien) 1, 1, 1 Gallant Bobby 2, 2, 2 Mona Clegg 3, 3, 3 Winning Owner – J A Donohue, NS Times – 2:12.2 Stakes Record, 2:12.4, 2:15 3 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $600 Jackies Pride (David Pound) 1, 1, 3 Frisco The Great 2, 3, 1 Pals Irene 3, 2, 2 Winning Owner – David Pound, Charlottetown Times – 2:22.2, 2:22.3, 2:22.3 2 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $600 Royal Bank (Hugh Harrison) 1, 1 Money Royal 2, 3 Venita Pearl 4, 2 Hoosier Moon 3, 4 Winning Owner – Frank Ryder, Moncton, NB Times: 2:20.2, 2:19.1 Stakes Record 2 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $600 New Forest (Len O’Meara) 1, 1 Air Lift 2, 3 Sandys Squire 3, 2 Winning Owner – Mrs James Poulton, Charlottetown Times – 2:33.2, 2:34.2

Jackies Pride and David Pound

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1952 The President’s View – Dr R F Seaman – President “According to the racing fans the program this year was the most successful meet we have had the priviledge of staging. While it is true that no records were broken nor the fields large, the racing in each class was close. The favorites were shoved aside and every heat was in doubt right to the wire. The weather was perfect and the crowd large. As you remember last year we decided to drop the four-year-old races. Consequently this year the nominations were down considerably and again I have been requested to reconsider to offer four year old racing for trotters only. It is felt by many that the trotter comes slower to its gait and does not develop its racing ability as quickly as a pacer.” Race Highlights Ginger Worthy took the three-year-old trotting division winning two of three heats for owner-driver George MacDonald. Just Rita came close to the record for three- year-old fillies in winning the pacing division in 2:15.3 and winning all three heats. Flicka McElwyn bested the colts in taking the two-year-old pacing class to complete a driving double, comprised of five winning heats, for George Sobey on the day. Robert Lee swept the two-year-old trot in two heats for a second straight Futurity win in this class for the combination of Len O’Meara driving for owner Mrs James Poulton. Personalities Mrs James (Ma) Poulton was the matriarch of an extended harness racing family and she was the first woman owner/breeder to win a Colt Stakes race. She won the two-year-old trot in consecutive years with New Forest in 1951 and Robert Lee in 1952, both times with Len O’Meara driving. Her son Harry, as owner and driver, won the two-year-old trot class again two years later with Jolly Dick. Harry’s brother Oliver was the father of Harry Poulton Jr, trainer of World Champion On The Road Again. Harry also had two of his sons that made their mark in the Colt Stakes. Alan won in record time with Race Time Robbi in 1981 while Vince was in the bike the same year for a Colt Stakes record win with Moldaus Boy. This was a unique first in Colt Stakes history.

September 13th 1952 - Charlottetown 3 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $500 Just Rita (G Sobey) 1, 1, 1 Royal Bank 2, 2, 2 Vernita Pearl 3, 3, 4 Money Royal 4, 4, 3 Pink 5, 5, 6 Ruby Dale 7, 7, 5 Abner McGraw 6, 6 Winning Owner – James O’Brien, Elmsdale Times – 2:15.3, 2:15.4, 2:15.4 3 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $500 Ginger Worthy (G MacDonald) 2, 1, 1 New Forest 1, 3, 3 Tara Little Dale 3, 2, 3 Sandys Squire 4, 4, 5 Pal Reynolds 5, 5, 4 Winning Owner – George MacDonald, Mermaid Times – 2:29.3, 2:25.3, 2:20.3 2 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $500 Flicka McElwyn (G Sobey) 1, 1 Bell Hop 2, 2 Ethel M 3, 4 Edgar D 4, 3 Bob Clegg 5, 6 Roy Harvester 6, 5 Winning Owner – W E Monaghan, Alberton Times – 2:25, 2:25 2 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $500 Robert Lee (L O’Meara) 1, 1 Just A Squire 2, 2 Lakeburn 3, 3 Skimo 4, 4 Winning Owner – Mrs James Poulton, Ch’town Times – 2:44.2, 2:48

Mrs James Poulton (center) receives the trophy for her trotting colt Jolly Dick driven by son Harry.

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1953

The President’s View – Dr R F Seaman – President “Yet another one of our founding members has passed away with the death of Willard Kelly, a charter member since its inception twenty years ago and a past President between 1939 and 1944. He is missed and will be for a long time. We also note with regret the passing of Tom Rogers and Al Carver. The purses this year of $3,500 were the largest on record thanks to the generous contribution of $1200 from the Summerside Raceway who hosted our stake races this year for the first time ever. Horsemen responded by producing two Colt Stakes records and a Maritime record. These performances are remarkable and show that our colts are getting better every year in no small part due to the Colt Stakes programs put on by our Club and now by the Provincial Exhibition as they sponsored stakes for two and three-year-olds.” Race Highlights Ginger Worthy was a repeat winner in taking the four-year-old stake this year in two of three heats for owner/breeder George MacDonald. Jerrys Nightmare set a Colt Stakes and Maritime record in sweeping all three heats of the three-year-old pace with a time of 2:12.2. Janet Clegg set a two-year-old filly pacing record for owner, breeder and driver George Sobey winning both heats of that class. Royal Train owned by Dr Preston MacIntyre of Montague swept the two-year-old trot in two heats. Personalities Dr Preston MacIntyre was one of three sons of Dr John D MacIntyre, an original patron of the Charlottetown Driving Park when it was founded in 1888. His two brothers, Heath and George were both drivers and later became judges at the CDP. Preston was a physician who practised in the horse-racing hotbed of Montague. He loved a good trotter and whenever he could, he would take one on his rounds as a country doctor. Royal Train was his only Colt Stakes winner but he bred and owned him as he won at two and three and also owned his dam Eva Worthy as well as her pacing son Here Am I that campaigned successfully in the Maritimes. Preston was an avid supporter of Colt Stakes racing and, as a director of the Club for several years he was an example of sportsmanship and fair play.

September 1953 - Summerside 4 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $700 Ginger Worthy (George MacDonald) 1, 2, 1 Miss Palli 2, 1, 2 Tara Littledale 3, 3, 3 Winning Owner – George MacDonald, Mermaid Times: 2:19, 2:20, 2:18 3 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $700 Jerrys Nightmare (Earle Semple) 1, 1, 1 Flicka McElwyn 2, 4, 2 Bob Clegg 5, 3, 3 Captain Morgan 3, 5, 5 Winning Owner – James O’Brien, Elmsdale Times: 2:15.2, 2:13.2, 2:12.2 Stakes record. 3 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $700 Play Safe (J Andrew) 1, 1, 3 Just A Squire 3, 3, 1 Judy Federal 2, 4, 2 Winning Owner – Dawson & Bell, Summerside Times: 2:31, 2:27, 2:28.3 2 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $700 Janet Clegg (George Sobey) 1, 1 Premier J Walter 2, 2 Chevie G 3, 3 Winning Owner - George Sobey, Summerside Times: 2:18.3, 2:18.1 Stakes Record 2 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $700 Royal Train (C Llewellyn) 1, 1 Joppa Maid 2, 2 Lauras Princess 3, 4 Sarah J 4, 3 Winning Owner – Dr Preston MacIntyre, Montague Times – 2:31, 2:35

Royal Train and Junior Chappell

The first photo finish on PEI was at the Montague track. Dr Preston MacIntyre tests out the photo board with his pacer Here Am I, a half brother to Royal Train

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1954

The President’s View – Dr R F Seaman – President “Total purses amounted to $3,000 for the stakes races held again in Summerside this year on September 25th and 26th, their tender of $1,000 being the highest received. A total of 34 horses made up the five classes which were keenly contested including another stakes record performance. I would like to thank the following Summerside merchants for the trophies donated to the winners: Maurice Hill Clothing, Harbour View Cabins, MacQuarries Drycleaning, Canadian Tire, MacDonald Dodge and Desota, and to Col Dan MacKinnon for the fine tray for the four-year-old trot. Once more we take note of our departed members as we say farewell to Percy Down, James Arbing and George Thompson.” Race Highlights Lakeburn trotted the best mile in winning two of three heats of the four-year-old trot. New Brunswick owner Milton Downey shared his first Futurity win. Doctor F C paced under 2:20 in the two-year-old pace making this the third year in the last four that this barrier has been broken. Jolly Dick swept the two-year-old trot for first time winner Harry Poulton, son of the legendary Ma Poulton, to make it three two-year-old trot winners in five years for the Poulton family. Royal Train repeated as a Colt Stakes winner and matched the stakes record for three-year-old trotting colts as he took two of the three heats in that class with Leo Collins driving for owner Dr Preston MacIntyre. Personalities George Brookins farmed in Kensington and like many in the area kept a few broodmares. From his small band he nevertheless produced more than his share of stakes winners. There were five to be exact in the early 50’s, including his first with Peter Clegg then with Jolly Bruce, Bruces Sister and the repeat winner New Idea that was undefeated in six heats of Colt Stakes trotting action at two and three. New Idea was sold to George Henderson of Quebec in a deal brokered by H B Willis. He ended up with a record of 2:08 in an era when a 2:10 trotter was a rarity. George’s interest in racing carried over to his son, also called George, himself a long time owner primarily of aged racehorses.

September 25 and 26th 1954 - Summerside 4 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $600 Lakeburn (J Aitkens) 2, 1, 1 Winning Owners – Aitkens & Downey, NB Best time – 2:18 3 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $600 Bruces Sister (Don MacNeill) 1, 1, 1 Winning Owner – George Brookins, Kensington Best time – 2:13.3 3 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $600 Royal Train (Leo Collins) 1, 1, 2 Joppa Maid 3, 2, 1 Sara J 2, 3, 3 Winning Owner – Dr P MacIntyre, Ch’town Times – 2:24.3, 2:20 Tied stakes record, 2:19.2 2 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $600 Doctor F C (George Sobey) 1, 1 Winning Owner – R MacFadyen, Hunter River Times – 2:19.1, 2:20.2 2 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $600 Jolly Dick (Harry Poulton) 1, 1 Winning Owner – Harry Poulton, Charlottetown Best time – 2:38.1

George Brookins and Bruces Sister driven by Don MacNeill

George Brookins and Christie Budlong

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1955

The President’s View – Dr R F Seaman – President “We returned to the Charlottetown Driving Park this year as their tender was the best received. The races took place on September 7th and the Exhibition Association graciously admitted all ladies free of charge. Once again silver trays were sponsored by various merchants including Justamere Stable, the Victoria Driving Club, the Rendezvous Restaurant, Jackie Williams in memory of his father, J R Williams, and by Colonel Dan again for the four-year-old trot. This past year has seen a large number of our members pass away among whom were such stalwarts as Dr Dougan, Johnny Williams, Jack Ladner, Ernie Murphy, Alex Agnew and Bobby Gregory. They will all be missed.” Race Highlights Joppa Maid won the four-year-old trot in three straight heats for breeder owner Dr George Bishop, a resident of Kentucky. Doctor F C set a stakes record in the three-year-old pace and was a repeat Colt Stakes winner this time driven by his owner Ralph MacFadyen. New Idea with Don MacNeill driving swept three heats to win the three-year-old trot class and add another Futurity win and trophy to George Brookin’s growing collection as owner and breeder. The time tied the stakes record. Personalities Dr George Bishop was born and raised in Kentucky where he developed a veterinary practice and bred a few mares on the side. A trip to PEI convinced him that there was an opportunity here to develop a breeding operation that he could operate on his annual summer visits. His farm on the Brackley Point Road soon became established as one of the best on the Island. Bringing in mares from Kentucky and standing several sires such as Pack Trip, Kings Island and Darn Good Pick, he did as much as anyone to improve the bloodlines of Island trotting and produced three stakes record holders. As a breeder he had fifteen Colt Stakes winners to his credit, third best in the history of the Association, and all with trotters, eight of which he owned himself including the Champion mare Rash Statement who was a double winner and another Maritime Champion in Exit Smiling. He sold several others at the annual sale including record holders Pack Baron and Lucktows Flame

September 7th 1955 - Charlottetown 4 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $500 Joppa Maid (Elwood Shaw) 1, 1, 1 Sara J 2, 2, 2 Ima Hoosier 3, 3, 3 Golden Reynolds 4, 4, 4 Winning Owner – Dr George Bishop, KY Times: 2:16.3, 2:18.2, 2:20 3 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $500 Doctor F C (Ralph MacFadyen) 1, 1, 1 Jinny Budlong 7, 2, 2 Jollity George 2, 3, 3 Jollity Leigh 3, 5, 4 Winning Owner – R MacFadyen, Hunter River Times: 2:11.1 Stakes record, 2:12, 2:12.2 3 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $500 New Idea (Don MacNeill) 1, 1, 1 A R Mac 2, 2, 2 My Heroine 3, 3, 3 Winning Owner – George Brookins, Kensington Times: 2:30, 2:30.1, 2:36.2 2 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $500 Just Bettys Mark (George Callbeck) 2, 1 Ann McGee 1, 2 Helens Dream 3, 4 Barries Breeze 4, 3 Winning Owner – Mrs D Seaman, Charlottetown Best time – 2:22.3 2 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $500 Ruthies First (J Collins) 1, 1 Cheeky Dude 2, 2 Colonel Argot 3, 3 Sandy Reynolds 4, 4 Winning Owner – James Shaw, Montague Times: 2:33.2, 2:28.4

Just Bettys Mark with George Callbeck up

Dr George Bishop

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1956

The President’s View – Dr R F Seaman – President “At the annual meeting it was proposed that we should change the format for the two and three-year-old races to best summary for two dashes. This was unanimously agreed to. We also intend to encourage the Exhibition Association to program more races for young horses, as curtain raisers if need be. Thirty-one horses went to the gate this year in five classes for total purses of $2,500”. Race Highlights New Idea was a repeat Futurity winner when he won the four-year-old trot in three straight heats for new owner George Henderson of Quebec. Just Bettys Mark won two out of three heats in the three-year-old pacing class and took a new record of 2:12 for driver Don Seaman’s first Futurity win. Blue Cheer set a stakes record for two-year-old pacing fillies for her New Brunswick connections, then tied it in her second heat. Miss Russell won the three-year-old trot to give Walter Simmons of Summerside his first Colt Stakes win as a driver and co-owner. Palacona set a Maritime Bred and stakes record for two-year-old trotters when she swept her class and trotted in 2:19.4 for Elmer Newson as owner and driver. She was bred by Robert Banks of Summerside and bought by H B Willis and George Henderson to race in Ontario where she took her record of 2:05.2h and earned over $66,000. Personalities Walter Simmons of Summerside drove his first race at the age of fifteen and seventy years later can remember that day and also his first win as a co-owner in the Futurity with Miss Russell in 1956. In 2008 he would win his most recent Island Colt Stake with a filly optimistically called Island Quick Cash. In the interim years he has been a strong supporter of Colt Stakes racing and has regularly been a buyer at the annual PEI yearling sale, sharing ownership on Colt stakes winners Woodmere Lofty and stakes record-setting Woodmere Jet. Over the years Walter estimates he has owned all or part of over 100 horses starting with the trotter Ruby Volo, a mare he drove to hockey rinks all over Prince County in his youth, and the mare he first drove in a race at Charlottetown.

September 8th 1956 - Charlottetown 4 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $500 New Idea (Don MacNeill) 1, 1, 1 My Heroine 2, 2, 2 A R Mac 3, 3, 3 Otto Todd 4, 4, 4 Winning Owner – George Henderson, PQ Times: 2:18.2, 2:25.1, 2:27.4 3 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $500 Just Bettys Mark (Don Seaman) 1, 1, Dr Helens Dream 3, 3, 1 Nellie Blighty 2, 2, 6 Mayhews Pick 4, 6, 2 Reva Belle 9, 4, 4 Winning Owner – Mrs D Seaman, Charlottetown Times: 2:12, 2:15.2, 2:27.2 3 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $500 Miss Russell (W Simmons) 1, 3, 1 Ray K 3, 1, 2 Colonel Argot 2, 4, 4 Brias Scott 4, 2, 3 Winning Owner – W&L Simmons, Summerside Times: 2:28.1, 2:31.3, 2:41 2 Year Old Pace Futurity Purse - $500 Blue Cheer (J Campbell) 1, 1 Jolly Bruce 2, 3 Arabian Night 3, 2 Jean Clegg 4, 4 Cymar 5, 5 Winning Owner – Campbell & Roberts, NB Times: 2:18.2 Stakes record, 2:18.2 2 Year Old Trot Futurity Purse - $500 Palacona (E Newson) 1, 1 Lady Lakeburn 2, 2 Miss Cyclonic 3, 3 Make Time 4, 4 Annie Rooney 5, 5 Winning Owner – Elmer Newson, Summerside Times: 2:19.4 Stakes and Maritime record, 2:23.4

Walter Simmons