Loading...
Clinton News-Record, 1977-02-03, Page 6. PAGE 6—CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3f 1977 , Ramblings from the races Frank MacDonald veteran horseman By Lois Gibbings Frank MacDonald of Erie St. in Clinton has successfully combined a harness racing career With a plumbing and heating business. Since his first win with Barby Grattan p,3,2:12 by Steinway Grattan -Linda G.L. in 1955, Frank has trained and driven many horses. Originally his interest was in `saddle horses, because at that time the Goderich Saddle Club was very strong. He started .grooming harness horses ' for the late Reg. McGee about this time also. While in Toronto with the Peter Eisenbach Stable of Grand Bend in 1957, Frank was, involved in a spill with Billy Steinway, a three-year-- old brother of Barby Grattan, and he returned to his home in Goderich. These horses were owned by Wm, Leitch of Goderich. He raised Terry Mac, by Steinway Grattan -Linda G.L. who was a winner of the $1,000 three-year-old stake at Goderich • in 1960, defeating, among others, Neil McRanns' Adiodale. In the summer of 1962, . Frank and Isabel, with their three children, Terry, Judi and Nancy moved to Clinton. Terry Mac also moved to his new•home at the Clinton Race Barn. At that time'he was the only horse in the barn. When Frank sold him to Orwell Morrissey in 1963 he had won 15 races for him. By this time, he was training Rhythm Brooke C by Smash Hit -Myrtle Brook, for Charles Brandon of Clinton. From 1964-1968 she raced 149 times, having 21 wins, 31 . seconds and 26 thirds and took a record of p, 2:08.2. He also raised another colt in 1965, Judy's Mighty Mac, by Glenford-Lynn Dale. He won 10 races, had 19 seconds and finished third 14 times from 1965-1970 before he sold him to the Darnell family. In 1969, Alan Dale, a three- year-old gelding ' by Poplar Volo -Sadie Bars by Victory Bars, owned by Fred (Pete) Fowler of Londesboro, but trained and driven by Frank, went to Hanover on May 24 and won his qualifying` race. On June 7• he won his first lifetime start in 2:13.1 and again,on June 21 he was first in 2:10.3 at Hanover. His next start was at London where he won again in 2:06.3. He was sold to Paul Fraleigh of London before he raced again and he ended the year with a record of p, 2:05 with eight wins and four seconds from 17 starts. In 1970, Miss Belle Bars a three -year --old sister to Alan Dale, and with same owner trainer and driver quickly became a favourite of the local fans when she won Stake Races at 'Owen Sound,. Peterborough, Belleville and Woodstock and was second at Dresden and Orangeville. This was before the days of the Ontario Sires Stakes and she had to race against the colts too. Some of the good ones she defeated were Pleasant Bay, Trefoil Danny, Selkahalwin, Donna Hal, Sister Time and Jay Quick. In her•firstyear at the races she started 17 times with 10 wins, four seconds one third and two fourths. From 1970-75 she raced 139 times with a standing of 39 wins, 28 seconds and 28 thirds, plus a record of p, 2:04.3 and she retired with earnings of $41,080. Although Miss Belle Bars hasn't raced since 1975; she is still featured on the Western Fair Raceway advertisement over CFPL-TV, where with• her white nylon harness and Frank's orange and yellow jacket, they are still winners every time. Shadow Bars was the next foal of Sadie Bars. He was by Adios Ray and arrived in 1969. From 44 starts for Frank in 19731-1974 he had 13 wins, three seconds.. and 10 thirds, gPetting a record of p, 2:06.1. He was followed in 1970 by Victor Volo another by Poplar Volo -Sadie Bars. He had eight wins, four seconds and 12 thirds for Frank and a record of p, 2:09.1 before being claimed by the High- bury Acres Stable of London. Bucky H. Vole, the 1971 foal of Poplar Volo -Sadie Bars, got a record of 2:14.1 at four years and in 1976 was sold.to Velma J. Baird of Crediton. Along the way Frank has been getting a great deal of help from his daughters Judi, who has her trainer's license and Nancy who has her groom's license. - In 1971, Harwood Heather was a favourite of Judi's when she was training her for J.D. Durnin of Lucknow. Frank won with her in p, "2:13.1. At that time he was also training Darky Marnoch for Lorne Durnin and Joe Foran of Lucknow and in 1971-1972 had five wins with her. During 1970 he took over training The Battin Boy, by Danny Direct -Myrtle Brook, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Harold Jewell and Verne Jewell of Goderich and that year and in 1971 he had nine wins, six seconds and three thirds with him. From 1971- 1973, _Frank drove Astra Blaze to victory 10 times for Harold Gibbings and Ernest Brown of Clinton.. He had 14 wins with Miss Direct Baker, 'owned by Lorne Tyndall 'of Clinton from 1971-1975. In 1970 his first foal of Rhythm Brooke C arrived. She was by Timely Topic and was named Rhythm's Nancy. She got a three-year-old record of 2:12.1 and was later sold tb Dave Muir of Seaforth. Along the way, he has won with the following horses: Jay Lord for Cecil Johnston of Sarnia; he has a record of p, 2:0.1; Harlo Bucky for Harold and Lois Gibbings, who later took a record of p, 2:02.3; Kristie Creed for the Seelster Farms of Lucan, she has gone in p, 2:02.4; Sassy Dee, owned' by Gord and Evelyn Rapson of Holmesville; Timely Pat Jand Carol's Pet for May and Walter Pepper of Clinton; Bonnie Adyn arid., -Topic Time for G.R. NlcEwan of Clinton; Sandy Doo Little for Len Hunter of Clinton; Armbro Napier and Merrywood Dee for Jack Holmes of Clinton. He also broke and trained Dillon Song 2:03.1 for George F. Elliott of Clinton before he went away to race. Others he has driven are About To Be for Hugh and Martha Cook, Timely Marge for Jack and Nancy Holmes, Sandra's Skippy and Pierre Harvester for John Smith of Woodham. Watcher's Pride, owned by David Shamblow of Kirkton won twice last year with Frank driving and he has had a win and a second with her at London already in 1977. At the Clinton race barn this winter, Frank has Nancy's saddle horse Goldie to care for while she is in her first year at the University of Guelph, where she hopes to become a veterinarian. Nancy rode Goldie to parade the horses at Clinton and sometimes at Goderich.. Judi is married to Colin Andrews and living at Goderich. Frank has in training, when he can get near the track, Perfect David a three-year- old bylP,erfect Wave-Kintree, owned.byhimself and Nancy. He also h'as Phone Booth, a two-year-old by Ferric Hanover -Rhythm Brooke C. for Charles Brandon of Clinton. Watch for these two! As well as attending nearly all the races for the horses Frank has trained, his wife Isabel has made all the racing jackets, harness bags, etc. which have been needed over the years. I expect their 7 year old daughter Tracy is patiently waiting for her dad to raise another baby colt which he can name after her. Frank MacDonald of Clinton has. been racing harness horses for --nearly a quarter of a century. Here 1 e is pictured in a winning drive with'1he. speedy Alan Dale in 1969 at London, • " Mustangs to host Kinucks This Friday night, the Clinton Mustangs hope -to play host to the Kincardine Kinucks if the weather lets up. Winter Fun Day planned The Mustangs still hold on to second place in OHA Central Jr. "C" action, trailing on the heels of the Listowel Cyclones. No dates have been set as of yet to replay last weekends two cancelled games _with Walkerton and New Ham- burg. The Mustangs have six home games remaining, three of which were post- poned due to weather. The Mustangs record currently is 22 wins,' seven losses and one tie.' Game time for this Friday night's contest is 8:45 due to the bantam tournament which is being rescheduled to this coming weekend. WOAA final standings byAuthority MIDGET "C" DIVISION On Sunday, February 6, at • GP W L T Parkhill Conservation Area, the Ausable-Bayfield Con- servation Authority is holding a Winter Fun Day, Parkhill Conservation Area has facilities conducive to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and tobogganing. The Activity Barn will be heated and hot drinks will be available. The 1,885 acre multi- purpose area offers fun for the whole family. Look for the ad in all local papers. STOP BOTH DIRECTIONS FORA SCHOOL BUS Minor hockey play-offs start Minor hockey playoffs are scheduled to start this coming week. The biggest problem is where the Clinton teams will play their home games. Their regular home dates are Saturday, but due to the Bantam tournament, there Bruce farmer OMMB head At a special meeting of the Ontario Milk Marketing Board, held in Toronto, 'Kenneth G. McKinnon was elected Chairman of the Board, replacing George .R. McLaughlin who has retired from the Board. J. Grant Smith was elected Vice -Chairman of the Board. Mr. McKinnon represents milk producers in the Counties of Grey, Bruce and Huron, and resides on his dairy farm at Port Elgin. Mr. Smith represents milk producers in the Counties of Oxford, Elgin and Norfolk, and resides on his dairy farm at Burgessville. Advertising... saves you time! CANADIAN ADVERTISING ADVISORY BOARD .ADVERTISING CORRECTION Appearing on Page 3 HURON SHOPPING NEWS Store Hours Should Be Mon. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday --- Saturday _Saturday Sunday • �l wral•�. SINCE 184 ' ORIGINAL OLD MILL AT THE RAILWAY TRACKS IN IBLYTH, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. n are no ,open Saturdays until the 19th of February. The first round of playoffs is to be over with by Feb. 11th. In the midget division Clinton was picked by Wingham and their opening game is scheduled to be played on Feb. 5th in Lucknow at 9:30 p.m. A11 the other Clinton teams - bantam, pee wee, and atom will be playing Mitchell in the first round due to how they finished in the standings or simply for geographical reasons. • • • • r • • • • • • w • r • w • • • Dave Robb PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY • Weddings - Anniversaries Portraits - industrial Team & Group Pictures SEAFORTH 527-0064. H&R Block has seventeen reasons why you should let them prepare your income ..tax return." Reason Number Seven: H & R Block has offices open all year long. Preparing income tax returns is their business and that requires being available to help, whatever time of year that help is needed. You can know that Block will be there. H&R BLOCK THE INCOME 1X PEOPLE 19 VICTORIA ST., it GODERICH Hwy 21 beside Presbyterian Church Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.M. weekdays, 9-5 Saturday Phone 524-8458 ALSO 30. isas c St. Clinton •482.36116 MON.TUES.WEh.THURS. 10 -5:30 -SAT 10.1 .+350 Broadway St.,'I incardin�jetc !. y•. 34.6-.4646 MON.140E5"}\.+/�ED �HURS. 1�!47ur3YWM'Iti 101 Pts. .Durham 19 13 4 2 28 Wingham 17 13 4 0 26 Mitchell 16. 12 4 0 24 Palmerston 13 7 6 0 14 Seaforth 18 5 12 2 12 Harriston 13 4 8 1 9 Clinton 15 1 14 1 3 Bantam Division GP W L T Pts Mitchell 16 15 0 1 31 Seaforth 14 9 3 2 20 Palmerston 15 8 4 3 19 Arthur 16 7 7 2 16 Durham 15 5 9 1 11 Wingham 12 5 - 7 0 10 Harriston 14 1 12 ' 1 3 Clinton 14 1 13 0 2 Pee Wee Division GP W L T Durham 12 11 1 Clinton 13 5 4 Seaforth ' 12 5 5 Palmerston 10 5 4 Arthur 10 4 5 Mitchell 11 3 6 Wingham 10 0 10 Pts 0 23 4 14 2 12 1 11 1 9 2 8 0 .0 Atom Division GP W L T Pts Clinton 9 9 0 0 18 Seaforth 9 7 1 1 15 Durham 9 6 3 0 12 Arthur 9 5 3 1 11 Mitchell 9 4 5 0 8 Palmerston : .:: 8 3 6 0 6 Harriston 9 2 7 Q 4 Wingham 2 0 2 0 0 •�,"iii. .Skaters make evoc, ..Come- hell or High water, yes even blizzards, those skating tigers cat get through! Sheer • determination kept Mrs. Ken Dupee, driver for four skaters, on course to London's Great Lakes Competition beginning Friday Jan.' 28. They left early Friday and returned safely Sunday night-,.. John Beane drove his family down on Sunday Of 700 §katers registered over 500 'actually got to London to skate. Considering the horrible weather • con- ditions that existed, that must be a record to have so many participate. Those skaters competing 'from- the Clinton F.S.C,' and their p'laCcings in their respective classes were Cheryl Beane, seventh; Brenda Dupee', eighth; Margaret , Dupee, eighth; Peggy Jones, eighth; Kim Marsden, third; Karen Schneider, eighth. With changes in scheduled flight times, delays of two hours before their events, this must have been more than their share of frustrations! We were very pleased to have had these several skaters represent us against such heavy odds. Many com- petitors in this type of competition skate daily,which is quite a contrast to the few hours we can offer our skaters: Even to be able to compete with such skaters is an accomplishment in itself. Our thanks go to Mr. and Mrs. Ken Dupee, Mr. and Mrs. John Beane, Mrs. Rioppelle and Mr. Guy Gordon (our pros) for seeing that the skaters got to the right place at the rl6.ht,.iillcto Here 4,t Clinton on Saturda ► sgme'stout hearted little skaters made it to the arena / on foot, to practice in a big lonely arena. Their other hot - so -lucky -sidekicks glowered in dismay at the frightful snowdrifts between them and the arena!, Keep in mind that test day is Wed. Feb. 9 in the Clinton arena. Here's hoping all skaters keep tab on this skating column, for changes in the schedule keep occurring. Thank goodness it's the weatherman to blame. Please note: there will be skating on Sat. Feb. 5, but no figure skating on Sat. Feb. 12 (re- scheduled Bantam hockey tournament.) • - Extra ice time is available for seniors and intermediates beginning, Sunday, Feb. 20, 8:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Please contact Carol Fox, sec't ,and your pro if you are interested. — by Audrey Middleton. Soccer Ass'n has big dance Clinton Minor Soccer Association had ' a packed house as they held their soccer dance at the White Carnation on Sat. Jan. 22. President Lowell Barnes and his staff did a fine job as it was a successful party and it will financially help the young soccer players of Clinton and District in the coming year. Thanks to all who participated. Homeowners Contractors SAVE ENERGY Loose Blown Insulation cellulose fibre - FREE ESTIMATES Phone ,Scott Pearson GODERICH INSULATION 524-6844 (Call Collect) .-111.1 WM AILS !At3 DAYS ONLY ka i. a •1 -' URFEBRUARY 3- SAT.. FEBRUARY Sth1117- -117- troi OFF- 'ERYTHING Wo want to give all of our tustomors d'break, while helping to fight Inflation. So we've slashed everything by 20% In every store In Canada from Jan. 31/77 to Feb. 5/77 Inclusive. Now's the time to get the stereo. C.B. or any of the electronic .products you need. The pore you buy the more you savel (RADIO SHACK EQUIPMENT ONLY. Radio ihaek i int.Ofl ir'i) A nWIRI'UIN rinu'r 1 r, UMW( %( IMI 11 n Home Hardware. AUTHORIZED SALES CENTRE 24 ALBERT TiteET " 482.1023 99, r 4 • i1 • • u.