Last Comment: March 18, 2021 10:43 am ET | 7 Comment(s) | Jump to Comments
In this week's Rewind Robert Smith recalls the career of a great trotting gelding from yesteryear named Homestead Dan and how he helped advance the careers and the lives of both his owner and long time trainer-driver. I am pleased to have some good pictures and first hand information to assist in putting this story together.
An artist's rendering shows Homestead Dan, the champion trotting gelding in motion at Montreal's Blue Bonnets track in 1958 with his trainer and driver Jack Gordon in the sulky
The long and colourful history of Canadian harness racing does not belong to a precious few. It might be likened to a huge patchwork quilt with each tiny square added by a separate person or family. From the smallest deed to the exploits of the world champions, everyone who ever raised, raced or owned a horse has contributed in some way. My story today is about a couple of fellows who were about to leave a pretty indelible mark in the sport that would be around for "quite a spell" as the old saying goes.