Modern era's greatest racehorses: Cam Fella

Cam Fella, a bay pacing horse born on May 14, 1979, was bred by Wilfred Cameron in Washington, Pennsylvania. His lineage included his sire Most Happy Fella and his dam Nan Cam by Bret Hanover. Trained and initially driven by Doug Arthur and later by Pat Crowe, Cam Fella became a name synonymous with excellence in the racing world, earning the affectionate nickname "The Pacing Machine." His journey from a promising young horse to a legendary figure in harness racing is a tale of remarkable achievements and enduring influence.

Early Career and Rising Fame

Cam Fella's racing career commenced in 1981 as a two-year-old, where he managed to win three out of eleven starts. Despite these modest beginnings, his potential was evident, leading to his sale to Norm Clements and Norm Faulkner for $140,000 after securing victory in the Valedictory series final. That year, he earned $17,588, setting the stage for a meteoric rise in the years to come.

The turning point in Cam Fella's career came in 1982, a year that saw him dominate the racing scene with 28 wins out of 33 starts. His victories included prestigious events such as the Cane Pace, Messenger Stakes, Confederation Cup, Queen City Pace, New Faces, Hopeful, and Prix d'Été. His stellar performance earned him the title of Horse of the Year in both Canada and the United States. Notably, he clinched the Canadian Pacing Triple Crown and set a track record for three-year-olds during the Messenger Stakes. His success extended to various other significant races, making 1982 a landmark year in his racing career.

Dominance in the Racing World

In 1983, Cam Fella's dominance continued unabated. He secured victories in major races like the World Cup series, Graduate and Driscoll Finals, Canadian Pacing Derby, American National, Stewart Fraser Memorial, Frank Ryan Memorial, Blue Bonnets Challenge, Gold Cup, and all three legs of the U.S. Pacing Championship. During the World Cup series at The Meadowlands, he won the final leg with a two-length lead on a wet track, demonstrating his exceptional ability to perform under varied conditions.

His winning streak in 1983 extended to 28 consecutive races, a record that underscored his consistency and prowess. He broke track records at multiple venues, including Sportsman's Park and Roosevelt Raceway. By the end of the year, Cam Fella had won 30 of 36 starts, solidifying his status as a racing legend. His final race at Greenwood Raceway in Toronto marked the culmination of an illustrious career, drawing large crowds and enthusiastic support from fans.

A Stellar Stud Career

Retiring from racing, Cam Fella transitioned to a breeding career in 1984, standing at Dreamaire Stud and Stonegate Farm in New Jersey. Despite being a ridgling with only one descended testicle, he proved to be an outstanding sire. He sired 1,002 foals, who collectively earned over $106.7 million in prize money. His offspring included notable names such as Presidential Ball, Precious Bunny, Cam's Card Shark, Camtastic, and Goalie Jeff, all of whom made significant impacts on the racing scene.

Cam Fella's legacy as a sire was further cemented by the achievements of his descendants, including Eternal Camnation, Village Connection, Village Jiffy, Cambest (the fastest Standardbred of all time with a record of 4,T1:46.1), Ellamony, Carlsbad Cam, Pacific Fella, Armbro Operative, and Camluck. His influence extended through multiple generations, with his son Camluck and grandson Bettor's Delight also becoming leading sires in their own right. Cam Fella was the top sire in North America in 1993 and 1995, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.

Final Years and Legacy

Cam Fella's breeding career was cut short in 1996 due to testicular cancer, which led to his gelding. He then retired to the Kentucky Horse Park's Hall of Champions, where he lived out his final years as a beloved representative of the Standardbred breed. He continued to draw large crowds and raise money for charity through public appearances, maintaining his status as a cherished figure in the racing community.

Cam Fella passed away on May 9, 2001, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in the world of harness racing. His contributions to the sport are commemorated through various honours, including his induction into both the Canadian Harness Racing Hall of Fame and the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame. A street in Toronto near the former Greenwood Raceway has been named "Cam Fella Lane" in his honour, serving as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary career.

Cam Fella's story is one of unparalleled success, from his early days as a promising young racehorse to his transformation into a legendary sire. His record-setting performances and the achievements of his progeny have left an indelible mark on the sport of harness racing, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.