The historical significance of horse racing in Canada is evident in the passion and longstanding tradition associated with the sport. The fact that the first official race meeting occurred exactly 100 years before the nation's formation highlights the deep-rooted connection between Canadians and horse racing.
The inaugural race had taken place on July 1, 1767. A mare named Modesty won a race for CA$40 on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City. This event marked the first official horse race meet in Canada, showcasing the early establishment of the sport within the country's history.
In 1793, horse racing began in Ontario, specifically in what is now the city of Toronto. A sandy, straight track located on a strip of land in Lake Ontario, which once connected Toronto Island to the mainland, served as the venue for these early races. These informal contests between military personnel and citizens symbolised the growing popularity of horse racing within the province.
Reports also indicate that horse racing took place in garrison towns in the Niagara region as early as 1797. However, it was in the 19th century, specifically after the conclusion of the War of 1812 between British forces in Canada and the Americans, that the sport of horse racing started to gain significant momentum in Ontario.
According to racing historian Lou Cauz, the initial Canadian breed of horses was described as thin and slow-mowing. Cauz attributes a significant improvement in the quality of Canadian horses to another war. He explains that during the American Civil War, many horses were transported to Canada to avoid being used in the cavalry forces of either the Union or the Confederacy, which possibly could have led to their demise. He also states that this flow of American horses, especially from Kentucky and Virginia, played a vital role in enhancing the breeding and quality of Canadian horses. “What has improved our breeding up here is the influx of American horses from Kentucky and Virginia” Cauz mentioned.
Approximately three decades later, Joseph Seagram, the founder of the Seagram alcohol empire, initiated the practice of importing horses from England and introducing English mares to Canada for breeding purposes. “The Canadian-bred horse wasn’t too distinguished until the bloodlines of American bloodstock and English bloodstock improved it,” Cauz said.
Horse racing has long been characterized by a duality. On one hand, it is regarded as a port associated with wealth and prestige, rooted in a cherished history. On the other hand, it has a darker side tied to gambling and a vivid subculture that thrives within the racing community. In fact, this phenomenon has been evident since the earliest days of thoroughbred racing in Canada.
In the early days, when horses were crucial for transportation needs, horse racing was popular and widely embraced. However, this popularity was met with resistance by some authorities. In 1771, the Halifax authorities banned racing, believing it encouraged idleness and immoral gambling among local population. Despite this ban, the allure of mare racing persisted. Consequently, in 1825, the Halifax Turf Club was established marking a significant milestone. The club organized its inaugural meeting, indicating the neverending appeal of the sport and the determination of its enthusiasts to continue its practice.
Ownership of horses held significant status among French Canadians, even if it meant enduring economic hardships. As a result, horse racing gained immense popularity in Lower Canada (Québec) too during the late 18th and 19th centuries. Sporting reports from that time indicate that racing received more attention in newspapers than almost all other sports combined.
The Québec Turf Club was established in 1789, further solidifying the presence of organised horse racing in the region. In 1836, the King's Plate, a prestigious race with a purse of 100 guineas, was first held in Trois-Rivières. Initially, the race was limited to horses bred in Lower Canada, but in 1859, horses from Upper Canada were also allowed to compete.
Throughout its history, the province has been home to numerous Thoroughbred and Standardbred racetracks. According to research conducted by Lou Cauz for the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, a notable development occurred in 1837 when the Upper Canada Turf Club emerged from a series of horse races organized by military officers stationed at Fort York in Toronto. In the same year, the inaugural meeting of the Home District Turf Club, managed by the City of Toronto, took place on an estate located in the Humber Valley area of the city. Remarkably, Toronto alone had 12 racetracks in operation between 1840 and 1955, reflecting the significant presence of horse racing in the city during that period.
In 1875, the downtown track that would eventually become Greenwood Race Track was born. The track’s inaugural meet featured trotting and Thoroughbred races and steeplechasing. Harness racing was discontinued in 1894, but returned in 1954 and remained a fixture at Greenwood to the end.
In August 1881, Colonel Casimir Gzowski organised a meeting in Toronto, bringing together esteemed citizens of the city with the aim of establishing the Ontario Jockey Club. The primary objective of the club was to elevate horse racing from its tarnished reputation and improve the quality of Canadian thoroughbred horses. Colonel Gzowski, serving as the club's first chairman, sought to bring respectability to the sport.
A significant milestone in achieving these goals occurred two years later when the Ontario Jockey Club successfully invited the Governor General at the time, the Marquess of Lorne, and his wife, Princess Louise, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria, to attend the Queen's Plate race. This event led to the Queen's Plate being permanently held in Toronto and helped generate interest among the wealthier segments of Canadian society. Remarkably, it predates the Kentucky Derby by 15 years, solidifying its historical significance in the realm of horse racing. Since its establishment, the Queen's Plate race has maintained a direct connection to the British Royal Family. This tie has persisted throughout its history. Notably, Queen Elizabeth II, who has reigned for 62 years, has personally attended the Queen's Plate on four occasions. Her presence at the event further underscores the significance of the race and highlights its enduring connection to royalty.
In 1891, a horse named Terror Colt, owned by Joseph Seagram, claimed the first of 20 Queen's Plate victories for the Seagram Stables. This marked the beginning of an era dominated by wealthy owners who played a significant role in shaping the sport of horse racing in Canada.
In 1954, the Woodbine Racetrack, situated near Pearson Airport, was officially opened. This moment marked the fulfilment of a vision cherished by E.P. Taylor, a prominent tycoon and breeder. Taylor, who founded the Jockey Club of Canada and owned Windfields Farm in Oshawa, Ontario, played a pivotal role in the development of Canadian horse racing. Windfields Farm notably produced Northern Dancer, widely regarded as the greatest Canadian Thoroughbred and one of the most exceptional horses in the history of the sport worldwide. In addition to the contributions of Taylor, other influential figures and notable horses have emerged from Ontario's racing scene. Jockey Sandy Hawley, as well as Ernie Samuel of Sam-Son Farm, have made significant impacts. Furthermore, horses like Bunty Lawless, Dance Smartly, George Royal, La Prevoyante, and Inferno have achieved great success, further enriching the legacy of Thoroughbred racing in Ontario. This is just a small selection of the many remarkable individuals and horses that have left their mark on the sport.
Ontario is widely recognised as a haven for Standardbred racing, often considered one of the premier regions worldwide for both trotters and pacers. The province's prominence in Standardbred racing surpasses, if not exceeds, its standing in other equestrian disciplines. There are numerous Standardbred icons with strong connections to Ontario.
Among them is the pacing sensation Somebeachsomewhere, whose achievements have earned him legendary status. Additionally, Armstrong Bros. Farm, a renowned breeding operation, has made significant contributions to the Standardbred industry. Trainers Ben White and Bob McIntosh, as well as drivers Keith and Ron Waples, have also left their mark on the sport.
Notable Standardbred horses associated with Ontario include the pacing superstar Cam Fella, the influential trotting sire Balanced Image, and the pacing stallion Camluck. Moreover, John Campbell, widely regarded as the highest-earning driver in the sport, has amassed an impressive career purse earnings total of CA$285 million, ranking him fourth on the all-time list in North America when compared to jockeys. While Quarter Horse racing is primarily held at Ajax Downs and Thoroughbred racing takes place at Woodbine and Fort Erie, Standardbred racing is contested across 15 tracks throughout Ontario. These tracks span from small towns to major cities, providing ample opportunities for Standardbred enthusiasts and bolstering the province's reputation as a stronghold for the sport.
From the early days of Lower Canada to the establishment of prestigious races, the involvement of the British Royal Family, and the emergence of Ontario as a hub for both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing, these narratives exemplify the passion, talent, and rich heritage that continues to define the sport in Canada.