The Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) is celebrating its 50th anniversary season, marking a significant milestone in harness racing. Fans can look forward to special celebration dates at various tracks across Ontario, culminating in exciting events at Grand River Raceway on September 6, featuring OSS Gold races.
Grand River Raceway, which opened as a multi-use facility on December 3, 2003, officially hosted its first harness racing card on April 26, 2004. Though opening day faced unfavourable weather conditions, it was still deemed a success. The track is designed for modern racing and features a traditional half-mile track, recently updated to a five-eighths-mile configuration to better accommodate current racing styles.
Interestingly, while Grand River wasn't originally a host for OSS events, it has a connection with the now-closed Elmira Raceway, located about 20 kilometres away. Elmira was one of the original tracks chosen for OSS events when the program began in 1974. For nearly two decades, it hosted OSS races before closing in 1993.
Elmira's inaugural OSS event took place in mid-July 1974, featuring three-year-old trotting colts and geldings, with Armbro Oscar claiming victory. The track continued to host OSS events throughout the summer and into fall, marking a promising start for the newly established series. Notable drivers, including local talent like Tom Strauss, contributed to the track's legacy.
Over the years, many notable horses and drivers have emerged from the OSS program. Ross Henry, who had a celebrated career, won his first OSS race in 1974 and became a consistently successful trainer. Elegantimage, a standout trotting filly, showcased the excellence of Ontario-bred horses by achieving significant career earnings and earning a place in the Hall of Fame.
The OSS program itself has historical roots, attributed to visionaries like Lloyd Chisholm, who advocated for a Sires Stakes program similar to New York's. This initiative significantly enhanced the breeding and racing scene in Ontario, leading to a boom in yearling prices and breeding practices.
Throughout its history, the OSS has seen many champions, including notable horses like Mr G, who set a track record at Elmira. His story, along with many others, exemplifies the rich tradition and success that the OSS has contributed to harness racing in Ontario. As we celebrate this 50th anniversary, the legacy of tracks like Elmira and the achievements of OSS participants continue to resonate in the community and among fans.