Page 13 - September 2005 The Game

Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper The Game, September 2005 13
An Old Timer’s Memories of Woodbine
By Pauline Block
Alex (a.k.a. Trigger) is one of the old timers at “the old” Woodbine who is always willing to share some of the memories he has of the horse racing industry “back then” and compare them to how things are “now”.
He can be found at Greenwood
Champions location and he is
always in the same seat with a fat
cigar in his mouth. It has been said
many a time that they should
engrave his name on that seat. At
age 72 year-old, he wanders over to
that seat, watches the races and
minds his own business but welcomes anyone to sit and listen to his stories of long ago.
Trigger started hanging around the Old Woodbine Racetrack located at Queen and Woodbine in 1949 when he was in his mid teens. He was underage at the time, but that didn’t stop him, he simply hopped the fence to get in.
Trigger says “going to the track in those days was more or less out of desperation” explaining that
most people made very little money so they looked to other places to make extra money. They didn’t have much money to lose, found enjoyment in betting and sometimes could even make extra cash. “It was entertainment, but you also went to do business.” he said.
Going to the track was fun for many because it was a meeting place where friendships developed over the years. They were able to enjoy the companionship
and at the same time discuss the horses. It was a nice way of spending a day with people regardless of whether they were winners or losers. Today, he doesn’t see that same camaraderie.
At one time he could walk anywhere at the track and would know the staff, trainers, security and jockeys, however today he doesn’t know many of the people. The crowd seems to be thinning. Some have passed on; some have health problems plus now there is simulcasting with multiple tracks and the television network.
Back then, the real entertainment was on the week- end with more than 10,000 people attending the races. Everyone was decked out in their suits and dresses, and the entire family, looking very presentable went off to the track for an outing. There were play areas for the children, picnic tables and at the same time a little wagering was done.
The track was also much more accessible. You could walk, drive, ride a bicycle, or take a taxi or streetcar to get there. Today, since live racing is now in Rexdale, the daily trek for the old timers is long and tiring.
Memories of how it was “back then” is all that is left to share about the old Woodbine. Alex will have those memories and offers them to anyone who is willing to sit a while and listen. And he says to any of the other old timers like him who might be wondering how he is doing......“I’m alive and well.”
Old Timer, Trigger,
at Greenwood’s Champions location
The Jocks Room Now Open
Robin and Gerry Olguin and their son Kai announced the opening of their new The Jocks Room location on the Woodbine backstretch. The Jocks Room sells custom or ready made riding equipment and clothing including racing and exercise saddles, bridles, boots, pants, jackets, gloves and more. Robin and Gerry began selling the brand name equipment and clothing last year and their new backstretch location means that it is more accessible to everyone on the
backstretch. The Canadian made Jocks Room brand has been selling quite well to jockeys, riders and backstretch workers from across Canada and the united States.
The Jocks Room is not just for riders though - they also have plenty of equipment for trainers such as custom made wall plaques, custom made saddle towels and much more.
The Jocks Room is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Did You Know....That at the request of the HBPA, Fort Erie has added $3,500 claiming races to its schedule in the hopes of keeping more live horses on the grounds as opposed to shipping to race at Thistledown.
2005 Winter Mixed Sale
December 3rd & 4th
Sales Pavilion Woodbine Racetrack
Entries Close September 30, 2005
For further information contact: The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Ontario Division)
P.O. Box 172, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 5L1 • Phone (416) 675-3602 • Fax (416) 675-9405 Website: www.cthsont.com Email: cthsont@idirect.com
DAVE LANDRY