Johnny Longden

Race Programs: Portals to the Past

Race Programs: Portals to the Past

by Track Historian Bob Gates How about something just a little different this go around? Our subject this week is race programs of the past, but not just any old programs.  Those that follow are special in their own way and with one exception are from my private...

Alfred G. Tarn: Rosser Pig Farmer turned World Class Horseman

Alfred G. Tarn: Rosser Pig Farmer turned World Class Horseman

by Bob Gates Father Time has been cruel to the memory of Alfred Gilbert "Alf" Tarn. Who? That’s the point of this week's time tunnel flashback. There was a time when it was inconceivable that the name Alf Tarn would fade into obscurity. Sad, but true. Who among us...

When Hollywood came to Winnipeg to race, those were the days!

When Hollywood came to Winnipeg to race, those were the days!

by Bob Gates Who knew? Once upon a long time ago Whittier Park and Polo Park race tracks were playgrounds for the rich and famous. Hollywood types from the early to mid-1900s made regular pilgrimages to Winnipeg with some of their finest California-breds in tow. They...