Sir Adam Beck

Beck was born in Baden Ontario.  In 1885 he moved his cigar box manufacturing company to London.  In 1902 he was elected mayor of London for a three year term.  At the same time he represented London in the provincial legislative assembly (1902-1919 and 1923-1925).  A member of the provincial cabinet (1905-1914 and 1923-1925) he presided in 1906 over the enactment of the law establishing the Ontario Hydro Electric Power Commission.  As chairman of that body, 1906-1925, he was largely responsible for its successful establishment and growth which led to a policy of low cost electrical distribution not only in urban areas but up and down the back roads of rural Ontario.  He was knighted in 1914.

The Herbert Family

In the period between the 1930’s and the late ‘80’s the name Herbert ,for many, was synonymous with success in the standardbred breeding, training and racing industry across north America.  From their “Long Lane Farm” located just outside of Lambeth the Herbert’s (Bill his wife Ruth and son Jack) managed and operated a stable and breeding farm that at its height had over 100 horses. 

In recognition of his significant contributions to the sport of harness racing Bill Herbert was elected into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame. In addition two of the horses the family bred, raised, trained and drove were also inducted into the Hall of Fame, Dominion Grattan and Signing Herbert.  Both Bill and Jack were inducted into Western Fair Raceway’s Wall of Fame. 

Seelster Farms
& the Van Bussel Family

Through innovation and hard work Seelster Farms is today the country’s largest standardbred breeding operation. It all started with a small farm and one retired mare.  That mare was bred and her offspring proved to be winners.  Over time that hobby grew to a thriving and successful breeding business.  In recognition of his leadership and dedication to the horse racing and breeding industry Chris Van Bussel, one of the driving forces at Seelster Farms, was elected to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in the “Builder “category.  As well he was inducted into Western Fair Raceway’s Wall of Fame.

For fifty plus years the names Van Bussel and Seelster farms have come to represent the best in Canada’s standardbred breeding industry.