“If I’m able to make it? LOL - stop the jokes man… I will not miss this card! It’s one of those nights that I cannot and will not miss,” says longtime race fan Shawn Crawford of Woodstock. ”This race has meant the world to me since I was 15 - so we’re going back 32 years now. This night has always been and always will be paramount to me.”
Race fan Shawn Crawford brings us some ’undercard memories’ of signature race nights in London…
“One thing I have noticed, over the years, is to never underestimate what the undercard has to offer on the big race night in London.
Who knew Trevor Henry would win the first 5 dashes on last year’s card including 3 City Of London Finals and 2 OSS grassroots? I don’t ever recall seeing a driver do that anywhere.
Who knew, in 1994, Dave Wall would upset Bo Knows Jate and Village Jiffy with his own Such Sparkle in the big race? I believe that horse began his career at London (indeed Such Sparkle won his first career start in London winning by 17 lengths as a heavy favourite)… Anyways - earlier in the night Wall would also guide Kevin Blanchard’s OSS 3YO filly contender, Go To The Top, to a 1:59 track record romp in a $2,100 Open Trot and for a trotter, back then, that was a huge mile over London…
In 1998, the year of the Molson triple-dead heat - who knew only 2 races earlier that a 3YO colt OSS Gold Final would also result in a dead heat? After Northern Dynasty (P. MacDonell) would circle the field - and - Superstar Killean (R. Schnittker) would shake loose from a pocket trip - these two provided fans in attendance with a thrilling and unforgettable stretch drive that even the photo-finish couldn’t separate after a 154.4 track record.
I can’t remember the exact year, but once the City Of London Finals were cemented into the signature night program, it only added to the already-huge event. Throw in a few OSS races and now the Forest City Pace and we have ourselves one of the best half-mile cards on the continent!
It has always been a pleasure, of mine, watching this night grow over the years and like I said, never underestimate the undercard and expect the unexpected… Yes I am pumped! I will also not be missing the post position draw! And - by the looks of the weather forecast - we should be in for a great night at the races - I can’t wait!”
Shawn Crawford
Race Fan
Woodstock, ON
