Sports and recreation site.

Details of Site Location: The plateau above the Forks of the Don River, where Thorncliffe Park and the East York Town Centre are located today.

Boundary History: Millwood Road on the southeast, Overlea Boulevard on the southwest, Don Mills Road and the Don Valley on the east, and another portion of the Don Valley on the north towards Eglinton Avenue.

Current Use of Property: The high-rise residential and commercial area known as Thorncliffe Park.

Historical Description: This property was originally owned by John Taylor and subsequently by his brother-in-law, Robert Davies (Lost Sites #249). In 1920 George Davies, Robert’s son, sold the Thorncliffe Park portion of the Thorncliffe Farm property to Mathilda Bryan and James O’Hara, a couple from Baltimore, who built the Thorncliffe Park Racetrack. It opened on 31 May 1920 and continued for 32 years. The last race ran on 23 June 1952, when Blue Scooter ran the 5/8 mile in 59 2/3 seconds, setting a record for the distance. As well as the racing oval, the racetrack comprised a grandstand and bleachers to set 4,000 people, a clubhouse, and a stables to house up to 610 horses.

When it opened, Thorncliffe became Toronto’s fourth racetrack; the others were Woodbine, Dufferin, and Long Branch. Among the featured races held there were the Clarendon, the Prince of Wales, and the My Dear Stakes. The thoroughbreds who ran there were among Canada’s finest. However, the most endearing of all runners was Mugwump, who always seemed well aware of the fans. He always stopped during the parade, deliberately turning toward the crowd as if to see if it was worth racing and all, and then proceeded to the post.

Often described as Toronto’s most attractive track, it was among the most popular. However, it was difficulty to reach: Millwood Road and Laird Drive were the only access roads from the city. Thus the councils of East York and the Town of Leaside agreed to build the Leaside Viaduct over the Don Valley, joining Donlands and Pape to Millwood Road and allowing easier access particularly from central and east Toronto. Although such a viaduct had been talked about since 1911, the popularity of horse racing and of Thorncliffe provided the impetus to get it actually built.

Relative Importance: It should be recognized that “going to the races” represented a spirit of sportsmanship and community at all of these racetracks in an era before television.

Planning Implications: A permanent photographic exhibit in the east York Town Centre or the Thorncliffe library would give people today some sense of the enjoyment and popularity of a day at the races.

Reference Sources: J.J. Rempel, The Town of Leaside (East York Historical Society, 1982); Jane Petfield, editor, Leaside; The Golden Years of East York (Centennial College Press); Toronto Reference Library; J. Walter Stewart Library.

Acknowledgements: Maps Project