Newsletter: March 2002

Spotlight Of Admiration

Spotlight Of Admiration We have created this column to recognize individuals who are not in the spotlight. These are individuals who have dedicated their life to the racing industry in an unselfish quiet way. People who will be recognized share a common feature, they love the sport.

The first person we would like to recognize is Ed Hall, Supervisor of Thoroughbred Racing for the Ontario Racing Commission. In 1950 Ed was introduced to trainer Willy Morrisey by his uncle who saw him as a potential jockey. Of course as with most uninitiated, Ed began his career at the entry level as a Hot Walker. He quickly became a groom and within 5 years, he set up his tack in the jocks room at Greenwood for a brief career as a jockey. Feeling a little more comfortable on the ground, he took out his trainer's license and trained horses for a few years before he developed an allergic reaction to the dust in the hay and straw so the barn life had to go. In 1959 Ed applied for a job with the Ontario Jockey Club (now WEG) and held the position of assistant starter until1965. With an interest in knowing all about racing, he held various positions with the OJC including patrol judge, a position in the race office, horse identifier, and then in 1975 he was hired by the Ontario Racing Commission to be a Steward. It is in this office that Ed Hall found he was most at home. In 1992 he was appointed Supervisor and this is where we find him today. He told me that he loves racing because it is " The Greatest Game in the World. Everyday you wake up and it's something different, good and bad. I enjoy all the different people I come across."

I met with Ed Hall in his office in the middle of a race day. While I was in his office the phone rings. An angry customer is on the other end of the line. Apparently the customer thought an inquiry should have been lodged in the race that was just run. He would have had the exactor and the triactor. In the most admirable fashion, Ed Hall addresses the complaint, he will order a copy of the race and review it himself. He will call back tomorrow. The customer is happy with the answer. In an industry where you cannot please everyone, Ed Hall has experienced it all. His role is to govern the rules of racing set out by the Ontario Racing Commission. Ed Hall admits, " I try to be honest and fair". I asked what the hardest part of the job is for him. "I don't enjoy suspending people, it's part of the job, but nobody wants to take away a livelihood." Ed Hall is married and has three daughters. With retirement just around the corner, maybe he would be interested in owning a racehorse himself? Without asking Ed that question directly, I asked him what his favourite colours would be if he were to design racing silks. "Orange, it is easier to see the jockey." That makes sense! I asked him what his favourite horse memory was during his 53 years at the track and he said that he could recall a couple of favourite moments. There was the time in 1964 when he was working on the starting gate. He loaded Northern Dancer for the Queen's Plate. "I was more nervous than the horse was". Another memorable moment came in 1968 when he handled Nijinsky as he went through the sales ring at Woodbine. He was sold for $84,000.

Ed Hall has an extremely difficult job. He conducts himself with grace, kindness and with dedication to the good of the industry. We salute you!

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