Learn a little of Toronto's history as told through its plaques.

Long Branch Race Track

Photos by Alan L Brown - June 2007

Here, on the north side of Horner Avenue just east of the railway tracks, is a City of Toronto plaque, slowly being engulfed by the local vegetation. Here's what it says:

The tall brick and stone gatepost directly opposite this plaque was one of two marking the main entrance to the Long Branch Race Track. The avenue of maple trees, which still survive, highlighted the entrance further. On this 39.7 hectare site bounded by Evans Avenue, Kipling Avenue, Horner Avenue and the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Orpen family operated the Long Branch Race Track between September 6, 1924 and October 21, 1955. On December 1, 1955 the Track was sold to Toronto Racing Securities Limited which closed the Track with the development of the new Woodbine Race Track in Rexdale, Ontario. Each year thousands of fans would flock to the Track for thoroughbred and standardbred races. Race meetings were usually held in the late summer or autumn. The Long Branch Race Track is notable as the site of a number of races that are still featured in Canadian racing. The Canadian International Championship was first run as the Long Branch Championship Stakes in 1938. Mrs. A.M. Orpen initiated the Cup and Saucer Stakes for Canadian foaled two-year-olds at this site. Both of these races are still part of Canada's racing season.

Plaque Location Co-ordinates: 43.606274 -79.525427

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Here are the comments. Here's where you can write a comment.

Posted July 11, 2010
No discssion of Long Branch Race Track is complete without mentioning Bobby Fisher, jockey/trainer.I assissted as a "hot walker" during the late 40's.
E.Thomas

Posted July 9, 2010
It was interesting to read some of your memories and would like to drop a few names for old time memory sake. Jerry Carter, Glen Carter, Tommy Clare, Buddy and Brian Guy, Alan Hahn, Eddy Kydik ?, Michael Bluntz, Ronny Mascarin, Ronny and Linda Schuster of Linda's Lunch, Walter's Variety, Carol Speedy, Dunbar sisters, Bob Porter, Old Joe who had a greenhouse along Simpson Ave near Odonnel Ave.,Harvey Dicks, Harvey Francis, etc., and etc.....
Malcolm Novar from Harold Street.

Posted November 21, 2009
I well remember the Long Branch racetrack. I went to George R. Gauld school and lived on Melrose St. I had a Toronto Star paper route which took me close to the track. My father was an avid fan and used to take us kids to watch through the fence. I remember going to the Sagamore, I also remember my Grandfather being driven home from the Sagamore after tipping a little too much. I remember Ennamorato's had a greenhouse,I think it ran from Melrose St to Portland.
Carole Gautreau (Brown)

Posted November 8, 2009
kenny hillis was a good mimico boy as was his brother jim they lived on melrose east of church street.kenny worked for leo grogan out of longbranch to fort erie i forget the name of the one close to the fort;maybe you its name in fact i guantee you will your story makes me think of the jockys that use to havea few in the almonte,i drove taxi 35 years started out in the office on 45 street and ended out of the airport were i was injured and do not operate a taxi any longer.i used to take sandy hawley duppy plats and their manager to the bar at albion rd 27 colin was a very very nice funny man,say hi to the boys in the goose and of course ruby.pardon my spelling your admirer victor ennamorato,

Posted October 27, 2009
i read your very good story about long branch track and mimico we all lived in and around a stones throw across the tracks from the goose than the windsor house and back to the goose.mimico brings back a lot of good memories.woodbine is the one now.leo grogan was my favorite trainer in those days.he had a map of ireland , in his tack room , i would like to say hi to irish jerry yoggie duggie ted ruby and the rest of the gang in mimico,see you all soon
victor ennamorato,

Posted June 30, 2009
i am a resident of mimico and your comments are very good if it was not people like yourself the town would slowly fade away.i attended george r gauld public school mimico high .deliverd groceries for barketts worked on the cnr was a bricklayer and finnally retired from mono cup. i now spend happy times with my longtime friends in the goose.
bob hall {irish}.

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