Stiff Upper Lip

My dad's training career began in 1972. That is when my interest in professional sports and in horse racing. Started to hit it's best stride.

Two of my all time favorite racehorses. Were trained my Carl Chapman. Also ridden by Noel Turcotte. I have to start this section with "Stiff Upper Lip". Who made quite an impression on a young horse racing fan.

Claiming horses are an integral part of Thoroughbred Horse Racing. Without the working class race horses. There would be no sport at all. A lot of the claiming horses running on the Toronto circuit in the early 1970s. Were not running in the cheaper class races. Because of lack of ability to run. It was due to injuries that had demoted a lot of these talented racehorses into the claiming ranks.

There were a lot of claiming horses that I would become a fan of. During my fun time being and working around the racetrack. There was "Royal Data" owned and trained by Bobby Bruce. "Turk's Pet owned and trained by Alex Wick. "Strong And Able" one of the best racehorses Frank Paserro ever trained. Were all classy performers. Who contributed a lot to entertain us race fans in Toronto. And to keep us coming back for more!

Stiff Upper Lip was well named. This classy racehorse was sired by "Gallant Man" out of the mare "Cup Of Tea". He was a Maryland Bred. Raised by Legendary Horse Owner and Breeder Alfred Vanderbilt. On his famous "Sagamore Farm". It will be hard to determine how the "Garden City Stable" obtained "Stiff Upper Lip". Or my biggest question is. What was his racing record as a young racehorse? Was Stiff Upper Lip a stakes caliber horse? When he was a young racehorse.

By the time he was racing at Woodbine in 1972. Stiff Upper Lip was already a 6 year old. The first time I watch him race was June 28th 1972. He was entered in a $2500 claiming race which was reaching rock bottom. As far as the cheapest class a racehorse could compete on the Toronto Circuit. The rumor going around the barn area among the horseman was that Stiff Upper Lip was nursing serious tendon problems in his front legs. And that his racing career was nearing it's end.

There was a lot of interest for Stiff Upper Lip's race on June 28th. Would he be able to compete at all. Would he be able to finish the race. Without suffering a life threating injury. The starting gate opened after track announcer. The voice of Canadian Horse Racing shouted. "There At The Post, There Off". Stiff Upper Lip sprang out of the gate in fine style moving into a commanding lead. Jockey Noel Turcotte was just steering Stiff Upper Lip. As he lead all the way and cruised to an easy 7 & 1/2 length victory! It was evident that there was still some great races left in Stiff Upper Lips war torn legs.

Carl Chapman would run Stiff Upper Lip right back now moved up in class to compete in a $6000 claiming race. This race at 1 mile & 1/8. This race was a real race to remember as we got to see the true ability of this great and talented racehorse. For Stiff Upper Lip just toyed with his competitors in this race. Looking like the excellent racehorse he was. Increasing his lead running by ever pole. Running away from the field and winning by a stunning victory margin of 15 horse lengths! The old horse left a vapor trail running down the strength that day at Woodbine. Winning for fun and stopping the telemeter in an impressive 1:52. Wow! Watching this fine and courageous horse was a lot of fun. I was now a dedicated racing fan. Thanks to Stiff Upper Lip and all of his impressive front running wins! There were to be more wins to come that summer on the Ontario Racing Circuit.

I am trying to post a picture of Stiff Upper Lip. However it will be a challenge. I believed that Stiff Upper Lip was jockey Larry Attard first winner in his career. During the 1973 racing season. Owner trainer Jack Watson would be Stiff Upper Lip last trainer in his racing career. I did recently contact Larry. But in fact Stiff Upper Lip was Larry Attards' third victory in his career. Unfortunately Larry did not keep a win picture of Stiff Upper Lip for posting on this blog. I would like to thank friend and horse racing historian Don Burton for providing the Racing Form Past Performances of Stiff Upper Lip. Allowing me to bring all of these great memories from the past, back to life!

If anyone who reads this post and has a picture of Stiff Upper Lip. Please contact me. I would enjoy to post a picture of this very talented racehorse.