Long Branch Race Track 1924-1955

Our last stop on our historic visits of Toronto's race tracks of the past. Was "Long Branch". This historic Toronto race track was located in southern Etobicoke. The main entrance of the track can still be seen off of Horner Ave. The Maple trees that lined the entrance to Long Branch are still there. Also one of the huge stone pillars that marked the entrance way to Long Branch Race Track has survived!

All we would have to do. Is get rid of all. Of the ugly factories that have replaced Long Branch. To have this classic Thoroughbred Race Track spring from the ashes. Just like a mythology Phoenix. To become a classic venue for horse racing once again!

Of course I am just dreaming. As this will never happen. First of all to consider. Is the 56 years since Long Branch has been closed. Time has changed society dramatically. The advance and reliance on the computer and techno devices. As well as greedy and unscrupulous politicians obtaining almost all the money that they almost need. To supplement our government's income. To run our society. By using legalized casinos and lotteries have become extremely popular by the masses. Also very sad to say. This has made Horse Racing very unpopular with the sports and the gambling fans of Toronto.

Oh yes the so called sports fans of Toronto. All they really care about is the Toronto Maple Leafs winning the Stanley Cup. No other sport, or sports team really even matter or exist. According to Maple Leaf Fans! You to have to be almost a millionaire in order to afford a ticket to go to see the Maple Leafs play.

Then you have the animal activists. Who are determined to stop horse racing. Because it is cruel! Well my opinion on this issue is. If horse racing is cruel. I have to agree it is a very tough sport. And yes horses and jockeys get injured and sometimes die in there sport. Then why don't these same animal activists also petition to put and end. To NHL Hockey, NFL Football, Car Racing, Mixed Martial Arts Fighting and Boxing. Lots of human athletes also continually get seriously injured or sometime even killed in these sports. Also horse racing has proven to be a life line to the horse. I am afraid if horse racing does disappear. Then these brave and proud animals. Just like there former classic venues. That Al and I just visited. Will also disappear forever! That would be a very sad day!

Here is a little history about Long Branch. The race track stood on a 39.7 hectare site. The boundaries of the race track were; Horner Ave. to the south. Kipling Ave. to the east, Evans Ave. to the north, and Canadian Pacific Railway lines to the west.

Most of the Long Branch Site today is dominated by a Goodyear Tire factory. There is also a "Wings" factory replacing the track's Grandstand. There is a historic plaque located where the entrance of Long Branch Racetrack was located. Also it was huge bonus. Enjoying the fact. That the Maple tress that lined the entrance way to Long Branch have survived! It must of been an awesome site when this track existed. Watching the horses on the run down the back stretch heading north paralleling Kipling Ave. Just close your eyes when you are there. Along with a little bit of imagination. Then this amazing part of Toronto Sports history will never be lost!

The Cup And Saucer Stakes Race was a regular part of the racing year at Long Branch. Also the Canadian Championship Stakes Race was first run at Long Branch Racetrack in 1938. The Canadian Championship remains Canada's most prestigious Thoroughbred horse race.