In the early 1900’s a light dappled-grey stallion that stood about 15 hands high, named The Eel, was deemed to be the most popular pacer of his time. More than one hundred years have passed since The Eel died. Over the years he has become a legend in the community where he was raised and I am delighted that he is, tonight, being inducted in the Legends category in the Canadian Racing Association Hall of Fame.

He was foaled in 1902 in Michigan and originally registered under the name Silver Joe. His owner thought he was too small to be of any account and sold him as a spring yearling. In the fall of that same year he was sold again to Frank Entricken of Tavistock.

In 1906, when the horse was four, Entricken sent him to Dan McEwen in London for training as a pacer. McEwen thought he had the making of a stake horse. In 1908 he made his first public appearance under the name The Eel at a big ice meeting where he won handily on the first day and again the day after.

The Eel was the largest money winning pacer of 1908. He set 2 world records for 3 consecutive heats. As if that wasn’t enough, he set the Grand Circuit USA season record for the fastest 1/2 mile of the season ... doing it twice.

In 1909 The Eel captured the world record on ice and then smashed his own record three weeks later. Later that year he set the Canadian record on a 1/2 mile track as well as the track record for any 1/2 mile track in Michigan.

There was no question but that this little mite of a horse had stamina and he had game.

In 1910 The Eel was ill most of the season and only raced three times. He managed a good season in 1911 and in 1912 he set the Canadian record for the 1/2 mile pace.

In September 1912 The Eel died of pneumonia in Columbus, Ohio.

The Eel was a phenomenal horse, worthy of legendary status in his community and worthy of induction into the Canadian Horse Racing Association Hall of Fame.

Induction speech by Louis E. Cauz, Archivist, Historian and Managing Director of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, Toronto.