1984 Meadowlands Pace - On The Road Again & Buddy Gilmour

William Gilmour drives On The Road Again to a 1:53.3 victory in the Meadowlands Pace.

[@Flint92]

Road ran a nice race, but later in the year in the Oliver Wendell Holmes GUTS swept road in both races. O'donnell said he fell asleep in the race (wasn't paying attention) and had given GUTS a horrible trip parked the entire mile while trying to overcome heavy traffic.

[@chrisdesimone4249]

First over at the half and still won.... wow and Guts flying on the outside

[@brianjschumer]

I was not here here for OTRA in this race, but I was there for I think his last race in the NY area possibly his last (@ Roosevelt Raceway) right before he retired, His owners came down from Canada, and I spoke with them, they where really nice people. I remember him winning the race (1985), and the fans yelling Nihilator's trainers are cowards, etc. But my most vivid memory was, On The Road Again was breathing so heavy- I thought he was going to collapse. He gave 100% every race. Great horse, underrated . I'm glad Buddy drove him as well.

[@Flint92]

Nihilator would have killed him. Hamilton Inn day 1985, Nihilator later won his race by three seconds faster than on the road again one his. I spoke with Bob heyden,Every horseman knew on the road again would have no shot against Nihilator. Guts in the Oliver Wendell Holmes swept ROAD 2 times in one day, And that was when ROAD was at his peak, What do you think Nihilatet would have done to him.

[@paulzipstein2897]

As for the Otra nihilator question,I would caution you to remember how alydar on his own had a much bolder stroke and higher speed than affirmed but tenacity counts for alot.And in our own sport, didn't it appear that it's fritz could run rings around cam fella? Remember what happened.

[@Flint92]

​​​@@paulzipstein2897 These were plenty of seasoned horsemen, making these comments and also in regard to Niahilator, he was facing the best that there was to offer in winning against the best every race. It's Fritz, was doing it under certain circumstances. Not against the best all the time either. I hear what you re saying, but nihilator was an outlier in horse racing Bottom line is you can't lose to guts twice in one day and say you're gonna beat Nihilator.

[@extremelycareless2541]

OTRA was in my buddy's barn. I saw him from the back. I said wow! They also got Matts Scooter. Here's the story. The Rumples were bored. They had lots of money. Car dealerships and such. Ila was bored. They decided to buy a racehorse. They bought OTRA for $25,000. They offered Juravinski part ownership for $50,000 . He said no. You know the rest. Then the Rumples bought Matts Scooter for $250,000. They offered Juravinski half for $250,000. This time he said yes. And that's the story. 2 championship race horses because mrs. Was bored.

[@Tuddyboy11]

Great move by Buddy and then he held the horse together for the stretch drive. That was a driver!

[@pugskins]

Ahh the days when harness horses could close

[@jpvegas7392]

I was there had $200 to win on OTRA and $100 exacta with Guts

[@spikeri812]

guts .. from ninth to finish second... awesome dude totally AWESOME!!!!

[@mrautomatic9087]

i think this is when Billy O started drinking. It was one of the worst drives of all time. GUTS was great but OTRA had the best drive.

[@Flint92]

Absolutely correct. I spoke with Billy years later and he admitted so. GUTS went on to sweep OTRA in the Oliver Wendell Holmes that summer at the Big M. Beat him twice in one day.

[@lawrencelyke8454]

Billy O,at Saratoga,ah those were the days.

[@taxisteve929]

Uncle Buddy!!!!

[@nana-bt5db]

I knew buddy for many years he always had a smile.

[@63bigbuck]

Very sad to learn that William"Buddy"Gilmour passed away this past Monday,May23rd,2011,at the age of 78.He was without a doubt one of the BEST there was...Rest In Peace Jock....

[@4ever1980s]

Buddy once said about driving On The Road Again. Sitting in the sulky he was just a passenger. OTRA did all the running. Buddy the best of the best!

[@mrautomatic9087]

I saw him at the end. He was not one of the best but, very good. Of course, the game is different in 2022.