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Archive Record
Images
Metadata
Object ID |
2025.1.38 |
Object Name |
Video Recording |
Title |
Class of 1992 Bill O'Donnell Acceptance Speech |
Scope & Content |
Length: 2:24 The 1992 Canada's Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held at the Royal York Hotel and Convention Centre. Summary: Bill O'Donnell opened his speech with humility and humour, joking about his lack of public speaking skills. He began by thanking his parents and grandfather for introducing him to horses, and acknowledged the influence of mentors like his uncle Art Porter, and Bill Wellwood, whom he praised for instilling a strong work ethic and high standards of honesty and integrity in the horse racing business. O'Donnell reflected on his career, expressing gratitude for the many great horses he had the chance to race, especially those owned by respected individuals like Wellwood and the Armstrong Brothers. He warmly thanked his wife for her enduring support through the long hours and demanding travel that came with his profession. He also expressed appreciation to the owners who placed their trust in him over the years. O'Donnell recalled one of his proudest racing moments—winning the Kentucky Futurity with Napolitano against Mac LaBelle, calling it a highlight of his life. He concluded by saying that his induction into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame surpassed even that, calling it the greatest honour he had ever received and offering heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. |
Date |
1992/10/15 |
Year Range from |
1992 |
Year Range to |
1992 |
People |
O'Donnell, Bill |
Search Terms |
1992 induction Order of Sport Award acceptance speech athlete horse racing Little Brown Jug Hambletonian Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Harness Racing Hall of Fame Role Models Bill O'Donnell |