R. James Speers | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 3, 1882 Elmbank, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | July 19, 1955 |
| Resting place | Elmwood Cemetery, Winnipeg |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, Racehorse owner/breeder, Racetrack owner |
| Spouse | Annie Ella Troughton[1] |
| Children | 2[1][2] |
| Awards | Canadian Breeder of the Year (1946-1951) |
| Honors |
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Robert James Speers (September 3, 1882 – July 19, 1955) was a Canadian businessman and Canada's Sports Hall of Fame inductee who made a major contribution to the growth of Thoroughbred horse racing in Western Canada.[3]
Born in Elmbank, Ontario, James Speers moved to Winnipeg in 1900. In 1920 he headed a partnership that leased and operated the River Park race track. Two years later he built Whittier Park Racetrack in St. Boniface, Manitoba and then in 1923, the Polo Park Racetrack in Winnipeg and Chinook Park in Calgary, Alberta.