Robert James Speers

R. James Speers
R. James Speers
Born	September 3, 1882; Elmbank, Ontario, Canada
Died	July 19, 1955 (aged 72); Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Resting place	Elmwood Cemetery, Winnipeg
Occupations	Businessman, Racehorse owner/breeder, Racetrack owner
Spouse	Annie Ella Troughton
Children	2
Awards	Canadian Breeder of the Year; (1946-1951)
Honors	Canada's Sports Hall of Fame (1966); Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame (1976); Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum (1983); R. James Speers Memorial Handicap at Assiniboia Downs;

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.

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.