Longtime horseman Mr. Bev Kingston, 76, passed away on Jan. 18 after a short illness.
“Mr. Bev”, as he was affectionately called, was a native of Owen Sound, Ont. and campaigned at several tracks throughout North America, from Mohawk in the north to Pompano Park in the south.
His career spanned a half century and, though he never had a very large stable, he was known throughout the industry as a very competent horseman and gentleman.
Most recently, Kingston campaigned his small stable at Pompano Park during the winter months and Tioga Downs in the summer.
Among his more recent successes were Mach Lee, Keystone Christa and Abrethoffreshart.
In an interview as he approached his 75th birthday, Kingston reflected on his career saying, “All of my horses are my children. Sure, I have had success with Keystone Christa and Mach Lee, but I gave the same attention and love and caring to $3,000 claimers like Roger Rambo. I get the same, wonderful feeling when any of them get to the winner’s circle.”
Hall of Fame driver Wally Hennessey fondly remembered Kingston by saying, “Mr. Bev was a gentleman both on and off the racetrack. He was a very knowledgable horseman that left no stone unturned when it came to a horse’s care. We have lost a great one with the passing of Mr. Bev.
Lee Cullen, a patron of Kingston’s over many years, reflected “I am heart-broken over his passing. In all the years in which I had horses with him, we never had one single unpleasant moment--not a single one!
“He was just a wonderful individual...as a trainer and as a person...and this leaves a void in my heart.”
Mr. Bev is survived by longtime companion Diane, daughter Raeann, son Bane (Traci), grandchildren Landon, Alaina, Vanessa, Brenna and Mercedes, and one great-grandson, Isaiah.
Information on the service for Mr. Kingston is pending.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the friends and family of Bev Kingston.
I had Bev to drive my horses
I had Bev to drive my horses in Windsor, winter 1975-1976. He was a gentleman and gave me all the help i needed as a foreigner. Believe it or not, I met him in Pompano this year after all those years (45 years). In fact I recognized him and I asked him if he could do the same. He said for sure Marc and we laughed. A good hand with trotters. I offer my condoleances to the family.
My dad sent me to London with
My dad sent me to London with a few horses in 1962. Bev was there with a few himself. We used to hang out together we are the same age. Anyway Bev had this brand new Chevy convertible. One night we are driving down the Main Street in London in his convertible. We come to a stop at a red light when these two girls standing on the sidewalk said wow that’s a nice car. Bev says you want go for a ride jump in? So they did. The last time I seen Bev was about 10 years ago at Flambro and we talked and laughed about those days. R.I.P. my friend I am going to miss not seeing you. Condolences to the Kingston family.
Had the pleasure of meeting
Had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bev at Windsor Raceway in Ontario well as second trainer to Gerald Aikens, his horses were his babies and he gave them the best of care. Sad to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family. R.I.P Mr. Bev.
Sorry to hear of the passing
Sorry to hear of the passing of Bev. R.I.P.