Trot Insider has learned that longtime Southern Ontario-based breeder/owner Dale Baker, of London, Ont., passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at the age of 78.
Baker, who was well known for being part owner of 1983 Pacing Triple Crown winner Ralph Hanover, passed at the University Hospital of London, Ontario after a courageous fight with a lengthy illness.
Baker and the rest of Ralph Hanover’s co-owners realized every Standardbred horseperson’s dream in 1983 – winning the Triple Crown. ‘Ralph,’ who retired with more than $1.8 million in career purses, became the seventh Standardbred in the history of the North American industry to win the Pacing Triple Crown, which was then followed by divisional year-end accolades on both sides of the border.
Outside of Ralph Hanover, Baker found much success in Standardbred racing. Some of the more notable horses that Baker was associated with were Silent Cat – who he bought, raised, raced, bred, and then raced again – Pointsetta and Goldie Omaha, among many others.
During his later years in the industry, Baker was part owner of Grand Royal Farms. He was also associated with Pointsetta Stables, Glory B Stables, the Royal Strength Syndicate and the Brisco Hanover Syndicate during his career.
In 2005, at the age of 65, Baker decided to retire and move back to London, Ont.
Trot Insider has learned that a celebration of life will be taking place at Western Fair District in the East Annex on Sunday, January 14 from 1 - 4 p.m.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dale Baker.
We met Dale and Connie in the
We met Dale and Connie in the early nineties when we bred our mares to Grand Royal stallions. We became good friends with Dale, Connie and Doug Lilley, and continued doing business for many years. Dale, Tom and Doug were hunting buddies, who loved to play euchre and tell stories. He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP Dale.
Got to know Dale well in the
Got to know Dale well in the glory years with Stew and Ralph. He was a great guy to visit with and share stories. My condolences to the family - rest easy old friend.
Dale was a great guy and a
Dale was a great guy and a close friend. I moved to Grand Royal in '98 to become the farm manager. Dale & Connie treated me and my family as their own family. They became "Uncle Dale & Aunt Connie" to my 3 young children and are still called that today. I spent alot of great years with Dale & Connie and miss that time very much. Rest in Peace Dale, you will be sadly missed.
Doug, Shari & Family
Dale and his wife Connie were
Dale and his wife Connie were an inspiration to me in developing my work on pedigrees. We visited them at Grand Royal several times where I had access to the complete set of Wallace Registries and Sires and Dams. He and his brother Barry brought Nuclear Flash to PEI and won the Gold Cup and Saucer. That was a highlight of his career according to Dale. Fond memories of good times with a good friend and mentor. Thanks Dale and our condolences to the family.
Norman and Phyllis Hall
Dale was a great client for
Dale was a great client for decades at Ilderton Equine Clinic. Dale certainly enjoyed success in the racing business and it never changed, he was always Dale. RIP