Henri-Paul Grenier, who broke and trained champion trotter Grades Singing and won Quebec City’s signature event, Le 5 Milles, a total of seven times, has passed away at age 80.
Retired since age 70, Grenier had spent the last two years in a care facility in Trois-Rivieres, said his daughter, Francine.
Grenier worked as trainer and driver for owner Gratien Deschenes’ Ferme Grade in the 1970s when it had 30 horses, including the likes of Hocquard, Barons Boy and Bob Hilton. Grenier broke and trained Grades Singing, a sensation on the Quebec circuit in the early 1980s and then an international star after being sold to European interests. She earned more than $2 million in her career.
“He was known for his skill in developing trotters…and for winning five-mile races. He won a lot of them,” Francine said.
Henri-Paul Grenier is survived by children Francine and Ronald, and was predeceased by son, Simon. He’s also survived by four siblings – Yolande, Gertrude, Lucille and Leo – and was predeceased by one, Anita.
Visitation will be Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. in Louiseville, Que., at Maison St. Louis, 30 St. Marc St., with a ceremony to follow.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Henri-Paul Grenier.
(A Trot Insider exclusive by Paul Delean)
Un gentil homme et toujour
Un gentil homme et toujour pret a aider les autres, R.I.P. Paul. A la famille Grenier, mes plus sinceres condoleences.