Longtime horseman Percy Robillard passed away on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 in his 90th year
.
At the age of 27 in 1948, Robillard was introduced to harness racing in his hometown of Morrisburg, Ont. by his brother-in-law Clifford Collins. He started out as a groom for John Zeron, mucking stalls and cleaning equipment, then became a trainer. Within a year, Robillard was driving. He easily remembered his first win.
"It would be pretty hard to forget as I won," Robillard told Harness World in a 1975 interview. "I was driving a trotter named Johnny Worthy at a county fair in Maxville, Ont., but in the second heat I had to settle for second place."
Robillard then set his sights on Richelieu Park in Montreal. His first big horse was Dr Holman, a $1,000 purchase that electrified the crowds with his signature stretch drives. Robillard campaigned him for 10 years and banked over $55,000 - no small feat at the time. In 1964, he was the track's top driver.
It was while running a public stable in Montreal that Robillard came to train for George Henderson, the owner and operator of Argyle Farms. The two formed a partnership that lasted 45 years.
Among his best horses was Elesnar, who won the American Trotting Classic in 1973 and was the Canadian Trotting Association's aged trotter of the year in 1974 and 1975.
Other celebrated horses were Glencoe Pride, won won the Canadian Trotting Classic and was named the CTA's Aged Trotter of the Year in 1978, Able Mission, the Aged Trotter of the Year in 1981, and Yankee Predator.
In his driving career, Robillard drove 857 winners for earnings of more than $2.7 million. His last drive was in 1991 at Flamboro Downs.
Robillard will fondly be remembered as an all-around horseman. Not only did he prefer to drive his own horses, friends also remember Robillard's prowess with shoeing. He was often sought after for shoeing advice, especially with troublesome horses. He was also instrumental in launching the career of another well-respected all-around horseman, Roger Mayotte.
After suffering a stroke in 2006, Robillard lived in a retirement home in Tavistock, Ont., close to his family in Woodstock.
The visitation for Robillard will be held at Brownlee Funeral Home, Ingleside, Ont. on Sunday Aug. 22, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. with the funeral being held on Monday Aug. 23 at 2:00 p.m.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Percy Robillard.
Still missed 11 years after
Still missed 11 years after his passing!
RE Percy Robillard Karen
RE Percy Robillard
Karen Breen's comments spoke volumes , in just a few short sentences. Percy was never one to seek recognition, but always appreciated a simple "thank you" for his accomplishments, and the many kind deeds he performed. He was very proud of the watch he received form the Ontario Harness Horse Association, as a Living Legend......he WAS a living legend....and as Karen pointed out...there are very few left.
Percy wore the watch to his grave................he would have wanted it to be with him.
In reply to RE Percy Robillard Karen by gloveman
Dave Is right.The toughest
Dave Is right.The toughest thing about Percy was trying to pay him for the many things he did for me.
He was a good man
Peter Litwin
I knew Percy Robillard since
I knew Percy Robillard since 1950 and drove many races against him. He was a top horseman and a safe, honest driver plus a really nice fellow. My deepest condolences to his family.
Dr. John Findley
Percy Robillard was not only
Percy Robillard was not only a true horseman in every sense of the word but also a true gentlemen. I had the honour of doing business with Percy for many years, and he was a very classy horseman who probably taught me a lot about what I was selling him. He was a pioneer in our industry, and unfortunately, there's not too many of them left. He will never be forgotten by the people who knew him in his prime.
I first met Percy back in
I first met Percy back in the late 60's. I worked for him and have been good friends ever since. He will me sadly missed by me and many more people. He helped a lot of other horseman in the business. He was always there to help me when I needed advice as to any problem I may have had with a horse. I only wish there were more like him left in the business today.
Condolences to the family of
Condolences to the family of Percy Robillard. He was a true horseman in every sense of the word. He was a gentleman of the kind that this business needs more of. He will be sadly missed.
Murray Cope
I knew Percy all my life...
I knew Percy all my life... I grew up in Morrisburg, and chummed with his son.I think he 1st drove for my dad, Colbourne Hess at the fairs.... He was a great guy, and i am sure he will be missed by everybody who knew him.
I got my first pari-mutuel
I got my first pari-mutuel win with Percy driving Top Deck Lobell. He was the reason I became involved in Harness racing at Richelieu Park. He will always be rembered especially by those of us from Quebec!
My family were friends and
My family were friends and had horses with Percy since 1950's. A wonderful human being and horseman. RIP old pal. Al Casselman
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF PERCY ROBILLARD
I KNEW PERCY BACK IN THE DAY, HE WAS A VERY NICE MAN & WELL
RESPECTED.
HARVEY CREPIN
OTTAWA ONT.