Longtime horseman and Manitoba native Jim Grundy passed away on August 6 following a lengthy battle with liver and lung cancer. He was 74

.

Despite being born into a harness racing family, Grundy pursued a career in professional hockey and was a regular with the Cleveland Barons of the American Hockey League. In 1958, a knee injury forced him to hang up his skates and return to his roots.

Grundy studied horses under Clint Hodgins and Frank Popfinger in the late 1950’s and in 1961-62 he ventured out on his own and moved to Monticello Raceway. His big break came in 1965 when he drove many of Howard Beissinger's horses including the free-for-all trotter Missile Toe.

In 1972, Grundy won the Monticello dash title with 104 victories and in 1973, he was leading the dash chase with 132 triumphs when he departed for sunny California. His success in the Golden State resulted in an induction to the California Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 2006.

Grundy retired in 1999 with a total of 2,617 driving victories and over $10.3 million earned.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jim Grundy.

(With files from USTA)