The Ontario horse racing community is mourning the loss of Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, Thoroughbred Builder, William ‘Bill’ Graham, who passed away on January 15.

Graham was a successful construction entrepreneur who achieved great success within Thoroughbred racing, including a Sovereign Award as Canada’s outstanding breeder in 2012.

As the owner of Windhaven, a 150-acre breeding establishment in Caledon, Ont., Graham’s most prominent racehorses include Sovereign Award-winning fillies Wavering Girl, Fantasy Lake, Cotton Carnival, along with Canadian Oaks champion Blondeinahotel. Last month, the Jockey Club of Canada announced that Graham along with Gustav Schickedanz were each to be presented with the E.P. Taylor Award of Merit for their lifelong dedication and commitment to Thoroughbred racing and breeding in Canada. Additionally, Graham served on the Woodbine Entertainment Board of Directors for 17 years.

Bill Graham (left), pictured receiving his Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame ring at the 2014 induction ceremony from Thoroughbred trainer Mike Doyle (Image courtesy Iron Horse Photo/Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame)

“Bill was a passionate Thoroughbred horse owner and breeder who was always motivated to improve the industry to the benefit of all involved,” said Jim Lawson, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “Through his dedication, he leaves a lasting legacy and will be missed by the entire racing community. On behalf of Woodbine Entertainment, we send our condolences to Bill’s many friends and family.”

Born in Goderich, Ont. in 1937, Graham played professional football in the CFL for the Toronto Argonauts, Calgary Stampeders and B.C. Lions. He held numerous influential positions within horse racing in addition to his time on the Woodbine Entertainment Board of Directors, including vice-president of the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, a director of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society, a commissioner of the Ontario Racing Commission, and as a steward of the Jockey Club of Canada.

To view Graham’s obituary, click here.

A service for Graham will be taking place on Monday, January 21 at 11 a.m. at the Faith Gospel Tabernacle (140 Salvation Drive, Brampton, ON, Canada).

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Bill Graham.

(Woodbine Entertainment)