Longtime horseman Normand Dessureault of Pompano Beach, Fla. passed away on Thursday (Jan. 28) at the age of 72.

A native of Ayers Cliff, Québec, Dessureault's successful career in harness racing spanned close to a half century while compiling 1,838 wins in the sulky and nearly 600 as a trainer in the latter stages of his career.

Known as a complete horseman and true gentleman on and off the racetrack, Dessureault had many successful campaigners over the years but the one that stood out in his own mind was Incredible Abe, a son of Crowning Point, that won $279,847 as a two-year-old under the careful horsemanship of Normand and his son, Mario.

Among his successes of 11 wins in 15 starts as a two year-old in 1993 were several stakes on the Grand Circuit route, including Vernon Downs, Saratoga, Buffalo Raceway, Batavia, Syracuse, Yonkers and The Red Mile, with his season finale being a win in the Matron Stakes at Pompano Park.

In an interview several years ago, Normand related, "To say that 'Abe' was 'incredible' didn't really happen right away. I won a baby race at Blue Bonnets — I think the purse was $500 or so — in 2:07 and a piece and, while I loved his manners, I wasn't sure how fast he would be able to go. But, in no time, he proved himself and took a two-year-old mark of 1:58, and it was right here at Pompano. That was quite something for a two-year-old back then!"

In recent years, "Dess" campaigned Bobs Hope and Security Guard, and this year campaigned the Open trotter Bucketlist Hanover.

Hall of Fame Horseman Wally Hennessey reflected on Dessureault's career and character, saying, "He was admired by all of us, not only as a horseman, but, as a true gentleman ... just a wonderful guy!"

Normand is survived by his wife, Noreen; son Mario (Desi); brothers, Michel (Lynn) and Alain (Helene); and sister, Ginette.

Services for Normand Dessureault are planned for this summer in his home province of Québec, in coordination with his mother, who passed away in 2020.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Normand Dessureault.

(Pompano Park)