Trot Insider has learned that longtime Nova Scotia-based horseman Phil Pinkney, one of Atlantic Canada's most admired and successful participants, has passed away at the age of 84.

Around the age of 14, Phil Pinkney was introduced to harness racing in Truro, N.S. and he quickly took to admire the horsemanship of the legendary Johnny Conroy. He eventually went to work for local horsemen Belbo Gould and Harley Harrison, before opening his own public stable at the tender age of 17. From there, he would start to ply his trade across Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island as well, developing his reputation as a top up-and-coming horseman.

Phil eventually plied his trade at some of the major U.S. tracks along the New England seaboard in the 1970s, racing at Vernon Downs, Rockingham Park, Foxboro and Saratoga Raceway before returing to concentrate and settle in the Maritimes.

During his time stateside, Pinkney helped grow his reputation as a skilled developer of young horses. Mark Jonathan, Rumpus Hanover, Deep Finesse and Dunachton Gale are names that many quickly link to the Nova Scotia native who also recorded the province's first sub-2:00 mile with Peoples Blue Chip at Sackville Downs.

In 2008, his second straight season with a training average over 0.575, Pinkney was honoured nationally as the recipient of the O'Brien Award of Horsemanship. In 2004 and 2007, his average as a trainer was no worse than 0.754.

While also developing his share of top horses over the years, Pinkney was also a mentor to trainers the likes of Brent MacGrath and Ben Hollingsworth, both of whom have gone on to Grand Circuit success. When MacGrath went on holidays over the winter between the two-year-old and three-year-old seasons of Somebeachsomewhere, it was Pinkney whom the connections trusted with the world champion.

Phil is survived by his beloved Linda Hall; he was a proud father to Brian (Colleen) Pinkney, Dale (Jackie) Pinkney, Keith (Christa) Driscoll; grandchildren, Sarah, Danielle, Suzie, Angel, Michael and Ellie; great grandchildren, Carter, Lily and Rylie; wonderful family, his racing family and numerous beautiful friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kirk and Augusta Pinkney; brothers, Arthur, David (Lorraine) Pinkney; sister, Sally (Brian) Kempton; half-brother, John (Grace) Cann; half-sisters, Elma Trask, Norma (Joe) Brittain and June Ryerson.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at VON and all its extended family and friends for their ongoing care and support during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations in Phil’s name may be made to VON or charity of choice. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, November 20 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. (AT) in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro, N.S. Lyle Carter will be speaking at 2:00 p.m. followed by longtime friend, Brent MacGrath. COVID-19 restrictions in place. Proof of full vaccination with ID required. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting ColchesterCommunity.com.

A live stream of the tributes from Carter and MacGrath will be available here.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Phil Pinkney.