On Jan. 3, 2023, the sport of harness racing lost one of its most dedicated, loyal and longest owners, Ron Ruggles. He was 82 and was living in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Ronald Ruggles was known by many as the M.T. Pockets Stable. Starting out in the sport while in his early '20s, Ruggles sustained in the business for more than 60 years.

Born in New Jersey, Ruggles was a diehard racing fan who regularly visited Roosevelt Raceway, Yonkers Raceway and the Meadowlands. 

Always owning Standardbreds named mostly (something) Pockets, it wasn’t until he met and partnered with owner and author/writer Victoria Howard that, as he said, “he went all in.”

Over the years, Ruggles has owned and bred many good stakes horses such as Georgies Pockets, Guinevere Hall, Fleurie and Taurasi. 

Taurasi was Ruggles' pride and joy. This past year, the stakes-winning homebred three-year-old gelding by Racing Hill won eight of 12 starts with earnings of $183,150 with a record of 1:48.3. 

His trainers as of the time of his death were Tony Alagna, Peter Wrenn and Dan Altmeyer/Mike Wilder.

Ruggles was known as one of the kindest, most generous and nicest men in the sport.

At his untimely death, Ruggles and Howard owned 20 horses. The sport will deeply miss Ruggles but Howard hopes to continue his legacy. 

Howard and Ruggles' trainers and friends are planning a race in his honour during the Grand Circuit week at The Red Mile in the fall. A memorial visitation for Ruggles will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kraeer Funeral Home, 200 West Copans Road, Pompano Beach, Florida, 33064.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations in his name: Tunnels To Towers Foundation and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at forestlawnnorth.com for the Ruggles family.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Ronald Ruggles.