Funeral services were held Saturday in Laval, Que., for Raymond Benoit, longtime announcer and executive at Blue Bonnets racetrack in Montreal and a 1985 inductee to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame as a builder.

Benoit, who died last month at age 93, is considered the pioneer of the bilingual race call, which he showcased at Richelieu Racetrack and Blue Bonnets. His successor at Blue Bonnets, Jean Desautels, maintained the tradition.

Benoit, a native of Ottawa, started his professional life as an announcer on both English and French radio stations but became a race caller at age 30. He later held executive positions at Blue Bonnets, including director of communications and public relations director.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Raymond Benoit.

(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Paul Delean)