Roy 'Red' Clarke, a retired harness racing driver/trainer who recorded 1,309 victories during his career, died at his home in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia Sunday, April 27

. He was 84.

When Sackville Downs was in operation in the Halifax area, Clarke operated one of the largest stables. He campaigned horses for W.J. R. Martin of St. John’s, Nfld., and Capt. Jack Cruickshank, owner of Sackville Downs.

One of Red’s top all-time performers was the stallion Ranger Bill, a former USTA district 10 Horse of the Year, and former track record holder at Sackville Downs. After Sackville Downs closed, Red move to Alberta, where he spent several years training horses, before moving on to California.

Clarke was followed into the harness racing game by son Bruce, a winner of more than 2,600 career victories, and Edgar (Sparky), who has trained horses at Cal-Expo for years. Both are still active in the sport.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Roy Clarke.