Trot Insider has learned that longtime harness racing industry participant Benoit Frenette of Laval, Que. passed away on Jan. 6, 2023 at the age of 60.
Ben was involved in racing from a young age as the son of the late Jean-Louis Frenette, former handicapper at Blue Bonnets for many years. Ben eventually made his way into the race office as the race secretary at the legendary Montreal racetrack. Just before Blue Bonnets / Hippodrome de Montreal closed, he moved to Aylmer then to Rideau Carleton Raceway where he also performed race secretary duties.
After the race office at Rideau closed, Frenette stayed involved in the industry as a judge for both the AGCO in Ontario and RACJ in Quebec.
Ben is survived by his partner of the past 30 years, Sylvie Lecuyer, children Isabelle Nathan-Frenette and Sebastien Nathan-Frenette, his grand-children Trystan and Lory, his sister Sylvie (Michel), his brother-in-law Claude (Johanne), relatives and friends.
The family will receive condolences at the Mausolée St-Martin (back building) of the funeral complex Alfred Dallaire-Memoria, 2159 St-Martin E., Laval, QC (514-277-7778) on Friday, Jan. 27 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. A celebration of life will follow at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Quebec Cancer Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Benoit Frenette.