Trot Insider has learned that after having battled cancer for many years, Standardbred racehorse owner and trainer Gordon Hart passed away early Sunday morning (October 22) at the age of 77.
After retiring from his occupation as a technical writer for Bombardier’s Railcar division, Hart’s hobby with Standardbred horses quickly became his daily consumption. When diagnosed in 2011 with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, and given the prognosis of two and a half years to live, Hart fought hard and squeezed out almost seven years. For many of those years he was able to live a relatively normal life doing what he loved, training and racing Standardbreds.
Hart was quoted as saying, “It is the horses that keep me alive.”
Hart was a gentle man with a good sense of humour and a smile that made him many friends. If you had an ear to talk horses, he would happily spend hours with you in conversation, learning the trade he loved and listening to stories others had to share.
Hart passed away with family at his side and he will be missed by many. His family is thankful for the memories they have.
Always the horseman, may his soul rest in peace.
Trot Insider has learned that there will not be a funeral service, but both Flamboro Downs and Rideau Carleton Raceway will hold a moment of silence for Hart during their Wednesday cards of racing.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Gordon Hart.
Mr. Hart was the ultimate
Mr. Hart was the ultimate gentleman, I remember him well from racing days at Kingston, in recent years I had the pleasure to speak with him on numerous occasions.
Our sincere condolences to his family and friends, his gentle spirit will be missed.
P Murphy & B Dion
I had the pleasure of driving
I had the pleasure of driving for Mr. Hart and will always remember Vera Hart E. Please accept sincere condolences for your loss.
Respectfully,
Howard Portelance