Keith Clark, a true Alberta legend in the world of Standardbred horse racing, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 at the age of 71. Born in Stoughton, Sask., Keith's life was marked by his incredible achievements and deep love for his family and horses.
Keith is survived by his beloved partner, Liz Davie, his children Kasey and Kerry Clark, and his siblings Lynda (Wayne Douglas), Collette (Rick Docking), Larry, Bill (Kathy McCaughan), Kelly (Holly Clark), Karen (Mike Van Rijn), Monica (Warren Grant), Bob (Becky Arnold), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorne and Helene Clark, and his brother Jackie.
With over 50 years in the Standardbred horse racing industry, Keith's career was nothing short of extraordinary. He achieved 6,620 driving wins and 4,302 training wins, was named Alberta Horseman of the Year 14 times, and received the prestigious O’Brien Award of Horsemanship in both 2004 and 2011. His contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2009.
In 2021, Keith retired and downsized his operation, selling his DeWinton farm and purchasing a new acreage in Foothills to focus on broodmares and raising young horses. This transition allowed him to spend winters in Arizona, where he discovered new passions, including riding his Harley and Indian motorcycles, lounging by the pool, enjoying happy hours, and dancing weekly.
Keith's family will hold a Celebration of Life in the spring of 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Olds College Equine Program in Keith's memory.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Keith Clark.
Keith Clark
Growing up in a harness racing family in Western Canada, Keith Clark was our version of Wayne Gretzky.Watching the talented horsemen drive multiple winners on most race cards and also win every stakes race Alberta had to offer we knew even as kids he was SPECIAL .My younger brother and myself idolized Keith Clark to the point of both our colors being green and yellow.I remember watching Keith win the western Canada pacing derby and northlands filly pace multiple times and I wanted to win both of those races just like my idol did.As years went on and I ended up racing horses full-time while going to high-school and after graduation starting a public stable taking on new clients and partners thats when Keith Clark gave me probably the best advice I had ever received at that time.Keith said "listen stud colt you want to get in on a piece of every horse you train thats how you make real money" obviously i listened to my idol and that really helped me along the way racing. My favorite memory that comes to mind with my idol is when I went to Alberta with my 3yrold stakes filly mystic maiden and supplemented $5000 to be eligible to that race she wasn't her self in the prep race the week before but bounced back and won the $100,000 filly pace final just 7 days later defeating keiths 3 horse entry aswell as a 2 horse kelly hoerdt entry... I was ecstatic on cloud 9 obviously but when Keith my idol came up to me afterwards and said "stud colt you did a hell of a job having her on her toes and bouncing back to win the final! He shook my hand and said now your buying the drinks" followed by his laugh... he taught me so much over the years even by just watching him and his stable he also drove quite a few winners for me and always had positive feedback which made my job easier!!! So many memories with him and racing heres to you Keith rip and drive a few more winners up there,.
Keith clark
To all the family deepest sympathy for your loss Keith was not just a great horseman and teacher but a good friend I worked for him in the early 80s and if you listened you learned lotts he was a true hall of famer.
Jim (reddog)jarvis