Trot Insider has learned that longtime harness racing industry participant Cecil Albert 'Pat' Burns of Toronto, Ont. passed away on April 20, 2021 after turning 100 this past February.
A longtime geologist, Burns was involved with Standardbreds for many years. Along with his late wife Sheila and operating under the stable of C A Burns Limited, Burns was the co-breeder and owner of a pair of O'Brien Award-winning siblings -- two-time O'Brien Award winner Dresden Dolly, named Canada's Older Trotting Mare of the Year in both 2002 and 2003, as well as 1998 Older Trotting Mare of the Year Kewpie Doll B. He also campaigned Harlequin, another stakes winner from the family of Wellesley Doll, one of many horses he owned and raced with the late Bill Wellwood.
Predeceased by wife Sheila, Burns is survived by children Scott Andrew, Laura Maie, and Frances Sheila Abbasi, grandchildren Jasmin, Kimberly (Tony), Sam and Kayley (Adam) and great-grandson Gage.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Pat Burns.