Duncan MacTavish, an accomplished horseman who for decades was one of the leading trainers in Montreal, has passed away at age 74.
MacTavish was in hospital in Ottawa recovering from a hip fracture after a fall at home when a blood clot formed and went to his lung, said Frances, his wife of 55 years.
The couple, who met in high school in their hometown of Lachute, Que., had lived in Hawkesbury, Ont., since his retirement from racing a decade ago.
MacTavish was the son of hall-of-fame horseman Del MacTavish and trained several top horses including Safe Arrival, Armbro Mustang, Lantern Light, Fiddlers Fun, Nevele Dell and Sgt Dares. He was especially adept with young horses and was named Canada’s horseman of the year when he was just 26 – the highlight of his career, Frances said.
“I jogged my first horse when I was eight, started grooming when I was 12 and went into training with my father as soon as I graduated from high school. I drove my first race in ’57,” he said in an interview in 1993.
The final years, however, were difficult. Leaving Montreal was especially painful.
“He was very disappointed when Blue Bonnets closed. That was his home,” Frances said.
Retirement brought renewal.
“He missed the horses and the people, but he was happy with his life. He was a wonderful father and husband,” Frances said.
Duncan MacTavish is survived by son Barry, daughters Shelley and Shona, five grandchildren, and sisters Bonnie and Heather. He was predeceased by brothers Del Jr. and Kenneth and sister Lynn.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Duncan MacTavish.
(A Trot Insider exclusive by Paul Delean)
My deepest sympathies to
My deepest sympathies to Frances and family on Duncans passing. He was a character and certainly left his mark on the horse racing business..as much with his generosity of spirit as with his horsemanship. R.I.P...Bill
Our Deepest Condolences
Our Deepest Condolences Frances and family.
We were friends for over 50 years.
A Very sad day indeed. R.I.P Dunc.
Flash and Colleen Gordon and Family
Anyone who knew Duncan,
Anyone who knew Duncan, probably enjoyed a Silver Bullet or two with him. He was a fine trainer and always put the health and conditioning of his horses first. He was so proud in last weeks of his oldest grandson, who has just graduated in medicine. My sympathy to Francis and family.
I was fortunate to work for
I was fortunate to work for with Duncan in the hay days of BB. They were indeed glorious times and remain fond memories. He always was concerned for the well being of all who worked for him, no exceptions. In those days I was afforded the opportunity to travel with the great pacer of the times, St James St.. I rubbed him in Ontario one summer in St. Catherine’s where Duncan drove him to victory in 159.3 the first ( I believe) ever sub 2:00 minute mile in Ontario. Myself and a lot more are left owing a lot to his kindness and ability to inspire a large group who passed through his shed row, Thanks again Duncan.
Paul
My condolences to you Francis
My condolences to you Francis and to the family for your lost. R.I.P. Duncan
Duncan was a good horseman
Duncan was a good horseman and he won stakes for me. I have known the family since he was a small boy. Deepest condolences to Frances and all the family.
Mary Jane & John Findley.
R.I.P. old friend. Duncan was
R.I.P. old friend. Duncan was a true horseman and one of my first clients in horse racing. When I arrived in Montreal form PEI when I graduated Duncan and Frances treated me like family. Condolences to Frances and the kids on behalf of Sarah and I.
Francis, I am so very sorry
Francis, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please convey my deepest sympathies to Barry, Shelley, Shona and their families. R.I.P. my dear friend Duncan. Your friend always, Rae
R.I.P. Duncan. Our sympathy
R.I.P. Duncan. Our sympathy to Frances and the rest of the family. your friends, Al & Kendra Casselman