Trot Insider has learned that well-known Quebec-based conditioner Pierre Touchette has passed away at
the age of 64.
Touchette, a four-time trainer of the year in Quebec, was perennially among the leaders in the province's conditioner category. "Charlot" as he was known started in harness racing as a teenager in the 1960s working with the Turcotte family at Richeleu Park, then with Albert Hanna. After going on his own, he worked for Michel Lachance, mostly racing in the United States at tracks like Brandywine, Roosevelt, Liberty Bell and the Meadowlands. In 1979, Touchette once again struck out on his own.
A licenced pilot, Touchette was most fond of and most associated with pacer Bullvons Dream. "He was perfect from the day I broke him," Touchette said in a 2004 interview. Bullvons Dream raced against the likes of Western Hanover, Staying Together, Survivor Gold and Silver Almahurst and managed to bank over $842,000 and earn a mark of 1:50.2 at the Meadowlands.
Horses trained by Touchette earned over $11 million lifetime with 944 winners to his credit, with names like Fiorello Blue Chip, Gorky Park, Katorzheniki and Esmeralda Semalu as recognized performers from his stable.
Friends will be received at the Alfred Dallaire Funeral Home, 2159 St-Martin Blvd. East in Laval, Que. on Tuesday, May 24 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and on Wednesday, May 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 25 at 1 p.m. at the same location.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Pierre Touchette.
I worked for Pierre in South
I worked for Pierre in South Florida for a couple of winters in the mid nineties. He was a very classy individual with a truly kind heart. May Pierre rest in peace.
James C Meyer DVM
My condolences to his family
My condolences to his family and friends.
A true horseman that will be sadly missed, God speed.
Gary Blackburn
Chuck and I bought our first
Chuck and I bought our first horse from Pierre over 30 years ago - and didn't do badly with it! We were shocked to hear of Pierre's passing but I am sure he is in a better place. He is now gone to keep Bobby Stewart company.
Rest in peace.
Heather & Chuck Reid
With Pierre's passing, I
With Pierre's passing, I lost a true friend. I spoke with Pierre about a month ago and he was hoping for a good summer so that he can plan a trip - maybe a cruise - and take some vacations. I guess a 7 day cruise was not long enough so he took the long trip to heaven! I respected Him and I certainly felt respected by Him. You will be missed Charlot. Bon Voyage!
Manon Gravel,
Standardbred Canada field rep.
Mr Pierre Touchette was a
Mr Pierre Touchette was a good mentor for the Allard's team. Il était un bon guide, un bon conseiller pour les jeunes. Il y a quelques semaines, il me donnait de l'information nécessaire pour courir aux États-Unis. J'étais loin de penser qu'il nous quitterait si tôt. Nous perdons un bon ami.
I have known Pierre for
I have known Pierre for almost 30 years, a truly wonderful person. When Rene phoned me to tell me he was gravely ill, I was shocked. Then to get another call the next day to say he had passed was truly sad. He was a great horseman and a true gentleman. Rest in peace, mon ami.
Pierre was my first employer
Pierre was my first employer at the age of 17. He was much more than a boss with his employees, he considered us as family. Pierre was an individual you could definitly turn to for help and advice without the worries of being judged. There was just a positive quality about him that made you feel good. Those who knew him well could agree that he had the kindest heart.
Even being out of the horse business for more than 10 yrs now, Pierre has never passed a holiday without calling and wishing the best for my family and I, or just to know how we were doing.
His passing is a huge loss to myself and especially those even closer to him. My deepest condolences to Rene Dion, Gilles Dion and Geatan Gamache who truly considered Pierre as a close family member. I wish you guys the best of luck for the future and continuing to lead the stable with success.
Did not Know Pierre very
Did not Know Pierre very well but every time I see him he always had smile on his face big lost to horse racing God bless RIP
This is really a shock. I've
This is really a shock. I've known Pierre for going on a half century. A good guy and a very good horseman. RIP friend.
Deepest condolences to
Deepest condolences to Pierre's family and friends. We go back many years, notably the 60's and 70's at Blue Bonnets,Richelieu,Foxboro with Michel Lachance. I did get to spend time with Pierre at Woodbine on many occasions this winter and spring, and his passing was a shock. A good honest horseman,who will be missed.
Charlot a probablement été
Charlot a probablement été celui qui a donné au plus de jeunes , gars ET FILLES , de Gaspé en passant par Québec jusqu'à Montréal, la chance d'apprendre un métier ,et de développer une passion pour cet animal,qui était toute sa vie .Merci! salut Charlot
josée
Warren McIntyre and I known
Warren McIntyre and I known Pierre since a long time, and my son and his girlfriend both worked for him and had the utmost respect for him. Always very generous to his help. God bless and our deepest sympathy. Also considered by all, a very good horseman and trainer. He'll surely be missed.
Pierre was always cordial
Pierre was always cordial and gracious. My condolences.
Bon voyage Charlot, a ta
Bon voyage Charlot, a ta famille et amis, mes sinceres condoleances, le monde des courses te manqueront. Ronald
This is such a shock, Pierre
This is such a shock, Pierre was a lifelong friend who shared great memories with us! He will be greatly missed and always in our thoughts. Sending our deepest condolences to the family and friends. Forever in our Hearts!
Brad, Paul, and Melissa Shakes