Trot Insider has learned that Harry Rutherford, longtime harness racing industry participant and one of Canada's most successful Standardbred breeders, passed away on June 11, 2020 the age of 83.
Rutherford operated Cool Creek Farm in Mount Pleasant, Ont. with partner Diane 'Joey' Ingham for decades and produced a number of notable trotting stars including Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Famer Elegantimage as well as O'Brien Award winners Pure Ivory -- the dam of 2019 Horse of the Year Forbidden Trade -- and Casual Breeze. Ingham and Rutherford were honoured as the Canada's Breeder of the Year in 2009 when their 19 starters, including O’Brien winner Il Villaggio, averaged $64,528 for a total of $1.2 million in earnings.
Harry got involved in harness racing in the 1960s while working with the Brantford police department. His neighbour was noted participant Max Webster, and he obtained a mare with Max's son Brian Webster when Max was upgrading his stock. That foray into racehorse ownership gave Rutherford his first taste of the business, but he found the breeding side more to his liking.
Rutherford and Ingham started out in the breeding business in the late 1970s with a mare by the name of Hurricane Honey, who was purchased in Lexington and didn't pan out as a racehorse. Hurricane Honey definitely excelled as a broodmare, producing a pair of divisional champions in the 1980s by the names of Cosmic Storm 3, T1:57 ($338,506) and Ride The Wave 2, 2:00f ($276,260). Rutherford retired from the police force in 1988 to focus on the breeding farm.
That focus produced a parade of champions over the next three decades that also included breeding stakes winner Raising Rachel, while also owning a piece of 2008 Hambletonian winner Deweycheatumnhowe.
Rutherford served on numerous industry boards over the years, and he was honoured along with Ingham by the Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association in 2013 with the Chris Van Bussel Memorial Award, an honour that is awarded to persons of integrity who have who served the SBOA and industry.
Harry is survived by his loving wife and best friend Diane (Joey) Ingham, his son Justin and his beloved grandchildren Brady and Falyn. Lovingly remembered by sister Bea, and brothers Ted and Bob, and his special nephews Bryan and Rob.
Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are entrusted to McCleister Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at mccleisterfuneralhome.ca
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Harry Rutherford.
Sorry to hear our dear friend
Sorry to hear our dear friend has passed. Joey and Harry are a great pair and hold a tremendous passion for the breeding business. Memories of sitting at the kitchen table discussing their babies and mares were always enjoyable. Harry always had a smile and words of encouragement. Rest easy partner.
Sad to hear of Harry's
Sad to hear of Harry's passing. He did a lot for the breeding game. RIP friend, I will miss our catching up moments at Sobey's.
Harry Rutherford was truly
Harry Rutherford was truly one of the good guys.He epitomized everything that is good and decent about the sport of harness horse racing. Along with his partner 'Joey' Ingham they produced many champion trotters from a limited band of broodmares.
RIP Harry, you were a champion also! Sincere condolences to 'Joey' and the extended Rutherford family.
Saddened to hear of the
Saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend Harry. We met almost 60 years ago, it has been quite a trip. When it comes to breeding, raising and marketing Standardbred yearlings no one does it better than Harry and Joey. Our condolences to Joey and Harry’s extended family. Rest easy old friend.
Brian and Gay
So sorry to hear this news.
So sorry to hear this news. Such a classy man and always treated people like an equal. He will truly be missed. RIP Mr. Rutherford.
Not that much I can say
Not that much I can say except that Harry was a very fine man who will be missed by everyone who knew him. The worst part of getting old is that so many wonderful people leave before you.
My deepest condolences to
My deepest condolences to Joey and the entire Rutherford family. Harry was one of the most respected and kindest gentleman you would ever meet. From a small breeding operation, Harry and Joey’s broodmare band certainly improved the OSS program and beyond. He chose quality over quantity and is a great example for other breeders to follow. As Harry would say “if you like this yearling... wait till you see the weanling.” RIP Harry
Very sad news indeed, I echo
Very sad news indeed, I echo Lillie Brown's sentiment. Always such a kind man, a class act.
Truly a wonderful couple and a force in the Canadian breeding industry. I loved a phone call from Harry, as you really talked to both him and Joey in the background!
My condolences to Joey and family.
I am saddened beyond words to
I am saddened beyond words to hear that my friend Harry, has passed away. I have known Harry for many years and it was always my pleasure to talk with him in the office and at the sales. I will truly miss him and will always have a deep sadness at not seeing his smiling face and hearing his voice at the sales. Rest in peace my friend. Joey, my deepest condolences are with you.
My condolences to Harry’s
My condolences to Harry’s family. RIP
I'm so very sorry to hear
I'm so very sorry to hear this news. Harry was always a very kind man to deal with, and someone that I was always happy to chat with when I saw him at the sales.
R.I.P. my friend - you'll definitely be missed.