Lifelong harness racing industry participant Ken Hardy passed away suddenly at his home in Lucan, Ont. on Monday, June 6 at the age of 74.
Hardy followed his father Norm into the business, earning his driver's license at the age of 18 and cutting his teeth at Western Fair Raceway in London, Ont. Over the years he was associated with horses the likes of dual Hall of Famer Cathedra, Armbro Oliver and Debbielynnekillean. He captured more than 2,700 races accrued in excess of $11 million in purses in his on-track driving career.
After retiring from on-track competition, Hardy served as the President of the Ontario Harness Horse Association from 2011-2019 while also serving on the executive.
More details will be posted when they become available.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Ken Hardy.
Ken Hardy
So sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He was such a great all around person. He could brighten up a crowd pretty quickly with his wit and good humor. Loved his golf and great guy to play with. Ken was instrumental in helping my brother Peter Otten get his start in the business and had great success with Bye Bye Scarlett at Windsor Raceway.
Rest in piece old friend.
Ken Hardy
Our condolence goes out to the Hardy Family
He sure was a gentleman and a great horseman.
Saw Ken drive many winners at Windsor, Western Fair, and Greenwood.
He sure will be missed ...RIP Ken
Laurance & Marie Geisel
Sad news
What can one say. Ken was a great guy and excellent horsemen.
From Robust King to Duffy's Bet Ken drove them all.
Norm was very proud of his son.
R.I.P Ken
Raced with Ken for many…
Raced with Ken for many years and played golf with him in Georgia last few years…
Real shock
Our condolences to his family
Ron Bosada
Marilyn
Thoughts & prayers are with you...God bless...
From, Al & Kendra Casselman
Ken Hardy
So sorry to hear of Ken's passing a great guy and all around horseman it was on honour to have him drive for us and train a few for him .Our deepest condolences go out to the family he will be missed by many Jim Jarvis and family
I was saddened to hear of…
I was saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. My most sincere condolences to his family. Not only a great driver who inspired me but a great guy. As a rookie driver he’d joke with me, and I know it was just to relax me. Awesome guy all around! R.I.P Ken
Was a great friend for 50…
Was a great friend for 50 years talked every week i will them calls dearly
Very sad news. This brings…
Very sad news. This brings back a flood of great memories racing with Ken at Windsor Raceway and all the way back to the late 60's watching him drive his own 'Robust King' and 'Kent Express' in the feature races on Sat. afternoons at Western Fair Raceway. Ken was a great driver and horseman and it seems like just yesterday that we were playing 'Hearts' in the cafeteria at the track after training or the races at Windsor Raceway. In reality it was 35-40 yrs ago. Time flies so fast. Ann and I send our sincere condolences to Marilyn and the family.
So sorry to hear of Ken's…
So sorry to hear of Ken's passing. Great, great guy that did alot for racing R.I.P Ken!