Longtime owner and harness racing enthusiast David Nicol of Mount Hope, Ont. passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 19 at St. Peters Hospital in Hamilton, Ont., at the age of 89, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
A retired captain from East York Fire Department, David began his ownership journey in the early 1970s with trainer Ole Annerud of Cookstown, Ont. His family would make the trip most weekends to watch the horses train and then proceed to the races at the old Barrie and Orangeville racetracks where his son Jeffrey caught the harness racing bug.
Buying a farm in Hagersville, Ont. in 1985 with partners, David's and wife Sally's Won More Time Stable were the proud owners of Ontario Sires Stakes winners Dee B Victoria and Wonmor Expense along with half-mile track specialist Flying Tiger, among others. Thereafter, David briefly hooked up with trainer Gary Feagan then onto OJC trainer Gary Kingshott where they had success with numerous horses.
Jeffrey then resumed the training at Waples Training Centre. Being offered the opportunity to train horses in Florida, Jeff hooked up David with the hardworking pair of Susie Kerwood and Rene Dion. They had success with The Northern Dude and New York Sires Stakes and Casual Breeze winner and 2019 Meadowlands Mixed Sale topper Southwind Tesla, among others.
Predeceased by wife Sally, David leaves behind son Jeffrey, daughter Deborah, second wife Audrey and stepdaughters Valerie and Melanie.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of David Nicol.
Dave
So sorry to hear this news Jeff and family. I remember him coming to our farm,he was a big stong man. RIP Dave
Condolences to Jeff and family.
Dave Nicol
Our condolences to the Nicol Family.
Dave will be remembered as an avid participant of the harness racing industry.
He was an owner, breeder and trainer of many horses.
Most of all he will be remembered as a gentleman.
Jo-Anne and Steve Finucane
Mr Nic
RIP my friend , We have lost a great owner and a good friend ,Dave was always so optimistic about his horses ,
i am going to miss him dearly , always had great talks My deepest sympathy to Jeff and the family