Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Famer Dr. John Findley passed away at his Carlisle, Ont. home on Saturday, August 20, less than two weeks from his 98th birthday.
More often than not playing the percentages has been the key to success in harness racing, and no one played that game better than Dr. John Findley. This Ottawa Valley native of Arnprior, Ont., born on Sept. 2, 1924, enjoyed an auspicious career that spanned four decades as a breeder, trainer/driver and veterinarian, and began with his first lifetime win at the Arnprior Fair at the age of 13.
One of the highlights of his professional life came in 1975 when he emerged as the leading percentage driver in North America. He also captured 13 different driving titles at various racetracks during his career. While his purse winning of $2.4 million and his 1,300 career victories may pale in comparison to more contemporary figures, the fiercely competitive Dr. Findley’s accomplishments — eloquently detailed here by SC Rewind columnist Robert Smith — left him well placed among other horsemen of his era.
Under the name of Madawaska Farms, Dr. Findley bred and raced a number of memorable performers over the years. Among the most notables that bore his green, red and white colors were free-for-all pacer Canny Choice, a winner of $283,000, the flashy trotter The Black Douglas, who banked $273,000 before being exported to Holland, and the $234,000 winning Moon Magic.
Dalyce Blue (pictured above) was Dr. Findley’s favourite horse, having won all of her stake events as a two and three-year-old and was named Canadian Two-Year-Old Filly Trotter of the Year. She was the first Canadian-bred to beat 2:10 as a two-year-old and 2:05 as a three-year-old. She later would produce the fine performer The Black Douglas.
Findley competed into his 80s, notching his final training and driving wins in 2004 before retiring from active competition. He continued to follow the sport with devotion up until his passing.
Survived by his wife Mary Jane, Dr. John Findley will be laid to rest in Arnprior with a private family service.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dr. John Findley.
(with files from the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame)
Dr. Findley
At the young age of 18 I had the good fortune of being hired by Dr. Findley and spent the next several years being taught by the best - about the proper care of horses and equipment, the elements of standard bred racing and through the process developed a work ethic that has served me well. We travelled to many racetracks around the country and I always felt so much pride knowing I worked for one of the best in the business.
These were some of the best years of my life and I shall always be grateful for the opportunity Dr. Findley gave me. Thank you.
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Findley, I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Blake Ross
Dr. John Findley
Reading about Dr. Findley passing prompted me to recall the first time I attended Batavia Downs as a teenager. On that fateful day he was involved in a terrible race accident and broke his leg.
As I recall it took a very long time for Dr. Finley to make it back to the races.
RIP Dr. John Findley.
Dr. John Findley
Doc Findley epitomized everything that is good and decent about the sport of harness horse racing whether it was as an owner, breeder, trainer or driver. On the track he was a fierce competitor, never giving an inch or expecting an inch. He was in every race to win, fairly, squarely, by the rules but to win. Doc won numerous driving titles in Ontario and Quebec competing at the highest level and the few times he raced his horses at Yonkers or Roosevelt in New York they knew "Doc was in town." May this iconic horse racing luminary rest in peace. Most sincere condolences to his lovely spouse Mary Jane!
rewind
I just lost one of my best friends ever.
I have known John for over 60 years and spent many great days at Madawaska Farms - Susan and I stayed there after my ordination service in 1978.
I was even a staff member for a week as a night watchman - other alumni include: Nelson White, Bunny Elliott, Kenny Carmichael, Jim MacCormick, Jim Carmichael, Keith Wilmot, Pete Kelly, Bill Oehring, Kerry Millman and many others.
Horses and History - he was an ace at both. He contributed so much to our sport over his whole lifetime as a breeder, owner, trainer, and driver, as well as serving on industry boards and committees.
My one regret is that I don't think I have heard all his stories yet.
Prayers arising for Jane and thinking of all his colleagues and friends.
God bless you my dear friend - and thank you for everything.