Dr. John Findley has passed, aged 97

It is with immense sadness the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame acknowledges the passing of 1997 Standardbred Driver/Trainer inductee Dr. John Findley. Dr. Findley passed away at his Carlisle, Ont. home on Saturday, August 20, less than two weeks from his 98th birthday.

This Ottawa Valley native of Arnprior, Ont., enjoyed an auspicious career as a breeder, trainer/driver and veterinarian. Clearly 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 left him well placed among other horsemen of his era.

Home-bred Dalyce Blue 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. Dalyce Blue was recognized by the CHRHF as a Legend Honouree in 2012, with the very proud Dr. Findley in attendance to unveil her Hall of Fame plaque.

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.