Owner/breeder Ronald Ruggles passes, age 82

On January 3, 2023 the sport of harness racing lost one of its most dedicated, loyal and longest owners, Ron Ruggles. He was 82 and was living in Pompano Beach, FL.

Ronald Ruggles was known by many as the M.T. Pockets Stable. Starting out in the sport while in his early 20’s Ron sustained in the business for over 60 years.

Born in New Jersey, Ruggles was a diehard racing fan who regularly visited Roosevelt Raceway, Yonkers, and the Meadowlands Raceway.

Always owing Standardbreds named mostly (something) Pockets, it wasn’t until he met and partnered with owner and author/writer Victoria Howard that as he said “ he went all in,”

Over the years Ruggles has owned and bred many good stake horses such as Georgie’s Pockets, Guinevere Hall, Fleurie and Taurasi.

Taurasi was Ruggles pride and joy. This past year the stakes winning homebred three-year-old gelding by Racing Hill won 8 of 12 starts with earnings of $183,150 with a record of 1:48.3.

His trainers as of the time of his death were Tony Alagna, Peter Wrenn and Dan Altmeyer/Mike Wilder.

Ruggles was known as one of the kindest, most generous and nicest men in the sport.

At his untimely death, Ron and Howard owned 20 horses.

The sport will deeply miss Ron but Howard hopes to continue his legacy.

Howard, Ruggles trainers and friends are planning a race in his honor during the Grand Circuit week at The Red Mile in the fall.

A memorial visitation for Ronald will be held Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 7:00PM at Kraeer Funeral Home, 200 West Copans Road, Pompano Beach, Florida 33064.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations in his name.

Tunnel To Towers Foundation: https://t2t.org/donate/

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: https://donate.ushmm.org/6hRw6kqugUOvJLNKCIbD1g2

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnnorth.com for the Ruggles family.

From the Florida Chapter of USHWA