The Maritime Standardbred racing industry has lost another well-respected senior member of its harness fraternity, as owner/horseman Blair J. Bernard passed away on Tuesday, January 20 at his residence at the age of 88.
Bernard had been a lifelong member of the automotive industry, selling cars for Lounsbury Ltd. in his native Moncton community.
He was equally committed to the sport of harness racing, having campaigned horses
for several decades at Brunswick Downs and subsequently Champlain Raceway and
New Brunswick Downs until its closing.
Despite the lack of racing opportunities in Moncton, Bernard maintained an active interest in the sport through his son, Paul-Emile, and daughter, Gisele, and her companion, Gordie Hennessey.
Some of the noteworthy equine that Blair campaigned were Tasty Treat, a winner of the coveted Alexander Memorial and Earle Deware Memorial; Phantom Lobell, with whom he won a two-mile endurance test in Saint John in 1972; Standing Room Only, and countless others.
In later years, Blair turned his attention to developing young horses, prepping Overbrooks Sir Jon who held the three-year-old pacing colt mark in Moncton, as well high-speed performers Adroit Lobell and Arbiter Lobell.
After learning their initial lessons, many of the young performers were sent to Son Armand, a former leading dash winner in Moncton who then campaigned them at his adopted home base in New Jersey.
To read Blair’s complete obituary, click here.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Blair Bernard.