Trot Insider has learned that longtime horseman Bill Davis of Langley, B.C. has passed away at the age of 54.
For decades, Davis dominated the harness racing scene on Canada's west coast. Originally from Ontario, Davis made the move west in the early 1980s and earned the nickname 'The Dominator' for his stellar driving and training numbers that earned him multiple training and driving titles at Cloverdale Raceway and Fraser Downs.
Davis was a two-time O'Brien Award winner, receiving the O'Brien Award of Horsemanship in 2003 as the inaugural recipient and again in 2014. That year, Davis rebuilt his stable after losing a number of horses in a barn fire that June.
As a driver, Davis notched 5,477 wins and more than $22 million in purses. As a trainer, Davis won 3,466 races with horses earning in excess of $16 million. He also helped start the career of trainer Casie Coleman, and was instrumental in rushing the young trainer to safety after an explosion set her on fire some 16 years ago.
Davis was also instrumental in the career of son Billy, now a top driver in Ontario.
Bill is also survived by his father William Sr., wife Laurie, daughters Courtney and Megan, brother Dan, and sisters Patsy and Sandy. Predeceased by mother Dorothy.
"On behalf of the family of Bill Davis (The Dominator) we would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers and comments at this time. We would like to let you know that we are having a private celebration of life for Bill, for his family and close friends, as this is what he wanted," said Laurie in a statement. "We would also like to thank OHHA for their generous gift of flying Billy Jr., Amy and Liam home to be with the family."
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Bill Davis.