Andre St. Amour, a former Connaught Park and Rideau Carleton Raceway star that drove more than 3,000 winners in his career, has passed away at age 82.
St. Amour suffered a heart attack Monday (September 1) at his home in Gatineau, Que. The day before, he’d exercised horses for trainer Sebastien Giroux, something he did regularly even after retiring in 2005, daughter Lucie said.
Known as a trotting specialist, St. Amour had 3,166 career victories for purse earnings of more than $3.6 million. “All his wins were special,” Lucie said. “Horses were his life.”
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rita; children, Doris, Lucie and Stephane; and grandson Andre. The family will be holding a private service next week.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Andre St. Amour.
(A Trot Insider exclusive by Paul Delean)
Andre was simply an industry
Andre was simply an industry icon. I met him first in the late 60’s and when anyone spoke of racing in the nations capitol, Andre’s name was the first one to come up. In later years (80’s) I had an opportunity for a short time to race against him and I can assure you he was a formidable opponent. In today’s racing era I have no doubt he could compete in the upper standings of any of North Americas tracks. An absolute loss from an era of legends.
Andre was a good horseman, a
Andre was a good horseman, a good driver and a good friend. Deepest condolences to the St. Amour Family, Mary Jane and John Findley.
I competed with Andre many
I competed with Andre many times at Rideau, Connaught and Blue Bonnets,a GENTLEMAN and friend, to his family my condolences. R.I.P. Andre.
Andre St-Amour fût un grand
Andre St-Amour fût un grand homme pour l'industrie des courses au Quebec, et a connu la plus grande partie de ses succes à la piste de Connaught Park. Repose en Paix André. Il fût un grand guerrier, a combattu un cancer il y a plusieurs années. Mes sympathies à toute sa famille.
Micheline, Jacques, Gilles et toute la famille Beaudoin.
Rita & Family, Please
Rita & Family,
Please accept sincere condolences. Andre was always a Gentleman to drive with and, a fierce competitor at that. Andre was without a doubt one of the best trainers to hang up both a Trotter and Pacer. I will always remember Andre, Settlor Pat, Skippy Retand and of course A.St.A.....he dominated the spring time Tulip Trot for years at Connaught Park.
Howard Portelance
Andre was a VERY nice
Andre was a VERY nice man..... and he could rate a horse like no other... Always a smile and a hand shake in the paddock at Connaught Park .... Rest In peace old friend.......Terry
Lourde perte pour le monde
Lourde perte pour le monde des courses. André St-Amour a été une légende des courses attelées en Outaouais, il a dominé la colonne des conducteurs pendant plusieurs années à Connaught où il fut un conducteur d'appoint très en demande. Les registres de SC indiquent qu'André aurait remporté plus de 3 000 victoires mais quoiqu'il en soit, André avait déjà plusieurs victoires à son actif avant même que SC compile les données puisqu'il faisait campagne à la piste White Horse de Gatineau avant le début des courses à Connaught au milieu des années 50.
Mes condoléances à son épouse Rita et à ses trois enfants.
André Audette