Keith Waples passed away
At 2h37, on May 9, 2021 • By NEWSROOM
Keith Waples, a Hall of Fame member and one of the most revered horsemen in harness racing history, passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 97.
Waples beginnings at 12-year-old when driving at the Sundridge fairgrounds and he winning his first race in 1936.
Statistics credit Waples with having 3,207 winners and $6.7 million in purses, but these numbers was during a period when the statistics weren’t recorded. Among his outstanding champions were: Strike Out, Tie Silk, Alberts Star, Choir Boy, Duke of Decatur, Ben Boy, and Blaze Pick.
The olders Quebec racing fans will remember that in the 1950s, the Blue Bonnets and Richelieu racetracks was a “home away from home” for Keith Waples.
On July 21, 1959, Waples became the first driver to break the 2:00 mile barrier on Canadian soil with Mighty Dudley (1:59 3/5) at Richelieu Park in Montreal.
Quebec Jockey Club join all racing fans in offering condolences to the family and friends of Keith Waples.
