Canadian Hall of Fame trainer Doyle dead at 74
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Trainer Mike Doyle, who was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame earlier this year, has died at age 74.
Doyle conditioned Canadian champions Bessarabian and Wavering Girl, along with Wild Gale, who finished third in both the 1993 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. He won 1,178 races, including 120 stakes, and amassed earnings of $44.2 million.
"On behalf of everyone at Woodbine Entertainment, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to Mike’s family, his friends, and the entire Woodbine racing community,” said Michael Copeland, Woodbine Entertainment’s CEO. “Our sport is built on the strength of the people who dedicate their lives to it, and Mike’s contributions to Woodbine racing throughout his career were significant. His accomplishments speak for themselves, and his unwavering passion for horse racing was evident to all who worked with him. Mike has been an important part of our community for many years, and he will be profoundly missed.”
Born in 1951 in Dublin, Ireland, Doyle seemed destined for a life with horses. At an early age, he became well-versed in numerous equine disciplines, including breaking and training jumpers and racehorses while still attending school.
Doyle eventually moved to Canada, first finding work with Gardiner Farms before joining Woodbine trainer Jim Bentley’s operation.
In 1978, Doyle began training for George Frostad’s Bo-Teek Stable and saddled his first winner that same year. Six years later, acting on behalf of Eaton Hall Farm, Doyle purchased Bessarabian for $122,000. The brilliant daughter of Vice Regent helped Doyle to secure the Sovereign Award for outstanding trainer in 1984.
In 1994, Doyle began a three-year stint as owner Frank Stronach’s racing manager, during which they captured the 1994 Queen’s Plate with the Danny Vella-trained Basqueian.
Doyle returned full-time to the training ranks in 1997, with current assistant Brent Harris signing on in 2000. Doyle recorded his 1,000th career win with Evangeline’s Hope on Oct. 25, 2014.
Arrangements are pending.
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