Hall, trainer of George Royal, dies at 85

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Robert “Bobby” W. Hall died of natural causes Wednesday. Hall, 85, is best known as the owner and trainer of George Royal, the only British Columbia-bred to win what is considered a Grade 1 race.

George Royal gained international fame when he won the 1965 San Juan Capistrano. His second win in the Capistrano was historic as John Longden, who had announced that the Capistrano would be his last ride, brought George Royal from 15 lengths behind to win by a nose.

Hall, originally from Ireland, had been a prominent owner, breeder, and trainer in British Columbia since the early 1960s. Along with his wife, Ann, he raised six children in their home on Emerald Acres in Aldergrove. According to Ann, “George built the house.”

Three of Hall’s children are heavily involved in horse racing: Sandra Loseth as a breeder, owner, and trainer, and Jennifer Johnson and Phil Hall as owners and trainers. Grandchildren include trainer Christine Loseth and jockey Justin Jensen, who is currently based at Fort Erie.

A celebration of Hall’s life will be held at Emerald Acres at 4 p.m. Pacific on Wednesday.