Jack Nicholl, former Northlands official, dies at 72

Jack Nicholl, racing manager at Northlands Park from 1987 to 1994, passed away on Oct. 17 at the age of 72 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta.

He was born and raised in Stettler and began a lifelong association with Thoroughbred racing through his friendship with the late Lou Davies, who was general manager of the Western Canada Racing Association. Nicholl was supervisor of parimutuels at Assiniboia Downs when that track opened in 1958 and later the chart caller for Daily Racing Form at Northlands Park and Stampede Park in the early 1960's before earning degrees in business and law at the University of Alberta.

His Jay Kay Stable campaigned many good runners, including Two Ticky who was voted horse of the year on this circuit in 1995.

Nicholl leaves behind his wife Loretta, mother Dorothy Nicholl, daughters Lori Martens and Leanne Smyth, and a son, Jim Nicholl.