Jan 252024
Retired BC thoroughbred trainer Donald Preston Richardson passed away January 22, 2024 at the age of 89.
RIP 7/11/1934 – 1/22/2024
Originally from Texas, Donny rode and trained thoroughbreds in the western US and Canada with much of his career spent at Exhibition – Hasting Park in Vancouver BC, even making the occasional sojourn east over the Rockies.
Donny was a trainer of the best BC bred horse of all time – George Royal whose statue graces the paddock at Hastings Park.
Los Angeles Daily News – Was John Longden’s final ride, 50 years ago, best ever at Santa Anita?
One Response to “George Royal’s Trainer Donny Richardson Passes away at 89”
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Very saddened to hear that another excellent Horseman as well as a respected and humble human being has passed.
Our partnership of Nebssor Racing, Mat Monaco and Lori Brickman enjoyed success at Hastings, Southern California and shipping to Alberta with horses trained and groomed by Donny and Cee.
One thing for sure – Priority One was providing excellent care for all the horses and cats residing in their shedrows!
On numerous visits to Hastings and Santa Anita – win or lose, would be followed by breaking bread at the Rusty Gull in North Vancouver and a variety of Mexican restaurants in the Arcadia area.
Without doubt our biggest thrill in 50 years of involvement in racing, was provided by the Richardsons in winning the 2004 Edmonton Distaff at Northlands with Ice Girl after being claimed 2 starts earlier. All of the other wins along the way will always be cherished.
Donny was an honest, knowledgeable, kind and respected gentlemen with a great smile. We can not remember him ever complaining much about anything. A life well lived. Condolences to Marybeth, his friends and all who knew him.