Phil Pinkney Passes; Arrangements Set

Trot Insider has learned that longtime Nova Scotia-based horseman Phil Pinkney, one of Atlantic Canada's most admired and successful participants, has passed away at the age of 84.

Around the age of 14, Phil Pinkney was introduced to harness racing in Truro, N.S. and he quickly took to admire the horsemanship of the legendary Johnny Conroy. He eventually went to work for local horsemen Belbo Gould and Harley Harrison, before opening his own public stable at the tender age of 17. From there, he would start to ply his trade across Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island as well, developing his reputation as a top up-and-coming horseman.

Phil eventually plied his trade at some of the major U.S. tracks along the New England seaboard in the 1970s, racing at Vernon Downs, Rockingham Park, Foxboro and Saratoga Raceway before returing to concentrate and settle in the Maritimes.

During his time stateside, Pinkney helped grow his reputation as a skilled developer of young horses. Mark Jonathan, Rumpus Hanover, Deep Finesse and Dunachton Gale are names that many quickly link to the Nova Scotia native who also recorded the province's first sub-2:00 mile with Peoples Blue Chip at Sackville Downs.

In 2008, his second straight season with a training average over 0.575, Pinkney was honoured nationally as the recipient of the O'Brien Award of Horsemanship. In 2004 and 2007, his average as a trainer was no worse than 0.754.

While also developing his share of top horses over the years, Pinkney was also a mentor to trainers the likes of Brent MacGrath and Ben Hollingsworth, both of whom have gone on to Grand Circuit success. When MacGrath went on holidays over the winter between the two-year-old and three-year-old seasons of Somebeachsomewhere, it was Pinkney whom the connections trusted with the world champion.

Phil is survived by his beloved Linda Hall; he was a proud father to Brian (Colleen) Pinkney, Dale (Jackie) Pinkney, Keith (Christa) Driscoll; grandchildren, Sarah, Danielle, Suzie, Angel, Michael and Ellie; great grandchildren, Carter, Lily and Rylie; wonderful family, his racing family and numerous beautiful friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kirk and Augusta Pinkney; brothers, Arthur, David (Lorraine) Pinkney; sister, Sally (Brian) Kempton; half-brother, John (Grace) Cann; half-sisters, Elma Trask, Norma (Joe) Brittain and June Ryerson.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at VON and all its extended family and friends for their ongoing care and support during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations in Phil’s name may be made to VON or charity of choice. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, November 20 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. (AT) in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro, N.S. Lyle Carter will be speaking at 2:00 p.m. followed by longtime friend, Brent MacGrath. COVID-19 restrictions in place. Proof of full vaccination with ID required. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting ColchesterCommunity.com.

A live stream of the tributes from Carter and MacGrath will be available here.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Phil Pinkney.

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Comments

The parting words Phil always made as I left his barn and his company was "Hope to see you in the winners circle".
To my colleague Jackie, Dale and all Phil's family, and to all the horse people who experienced the professionalism and love of the sport this man portrayed - my sincere condolences.
We lost a big piece of North American Harness Racing - RIP my good man.

Phil developed many horses over the years, and you have to realize he was an exceptional trainer. One of the horses that truly defined his horsemanship was Dunachton Gale. To keep him at the top of his game for so long was a lesson in horsemanship. The key word is horsemanship. We are losing too much talent and I hope they passed it on to the younger generation. Not to date Romo not the football player, but he is a wealth of knowledge, TAP IN!

My thoughts and prayers are with the Pinkney family at this sad time . Rest in eternal peace Phil , God Speed .

Very sad news! A true legend along with his late brother Dave. For decades they were viewed as the best of the best in the Maritimes. I did have the good fortune to meet and talk to Phil and he was such a nice man, and more than willing to give helpful advice. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will live on for a very long time.

My condolences to the Pinkney family. A longtime family friend and a great guy. RIP Phil

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