Dick Oldfield Passes

Horseman Dick Oldfield, 84, of Lexington, Ky., best known for training the top pacer True Duane, passed away on Sunday, March 11 in Louisville, Ky., after a short battle with cancer.

Born June 14, 1933, in Toledo, Ohio, Dick was the son of George B. and Maude (Smith) Oldfield.

Following his graduation from high school, Dick married and started his own trucking company and later with his father, George, Adrian Sand and Gravel Company, which supplied sand and stone to build many of the state and local highways in southeastern Michigan and northwest Ohio. The location is now known as Lake Madison.

After his success in the gravel business, he chose to devote his time to the harness horse business. His first real success came in 1965 with the pacer True Duane p,3,1:56.4 ($366,050), who defeated the great Bret Hanover in his final lifetime start in a world record time.

Dick established Oldfield Farm in Adrian, Mich., in 1968 and had much success with his homebreds, including Final Cheers p,1:49.3 ($1,112,659) and Thin Blue Line p,1:50.3f ($816,644). He believed that Michigan-sired horses could compete at the top levels in the Standardbred industry. One of the racehorses he was most proud to have trained was Royal Strength 2,1:57 ($409,298), who was voted the Dan Patch Award as top two-year-old trotting colt in 1991. He continued to train horses up to the past year, as he enjoyed his time in Lexington, Hoosier Park, and Pinehurst, N.C.

Dick is survived by his children, Patti (Bill) Gira, Cynthia Reed (Joe Yoerg) and Rick (Lucy); grandchildren, Robert (Laura) Reed, Corey, Christian Reed and Rachel; brother, Ronald; and dear friend, Carolyn Turner.

At his request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program or the charity of their choice.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dick Oldfield.

(Harnessracing.com)