Since 1998, Hippodrome de Montreal has paid tribute to Quebec horseracing builder Lucien Bombardier by presenting a stakes race in his name for 2-year-old pacing fillies, sponsored by Standardbred Canada and Attractions Hippiques.

A pioneer in standardbred racing in Quebec and Canada, Lucien Bombardier was active in the racing industry all his life.

Born near Bedford, he began training and driving horses in his youth at regional fairs in Quebec. At the start of the 1940s, he left a career in business to open a public stable at Richelieu Park. In 1953, he accepted an executive position at Hippodrome de Montreal (known then as Blue Bonnets). During a 25-year career in the front office, he was instrumental in bringing innovations that helped build the racing industry in Quebec, and his own reputation on both sides of the border.

At 68, he retired from Blue Bonnets and became manager of Angus Farm in Bedford, one of the province's leading breeders.

Bombardier also served as a director of Harness Tracks of America and, for 16 years, the Canadian Trotting Association (now Standardbred Canada). He left the CTA in 1992, and a year later, at age 86, became its first honorary director in recognition of his years of service to the standardbred industry.

He was inducted to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1986.

Lucien Bombardier died in 1995, but his contribution to the sport he loved and served so well lives on.

Past winners in Lucien Bombardier Pace

Starters in 2007