Bob McIntosh, a towering figure in harness racing and a Hall of Fame inductee, has passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the sport. Known for his integrity, hard work, and unparalleled success as a trainer, owner, and breeder, McIntosh’s impact on harness racing is indelible. Despite never winning the prestigious Little Brown Jug, his career was filled with numerous accolades and a profound dedication to the sport he loved.
McIntosh’s journey in harness racing was marked by an exceptional work ethic and a deep understanding of the sport. He was a legendary figure among large stable operators, with his success and dedication rarely matched by his peers. During a visit to his stable in the mid-1990s, his operation was described as a “well-tuned machine humming along with incredible efficiency.” His contributions were recognized with inductions into the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2010.
His career earnings surpassed $92 million, making him one of the top three trainers in history in terms of purse money. McIntosh holds the distinction of being the all-time leading trainer in Canadian history, with over 4,600 wins. His exceptional talent was recognized when he was named Canada’s Trainer of the Year seven times, the U.S. Trainer of the Year twice, and Canada’s Horseperson of the Year twice. Under his training, three horses achieved Horse of the Year status: Artsplace and Staying Together in the U.S. (1992 and 1993, respectively), and Whenuwishuponastar in Canada (1996).
The Breeders Crown series was a particular area of strength for McIntosh, with his 16 wins as a trainer ranking third all-time in the series’ history. Beyond his training achievements, McIntosh also excelled as an owner, often retaining a share in the horses he trained. His most significant success, however, came as a breeder. He transitioned from purchasing expensive yearlings to breeding his own, cultivating one of the greatest broodmare bands in Canadian history. McIntosh achieved remarkable success with homebreds, perhaps more than any other trainer in the sport’s history. He also played a pivotal role in the career of Camluck, who became a dominant sire in Canadian history and put Seelster Farms on the map.
While the Hambletonian, Meadowlands Pace, and Little Brown Jug eluded him, McIntosh found success in other significant races. He won the Jugette three times and the Canadian Pacing Derby four times. His 1991-1993 streak of Canadian Pacing Derby wins with Odds Against, Artsplace, and Staying Together showcased his consistent dominance. A particularly memorable victory was his 2012 Pepsi North America Cup win with Thinking Out Loud, a triumph met with immense crowd enthusiasm.
McIntosh was not only respected for his professional achievements but also for his character and willingness to promote the sport. He was known for his insightful contributions to interviews, often providing candid commentary despite a perceived reluctance for the spotlight. His passion extended beyond harness racing to a shared love for the Detroit Tigers and the Windsor/Detroit area. He remained dedicated to his community, even when relocating closer to Woodbine Mohawk Park might have offered greater convenience. McIntosh is considered one of the most significant sports figures from his hometown of LaSalle, a list that includes Super Bowl-winning tight end Luke Willson.
Beyond his professional life and community ties, McIntosh shared passions for dogs and photography, demonstrating a talent for the latter as an amateur. However, above all his interests, McIntosh’s greatest love was his family: his two sons, his brother Doug, their cousin Al, and his sister Mary Ann. The passing of his wife, Patty, in 2021, marked a profound loss, as she was instrumental in his success as the stable’s second in command. Sadly, Bob McIntosh followed his wife, passing away at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy that will be incredibly difficult to match.
