David Rankin Dead At 65

[Elgin]

Dave Rankin dies at age 65

March 16, 2012


Ohio Hall of Fame horseman Dave Rankin, who had been battling cancer for some time, died  Thursday night at the age of 65. Rankin, who was a top colt trainer of his generation, was inducted into the Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame last January.

 A native of Bremen, Ohio, Rankin was a driving force on the Ohio Sire Stakes and fair circuits in the Buckeye State for nearly 40 years, and raced many horses on the Grand Circuit as well. Rankin conditioned Barefoot Hanover ($535,604), Fan Anna ($178,975) and the Grand Circuit trotting filly Keystone Santa Fe 3, 1:55.4 ($189,296), who captured the 1991 Kentucky Filly Futurity.

 Through 2010, Rankin's green, gold and white silks graced the winner's circle 2,646 times and his mounts earned more than $12.5 million.

(harnessracing.com)

[The Giss]

Dave was A1 class all the way. A competitor and a gentleman. He will be missed.

[brownjug1]

Dave was a class act!   


A couple of my favorite Rankin horses.......New Royal Flush, Abbe Show, Barefoot Hanover!

[LVGaryD]

 In The Sulky would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Rankin family.

Dave was one hell of a horseman and a very classy man.

Was just thinking of how Dave and I used to talk about the leukemia he beat many years ago. We would often be on the track talking and Dave told me how he had no idea how or why it went away and no idea when or if it would return. He fought a lifelong battle against his health issues and I'd just like to say he really was an inspiration to me and many other people.

 

[AmyHollar]

Dave was A1 class all the way. A competitor and a gentleman. He will be missed.

[AmyHollar]

Ohio horsemen have also lost Linda Randall (wife of Ron) who was an important part in keeping our fair programs rolling out for many years..........and the trainer of Ohio Champion Cinder Lane Sam, Max (Mick) Shaw.


RIP to all these fine folks. 

[LVGaryD]

Thank you Amy. I did not know about Ron's wife or Max Shaw. Our deepest condolences to them as well. 

[Just Saying]

 

[beans and weenies]

condolences for the families of  3 wonderful ohio horseracing folks 

[Unique Style]

condolences to the families
RIP

[badolpuddytat]

Dave was A1 class all the way. A competitor and a gentleman. He will be missed.

Ditto!!!!!!!!!!!

[The Giss]

Quick Max Shaw story- in the old days of the Keeping Pace Radio show, I did a live remote from Woodbine on North America Cup night. It was Cinder Lane Sam's 3-year-old year. I pull into my hotel and there is a pickup with Ohio plates and a race bike in the back. I figure it has to be Max, so I call the front desk and ask for his room, which they ring. I explain who I am and ask if we can do a five minute taped interview. Two hours later, Max says, "Crap, I better get over to the track."

Another great guy gone.

[AmyHollar]

Quick Max Shaw story- in the old days of the Keeping Pace Radio show, I did a live remote from Woodbine on North America Cup night. It was Cinder Lane Sam's 3-year-old year. I pull into my hotel and there is a pickup with Ohio plates and a race bike in the back. I figure it has to be Max, so I call the front desk and ask for his room, which they ring. I explain who I am and ask if we can do a five minute taped interview. Two hours later, Max says, "Crap, I better get over to the track."

Another great guy gone.

First off......where ever there was Mick, there was Maynard......basically the muscle to their operation..........we were all stabled together at Wauseon for a couple years and many a night St Calvin shipped to Northville with the boys........I decided there was never two more dirty minded middle aged coots than those two..........and yes, this includes Gary.

After I got pregnant for the third kid I'll NEVER forget one of the grossest things ever said to me was by Mick...........some may find it surprising I'd find anything sexual gross........but I did...........and 15 years later I can't forget it.