Longtime Louisiana Trainer Viator Dies at 67
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Longtime Louisiana horseman Dwight Viator passed away at the age of 67 late last week.
A trainer for more than 40 years, the Bossier City, La., native was best known for his work with multiple graded stakes winner Brownsboro. Career win No. 462 came less than a week ago when Smart Pegasus won the ninth race Feb. 24 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
"I had known Dwight casually for many years being in neighboring barns but really got to know him well over the last few years as he would come up to the bench where a group of us horsemen watch the horses train at the three-eighths pole," trainer Mike Stidham said. "He played golf with Travis Foley, Eric Heitzmann, Gary Scherer, Jeff Engler, and me, and we nicknamed him 'Honest Dwight' because he was such a straight and honest guy in everything he did and said. We all really loved him and his strait-laced demeanor.
"Probably not a better guy or horseman on the backside. Dwight was the guy who was never afraid to say what everyone else was thinking. So sorry to lose him."
An inurnment will be held for Viator on Monday, March 2, at 1 p.m. CT in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Monsignor James Gaddy will officiate. There will be a celebration of life at a later date in Bossier City and New Orleans.