Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Famer Graham Dies

Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame member William (Bill) Graham died Jan. 15. He was 81.

The owner of Windhaven—a 150-acre breeding establishment in Caledon, Ontario—earned a Sovereign Award as Canada's outstanding breeder in 2012. He was added to the Canadian Hall in the Thoroughbred Builder category in 2014.

Graham's most prominent racehorses include Sovereign Award-winning fillies Wavering Girl, Fantasy Lake, and Cotton Carnival, along with Canadian Oaks winner Blondeinamotel. Additionally, Graham served on the Woodbine Entertainment board of directors for 17 years.

Last month, the Jockey Club of Canada announced that Graham, along with Gustav Schickedanz, would each be presented the E.P. Taylor Award of Merit for their lifelong dedication and commitment to Thoroughbred racing and breeding in Canada.

"Bill was a passionate Thoroughbred horse owner and breeder who was always motivated to improve the industry to the benefit of all involved," said Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson. "Through his dedication, he leaves a lasting legacy and will be missed by the entire racing community. On behalf of Woodbine Entertainment, we send our condolences to Bill's many friends and family."

Born in Goderich, Ontario, Graham played professional football in the CFL. He held numerous influential positions within horse racing in addition to his time on the Woodbine Entertainment board of directors, including vice president of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, a director of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society, a commissioner of the Ontario Racing Commission, and as a Steward of the Jockey Club of Canada.