Former businessman and president of the Barbados Turf Club (BTC), Robert Bourque, passed away last Sunday morning after a long illness.
He will be laid to rest this evening at 4 p.m. at Coral Ridge cemetery, the Ridge, Christ Church.
Bourque, 82, made an invaluable contribution to the sport of kings, serving on the BTC’s board of directors for many years and rising to the BTC’s highest office of president, a position he held from 1997 to 2006.
Under his stewardship, he was able to achieve the union of the local lotteries, still a significant factor in the survival of the racing industry.
As an owner, Bourque found great satisfaction, venturing to the winners enclosure on numerous occasions after he had invested in some of the finest horses imported from the United States.
He won several races, including the Coolmore Stakes with Jakesam, and the Heineken Stakes with Arranged. He copped second place in the Gold Cup with Murifield Way and a third place with the grey May Rapido. Among his imports were top stallions Captain Charlie and Alma D’oro.
Other winners were the likes of Alma Nativa, JakeJakeJake, Mystic Moon, Sheikest of All and Between the Sheiks, among others.
The board of directors of the club and the racing family extended their condolences to his wife, children, family and friends.
He also served as Chairman of the Broadway to Barbados Charitable Trust. (LY)
