Bert Belanger

Bert Belanger (O-T-D)
Ballston Spa, NY
Birthplace: Quebec City, Quebec
Birthdate: 5/17/44
Colors: Blue-Yellow-White

The well-liked Bert Belanger has been racing since age ten, following his father’s example in his home city of Quebec. (Bert auspiciously won his first drive behind a mare called Miss Nomer!) He and his wife Lyse, married since 1969, came to Saratoga in 1973. Bert’s ability was recognized with the Johnny Page award for best Up-and-Coming driver the following year (1974) .

Bert was voted Horseman of the Year in 1981, the same year he reached the 1,000 win milestone. Number 1,500 came along in 1985, and Bert made it 2,000 on Thanksgiving Day in 1988. Driving win #2,500 was achieved in 1995 at Monticello Raceway. Bert tallied his 3,000th career driving victory on August 2nd, 2002 with McCall Hanover. Bert had finished in the top ten of drivers for the past several years, relinquishing most of his drives in 2008.

Bert trained trotter Pablo Angus and he was awarded Aged Trotter, Trotter of the Year and Horse of the Year in 2009.  A great accomplishment for Bert.