Bertrand Bélanger

Bertrand “Bert” Bélanger, 82, of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., passed away at home on Aug. 10.

Bert was born to Robert and Gertrude Bélanger on May 17, 1944, in St. Michel de Bellechasse, Quebec.

He began his racing career, which spanned over 60 years, in 1960 at the age of 16 in Québec City. In 1969, Bert married his wife, Lyse (née Labbé), and that same year moved to begin his long career in Saratoga Springs.

Over the course of his career, Bert attained over 3,300 career driving wins. Bert often remarked on how “lucky” he was to have a job he loved going to every day.

A well-respected horseman, Bert was often asked by other trainers for his advice on breaking yearlings, handling problem horses, and making equipment adjustments. He would often take horses from other trainers for a week or two (at their request) to work his magic and then return the horse to the original trainer most often with positive results.

Whether out of his barn or as a catch driver, Bert always had the horse’s best interest in mind. After driving a race, he would give an honest assessment of both his own drive and the horse’s effort, and he would thank the trainer or owner for the privilege of driving their horse.

Bert was proudly inducted into the Saratoga Harness Hall of Fame on June 4, 2006.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Denis. He is survived by his loving wife Lyse, of Saratoga Springs; his sisters, Micheline and Monique; his brothers, Rémi, André, Réal, and brothers-in-law, Paul, Pierre, Jean and Daniel.

Relatives and friends may call from 10:00 am to 12:00pm, Friday Sept. 25, 2026 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. A Memorial Service will follow directly after.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association Inc (CF), P.O. Box 171, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Alternatively, donations can be made to the Parkinson Association.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com