Belle Geste

One of all time best Canadian Bred Thoroughbred runners of all time. Was great turf mare "Belle Geste". Truly a legend in Ontario Racing. And for good reason for Belle
Geste was a true grade one champion. It takes a rare and exceptional female to be able to compete on even terms with male horses. Especially in grade one company. Belle Geste was able to do and beat some very talented male horses. To win some very important races.

Belle Geste was owned by Beatrice and Bill Latimer of Toronto. Belle was trained by Carl Chapman and her regular jockey was Noel Turcotte. It was always a big deal when Belle Geste went to the starting gate for a race. Like any star performer. Belle Geste was exciting to watch race and seldom disappointed her fans.

One of Belle Geste greatest races was in the 1972 Canadian Championship. Back in the good old days. The Canadian Championship use to run at the distance of 1 5/8 miles on the turf, until 1986. As it now runs at the 1 1/2 distance on the turf. Belle Geste came very close to winning the most coveted race in Canada. Sure the Queens Plate is an important race. But the best horses always competed in the C.I.C. Droll Role with Hall Of Fame jockey Braulio Baeza were both all out to narrowly defeat Belle Geste to win the Canadian International Championship. The bleachers in the barn area were packed that fall day with fans. Elated with Belle Geste exceptional race! A tremendous race that was great was a good as a win! What a tremendous athlete Belle Geste was!

Belle Geste was only an $11,000 yearling purchase. Belle Geste won 22 of her 41 races. With 8 victories coming in stake races. Belle Geste defeated Kennedy Road to win the Maturity States in 1972. Setting a track record in doing so. Stopping the clock in 2:01.2. Belle Geste was by "The Scoundrel-French Safari". Belle was a true champion racehorse.