Norman Picov: Ontario Horse Racing Builder, Philanthropist

The Picov name is synonymous with Ontario horse racing, in particular Quarter Horse racing, philanthropy, and the growth of horse sport in the province.

NORMAN PICOV, the head of the family since the passing of his father Alexander, a first-father of Quarter Horse racing in Ontario, passed away Saturday, February 18 at the age of 86.

Norman came by his love for horses of all types honestly as his father was noted as a horse importer, buyer and seller upon arriving in Ontario in the 1930s. As a young man, Norman assisted his father in creating a race meet at their J-track, Picov Downs, in 1969 on the property of their successful tack store. Still today, the Picov family donates to the purse structure of the races and stakes.

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Norman raced horses at Woodbine with trainers such as Wray Lawrence. One of the more exciting horses was the talented filly Princess Star, a daughter of Akureyri.

The new Ajax Downs was opened with a casino in 2006 and the cozy track offers fans an up-close look of the horses, something that Norman insisted upon when the track was built. Ajax Downs has hosted the leading Quarter Horse meeting in Canada since then.

In 2010 the family donated $100,000 to Ajax-Pickering Hospital’s Image is Everything campaign – the largest cheque the hospital’s foundation had ever received – for the purchase of its first MRI machine. Every summer, Ajax Downs and the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario hosts a Family Day at the track with proceeds that go to the Ajax – Pickering Hospital.

The Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation was quick to offer its condolences to the Picov family, noting that Picov’s support for the hospital went beyond the contribution to the MRI campaign.

“Since 2010, Norm’s beloved quarter horse race track has hosted ‘Family Fun Day’ every August in support of the Ajax Pickering Hospital,” the foundation declared on Facebook. “Thank you, Norm, for your kindness, philanthropy and commitment to horse racing and our community.”

A landowner who considered himself a farmer at least, Norman would never miss a race from one of his horses that raced under the Picov Cattle Company name. If he was not on site, he would be watching on simulcast from his famous office spot in the Picov Tack Shop.

In recent years the Picov family has continued with a charitable foundation established by son Barry and his wife Robin. One of the chief beneficiaries of the foundation is Baycrest Health Sciences in Toronto.

The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame also presented the normally media-shy Picov with a special award of honour at its 2016 Induction Gala for his “dedicated service and unique contributions” to Canada’s horse racing industry.

“Norman will be dearly missed. Thoughts are with his family,” said Jim Lawson, the CEO of Woodbine Entertainment.

Ajax Mayor Shaunn Collier said the Picov family and quarter horse racing have brought together neighbouring communities and “advanced the development” of the town.

“Norm’s kindness, philanthropy and commitment to growing horse racing in Canada, and here in Ajax, will not be forgotten.”