Leonard “Doc” Lance, longtime Standardbred trainer, passed away Monday, October 9, 2006, following a brief battle with cancer.  “Doc” was 83.

A native of Bellmont, Illinois, “Doc” was a recognizable figure on the Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana racing circuits for the past 51 years.  Following his service in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, “Doc” purchased his first horse in 1955, a mare named Owensville Girl, and raced her on the Illinois County Fair circuit.  She later had a foal, Safety Pin, who became a staple in Lance’s barn at Audubon Raceway in the late 1960s.

“Doc” spent most of his career based at Quad City Downs and Fairmount Park, before moving to the Indiana circuit in 1994.  Although “Doc” retired from training in 2002, he was still active on the backstretch, running the harness repair shop at both Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs until his illness.  The most noted horses under his care as a trainer were Mr. Doc and Energetic Dave, who won 34 races and more than $100,000 in the 1980s.

In addition to his love of harness racing, “Doc” was a member of the Bellmont Methodist Church, Moose Lodge, American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Illinois.  He was a member of the U.S. Trotting Association, Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association, Indiana Horsemen's Association, and a founding member of the Kentucky Harness Horseman’s Association.

“Doc” was also an avid fisherman.  He was a lifelong member of the North American Fishing Association, and was never visible around the track without his trademark tan fishing hat.

“Doc” is survived by Audrey (Berberich) Lance, his wife of 59 years who assisted him in the barn until his retirement from training.  The Lance’s have four children, three sons and one daughter; Doug, who works as a blacksmith in Henderson, Kentucky, and his wife, Mona, Gary, a former driver and trainer of Bellmont, Illinois, Greg, also a former driver and trainer, and his wife, Rita, of Blue Grass, Iowa, and Janice, who has served as the assistant racing secretary at Hoosier Park since the inaugural season in 1994, of Chesterfield, Indiana.  Other surviving family members include two sisters, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.  “Doc” was preceded in death by his parents, John and Winford (Parmenter) Lance, and a grandson, Matthew Lance.

A service was held in Doc’s hometown of Bellmont, Illinois, at the Methodist Church Sunday, October 15.  Also, a special memorial service was held on Monday, October 16 in the Jockey’s Quarters at Hoosier Park.  For more information regarding the memorial at Hoosier Park, contact Tammy Knox at (800) 526-7223, ext. 1070.

Cards will be forwarded, if sent to: 116 N. Main St., Bellmont, IL  62811

Please keep the family and friends of “Doc” Lance in your thoughts and prayers, as they deal with their loss.

Source: Release from Hoosier Park (with information added)