Percy Davis

Percy Davis (O-T-D)
Schuylerville, NY
Birthplace: Massena, NY
Birthdate: 2/7/40
Colors: Blue-Black-Gold

Percy Davis, one of only two men voted Saratoga Raceway Trainer of the Year four times (1977, 1978, 1981 and 1982), started in the harness business by racing trotters on ice. His early pari-mutuel races were in Canada and northern New York and Percy settled at Saratoga by 1960. By 1970, the outspoken Davis was leading driver and celebrated his 1,000th career win in 1977 when he was voted Horseman of the Year. He co-owned and trained 1978 Horse of the Year, Stormy Almahurst. More titles and track records were to follow in the 80’s.

Percy was voted into the Saratoga Harness Hall of Fame in 1992, his first year on the ballot.

Percy increased his workload in 1993, adding some quality pacers to a barn that has been predominantly stocked with trotters where he had earned the nickname “The Trotting King.” The pacers raced well, but the trotters still made most of the headlines.

In 1994, Pearl Coaltown made Saratoga history by becoming the first horse to capture two series in one year after she won the finals of the Irv Woodin and Dunbar W. Bostwick Trotting Series.

In 1996, Percy recorded his 2,000th driving win. In 1999, the trotting star of the Davis stable, Lou’s Lion received the President’s Award from the Saratoga Chapter of the USHWA, for being a top contender each week in the open trot events. Percy and his wife, Suzanne, were married in 1975. Percy has three daughters, Donna Marie Evleth, trainer Cheryl Whitcroft, Elysse Lavin and a son, Shane. In addition, Percy is the grandfather of five boys, Steve, Jeremy, Patrick, Bryan, Cole and two granddaughters Isabella and Hannah.

Percy has been relinquishing some of his drives to other drivers, while still finishing in the top 30 drivers and trainer standings.