06/12/2026
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of harness horseman William Fletcher of Horsey, Virginia, who passed away last week at the age of 97. The epitome of a true Southern gentleman, his life was defined by faith, family, and farming.
Mr. Fletcher's work ethic was unmatched. Well into his nineties, he was still climbing barn ladders and tossing hay bales. Just days before his passing, he could still be found in the hay fields tending to his crop --- as any dedicated Eastern Shore farmer would. Anyone who owned horses knew him as the consummate “hay man,” supplying generations of equestrians with quality hay.
A horseman at heart, horse racing was one of Mr. Fletcher's’ greatest passions. He would drive for hours transporting horses that only raced less than two minutes. Sometimes he was a winner, and sometimes he was not, but his enthusiasm for the sport never faded. If you asked him how his horses were doing, his familiar reply was always, “They’re still eating.” He had horses training and racing since the early 1970s, and his passion only grew stronger each time he saw foals on the ground and witnessed two-year-old colts become ready for their first races.
Mr. Fletcher's biggest harness racing score as an owner/trainer came with Breeze Away B --- who won the $42,275 Virginia Breeders 2-Year-Old Filly Pacing Championship in 2019 at Shenandoah Downs. His most recent win at the Woodstock, VA oval came with Billy Boy B in 2024. His final overall win came courtesy of Cherron B at Rosecroft Raceway last December.
Contributions in Mr. Fletcher's memory may be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 186, Oak Hall, VA 23416.
