Robert "Robby" Bard in the winner's circle at Los Alamitos Race Course.

ca. 1984 / Los Alamitos Race Course

BOSSIER CITY, LA–DECEMBER 1, 2023–Robert Allen Bard, "Robby" to everyone who loved him, passed away in Bossier City, Louisiana, on October 17, 2023, after suffering a heart attack. His partner of 18 years, Jacque Bohannon, was by his side. Robby was born November 2, 1953, the son of George and Mary Bard.

Robby was probably placed on the back of a horse before he had learned to walk and became best known for his skills as an accomplished jockey and horseman. From a young age Robby’s horse racing career would rise.

Among his favorite notable mounts through the years was Indigo Illusion, a member of the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. He won many races on her, the most notable being the Fabergé Special Effort Futurity. 

There was also Passem Like A Flash, who he took to victory in The Firecracker at Delta Downs in 1982. Vital Sign and Tee Roy Reb were two horses he rode to victories at Remington Park at the end of his riding career. Scott Lewis and Rebs Little Lulu were also a couple of his favorites to ride.

Robby rode for many notable trainers as well. Leroy Heidelberg was Tee Roy Reb's trainer. His brother, Leon Bard, was with him on his victories with Indigo Illusion and Passem Like A Flash.  He rode for his longtime friend, Dwayne "Sleepy" Gilbreath, as well as many others.

Outside of his skills with horses, Robby was a talented craftsman making a second successful trade in construction and racetrack maintenance.

Robby could be considered a quiet man that reserved his opinion most of the time. The exception was if you struck up a conversation about his love of horses, or his children Casey Bard, Remington Bard and Macayla Bard-Shelley.

Some of his favorite memories were time spent taking his grandson Barrett Isaiah Shelley around the farm. One of his final joys in life was seeing the birth of his granddaughter Amelia Grace Shelley - just mere days before his passing. His love of family would expand even further to his partner Jacque and her daughter Sherie Swift and grandchildren Jasmyne and Dante.

Robby was preceded in death by his mother and father and brothers Ronnie, Jerry, David, and Leon Bard.

Robby is survived by siblings Edward Bard, Pamela Bard, and Karey Gogolin, along with his three children Casey, Remington, and Macayla, his partner Jacque, his grandchildren and many, many more. His nieces and nephews, his many, many friends and colleagues will all remember him with love and fondness, which is maybe the most important aspect of the man that Robby Bard was.

A memorial is planned for Robby on January 17, 2024, at Louisiana Downs. Time is yet to be determined. We would love as many of his friends and colleagues possible to come celebrate with us.