Francine Villeneuve

Francine Villeneuve, 61, died on June 5, 2026. Francine Villeneuve was known publicly as a Canadian Thoroughbred jockey and racing pioneer. Francine Alicia Villeneuve (July 22, 1964 - June 5, 2026) was a Canadian thoroughbred jockey and racing pioneer. She was sometimes referred to by the nickname "The Queen of Fort Erie" because of a long affiliation with the border oval. With 1,001 victories and 3,065 combined wins, places and shows, she retired "for good" in April 2012 as the winningest female Canadian jockey of all time and was the first Canadian woman to achieve the 1,000 wins milestone. Public biographical listings identify Villeneuve as a Canadian Thoroughbred jockey and racing pioneer. This public record remains centered on Villeneuve's work as a Canadian Thoroughbred jockey and racing pioneer and the documented milestones of that career.