Temple Hills, MD – Phyllis Copeland, 82, whose Standardbred racing career spanned more than 60 years, passed away on April 3, 2026.
A woman defined by her tireless work ethic and an unwavering devotion to the horse, Phyllis leaves behind a legacy that touches racetracks from New England to the Mid-Atlantic.
Her journey in the equine world began with the grace and precision of the hunter/jumper rings. However, her life’s path took a definitive turn into the world of harness racing when she met and married Roger Plante Sr. Together, they spent over two decades as partners in life and labor, building a successful stable through shared grit and a deep-seated passion for the sport.
Throughout her six decades in the industry, Phyllis was a woman of many talents who served the sport in every imaginable capacity. Whether she was working as a paddock identifier at Foxboro Downs, serving as a marshal at Monticello Raceway, training Thoroughbreds, or breaking young horses to saddle, she approached every task with expertise. Despite her diverse skills, her heart always belonged firmly to the Standardbred.
In later years, Phyllis moved to Delaware to join forces with her oldest son, Roger Plante Jr. Her wealth of knowledge became the backbone of his operation, where she continued to train a long list of successful racehorses. Among her personal favorites were standout performers such as Goatcoat George TM, RD Elegant Yankee, Blissfulla Cin, Jesse’s Diamond, and Jan’s Diamond.
Phyllis remained an active member in the industry until the very end, continuing to own and breed successful racehorses across Maryland and Virginia. She was never one for the sidelines; on most race nights, she could be found exactly where she felt most at home, in the race paddock, fully immersed in the sport she loved so deeply.
Phyllis will be remembered not only for the winners she campaigned, but for her lifelong dedication to the “family” of the backstretch.
Phyllis is survived by her two sons Roger Plante Jr. (Valerie) and Christopher Plante (Susan); grandchildren Bryan Plante, Roger Plante, III, and Brittany Plante; and great-grandchildren Kingston and Addison Plante. She was preceded in death by husbands, Roger Plante and LeRoy Copeland.
A memorial celebration for Phyllis will take place later this summer at Ocean Downs. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Maryland Standardbred Horsemen’s Assistance Fund, PO Box 1732, Temple Hills, MD 20757.