obituary

Just eight days shy of his 101st birthday, Harold Gross, who owned, trained and bred horses, primarily in Michigan, passed away on Jan. 4. Gross was born in Germany in 1925 before his family emigrated to the Dominican Republic. He later spent time in Haiti before he moved to the U.S. as a teenager, settling in Detroit. Gross' life involved far more than horse racing. Gross was a World War II veteran and took part in D-Day Invasion, storming Normandy Beach. Because he spoke fluent German and French, he was...

Trainer Leo O'Brien, a long-time New York fixture as well as father-in-law of rider John Velazquez, has passed away, according to a release from the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA). He was 85. Officials at NYRA penned a tribute to O'Brien. It appears here in its entirety: NYRA mourns the loss of the legendary Leo O'Brien--trainer of New York-bred millionaires Fourstardave, Fourstars Allstar and Irish Linnet--who passed away Thursday morning following a lengthy battle with Lewy Body Dementia, at the age of 85. O'Brien and his late wife, Joan,...

Vincent "Jimbo" Bracciale, Jr., winning rider of 3,545 races--the bulk of them in Maryland, passed away Dec. 15, according to a release from the Maryland Jockey Club, which will hold a moment of silence and a video tribute after the first race Saturday. Bracciale was 72. Among Bracciale's many career highlights was piloting Ruffian to victory in the 1974 GI Spinaway Stakes and GIII Astoria Stakes. "I've ridden some good horses, but there was nothing to compare to her," said Bracciale said in a 1988 interview. He also rode Broad...

by Richard G. Hogan It is with a heavy heart that I write this tribute to my best friend, Mike Doyle. I first met Mike when I came to Canada in 1983, and we became instant friends. Over the 40-plus years that followed, there were very few days we didn't speak. Mike brought so much laughter into my life, often leaving me in tears from his stories and quick wit. When I was dealing with my cancer diagnosis, he called me every day. I always felt better after hanging up...

by the Doyle Family The family of Mike Doyle is deeply saddened to share that he passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025, at the age of 74 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Born in Dublin, Ireland, on October 23, 1951, Mike carried with him a true Irish spirit, warm-hearted, charismatic, and always ready with a story. His passion for horse racing was woven through every chapter of his life. Whether he was at the track, in the barn, or sharing a moment with fellow horse people, Mike found joy and...

Canadian Hall of Fame trainer Mike Doyle has passed away at his winter home in Florida, according to a Woodbine entertainment press release Thursday. He was 74. "On behalf of everyone at Woodbine Entertainment, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to Mike's family, his friends, and the entire Woodbine racing community," said Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. "Our sport is built on the strength of the people who dedicate their lives to it, and Mike's contributions to Woodbine racing throughout his career were significant. His accomplishments speak for themselves,...

Multiple Group 1 winner Hawk Wing has died from colic in Korea. The brilliant winner of the G1 Lockinge Stakes was 26. The son of Woodman claimed the G1 National Stakes at two for Aidan O'Brien and Susan Magnier. At three, he found only stablemates Rock Of Gibraltar and High Chaparral too good in the G1 2000 Guineas and the G1 Derby, respectively. Back in the winner's circle in the G1 Eclipse Stakes, he ran second in both the G1 Irish Champion Stakes and G1 Champion Stakes. At four, he...

Two-time Japanese Horse of the Year Gentildonna has died at the age of 16. The news was announced by Sunday Racing, who raced the daughter of Deep Impact throughout her 19-start career. Bred by Northern Racing, and trained by Sei Ishizaka, the bay won at two and would go on to become the fourth Triple Tiara winner at three, as well as champion sophomore filly and Horse of the Year. After winning her first G1 Japan Cup in 2012, she ran second in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic in 2013...

Sarah Sharp Farish, the wife of Lane's End Farm owner Will Farish, passed away Monday, November 24, 2025 at home in Boca Grande, Florida. She was 83 years old. "Raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Sarah was the daughter of Mary and Bayard Sharp. In 1961, she married  the love of her life, Will Farish, owner of Lane's End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky and former U.S. Ambassador to the Court of St. James. She is survived by her husband, her son Bill Farish (Kelley), daughters Mary Farish Johnston (Dennis) and Laura Farish...

So You Think, a winner of 10 Group 1 races in both hemispheres, has died at the age of 19 after a short illness. Coolmore Australia announced the news on Monday morning. The farm said in a statement, "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of 10-time Group 1 winner and leading sire So You Think, after succumbing to a short illness while receiving world-class care from the team at Scone Equine Hospital." The son of High Chaparral was described by his Southern Hemisphere trainer Bart Cummings...

Robert Hunt, a respected veterinarian at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, passed away Thursday after a bout with cancer. Dr. Hunt graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. From 1984 to 1987 he worked at the Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in Santa Ynez, California. He returned to the University of Georgia in 1987 to complete his surgical training and graduate degree in cardiovascular physiology. He paid his way through school by taking a job as a farrier. Dr. Hunt remained on faculty and became a...

Sanwa, the dam of G1 Deutsches Derby hero and Group 1 sire Sea The Moon, was euthanised due to laminitis in England. She was 21. Concurrently, her Cracksman filly foal broke a leg in a paddock accident and died. Gestut Gorlsdorf's owner Heike Bischoff-Lafrentz said, "Sea The Moon's little Cracksman sister broke her leg yesterday in the paddock and could not be saved. With a heavy heart, we decided to also relieve mama Sanwa of her laminitis, so that she could accompany her daughter over the Rainbow Bridge." The daughter...