It is with great sadness that Hochstetler Racing relays that prolific broodmare and Illinois Harness Racing Hall of Famer Quillo, dam of Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame stallion Kadabra, has been euthanized at Last Hurrah Stables after ongoing health complications at the age of 24.

The daughter of Trottin Happy and Arsenals Dynasty notably produced the great racehorse and sire Kadabra ($2,190,707, 1:51.3) as well as the Illinois champion Lifes A Holiday ($729,125, 1:54). From 10 foals of racing age, Quillo’s offspring amassed more than $3.2 million in earnings and over 100 victories.

Quillo was bred by Homer Miller and Dennis Yoder. She was a $10,000 yearling purchase in 1994 by the great harness racing ambassador Beulah Dygert.

Quillo never raced after she suffered a career-ending fall at Maywood Park. Following health complications, Beulah Dygert gifted Quillo to the Hochstetler family. The gift turned into a life-changing moment for Connie and Homer Hochstetler as Lifes A Holiday and Kadabra brought the racing stable to new heights. Both of the sons of Quillo are Illinois Harness Racing Hall of Famers.

“Quillo was the most precious gift we have ever received. She truly changed our lives, and Quillo has altered the course of harness racing with her offspring. We are very blessed to have had her in our lives,” said Connie Hochstetler.

Quillo’s final offspring is Lady Rapidash, a yearling by RC Royalty named after a Pokemon just like the great Kadabra.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Quillo.

(With files from Hochstetler Racing)