Trot Insider has learned that longtime Standardbred horseman Michael Schaefer passed away on Saturday September 28, three days after his 74th birthday.

Schaefer raced Standardbreds his whole life until a stroke forced him to retire in 2013. He raced at all the major racetracks and for years wintered at Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs.

Although he raced a good amount of different horses over the years, some of Schaefer’s more notable performers included Copper Penny Tom, Live Ticket, Auntie Jean, Miss Sandy Pat and Artistic Topaz. Schaefer notched more than 1,500 victories over the course of his driving career. In terms of training, starters from Schaefer’s operation went out and earned more than $3 million in purses.

Mike is survived by his mother Clara, sister Sandra Fiscus (Bill), sister Debra Holding (John), nephew Dan Clemmer, and three great nephews Brent, Eric and Ryan Clemmer.

If you wish to celebrate Mike's life, please watch a horse race, go fishing, and live for the day.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Mike Schaefer.