Reports indicate that 2002 North America Cup champion Red River Hanover has passed away after being bitten by a venomous snake.

A regally-bred son of Western Hanover - Rich N Elegant who sold as a yearling for $300,000, Red River Hanover p,3, 1:48.4s ($1,394,626) won 15 races in his three-year racing career. Among those races were divisions of the Nassagaweya and Champlain as well as an elimination of the Metro at two, followed up at three by the finals of the Prix de Montreal and the North America Cup where he took his mark in a stakes record 1:48.4.

After standing in the U.S., Red River Hanover was exported to Australia and was standing stud there when, according to harnessracing.com, the tragic incident occurred. His North American offspring records show 354 foals born and winners of more than $10 million, most notably 2009 Oliver Wendell Holmes winner Drop Red p,3,1:49 ($716,100).

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Red River Hanover.