Dr. Pat Meyers has told Trot Insider that 27-year-old stallion Shipps Speed had to be humanely euthanized during the evening hours of Wednesday, July 9 after suffering from general complications due to old age.

The son of Speedy Crown-Armbro Audra last bred a mare in 2009 and was living out his life at Emerald Ridge Farm in Rockwood, Ont.

Shipps Speed recorded one win from six starts on the track during his brief racing career, but went on to sire 268 starters and 173 race winners. Overall, his progeny trotted to more than $14 million in purse earnings. Thirty-six of his offspring earned more than $100,000 on the track. Fourteen of his progeny earned more than $250,000 in their racing careers. His richest offspring, McCooeye, banked more than $1.1 million in purses and won 34 of his 63 career races.

“He was a good horse and lived a long, good life,” Dr. Meyers told Trot Insider. “Even though it was a no-brainer to put him down because of the pain he was in, it was still a difficult decision because he was such a nice horse.”

Dr. Meyers told Trot Insider that Shipps Speed, who is owned by Helen and John Smith, will be buried at the farm, overlooking the paddock.

“He was a stallion and knew what his job was, but he was such a gentle and kind horse,” Dr. Meyers explained. “Sometimes he would just come over to you and put his head on your shoulder. He loved getting a little love and attention. When you started rubbing his head and neck he would just stand there and take it all in.”

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