Owner and groom Neeko Stein passed away on Friday, October 31 at the age of 19.

Stein was born and raised into a harness racing family. His late father, Michael owned and operated Victory Lane Training Centre in Millgrove, Ont. along with his wife Jade until Michael's passing in 2008. Jade still runs the training centre.

On Friday night, two vehicles collided at the intersection of Brock Road and Concession 6 in Flamborough, north of Flamboro Downs and just a kilometre away from Victory Lane. Stein, in one of those cars, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The horse that got Neeko hooked on harness racing was Warrawee Jane, a mare he purchased for $1,000. That horse would go on to earn nearly $63,000 for Stein over two seasons of racing at tracks across Ontario.

Pre-deceased by father Michael. Survived by mother Jade and sisters Tiffany, Samantha and Natasha. Cremation has already transpired, there will be no visitation.

A celebration of Neeko's life will take place on Saturday, November 8 at the Fernbrook Resort (formerly the Four Seasons Nature Resort) in Freelton, Ont., 57 Concession 12 East, at 11:00 a.m.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Neeko Stein.