Trot Insider has learned that 12-year-old pacing gelding The Tappan Zee passed away on Friday, July 31.

Owned by Rick and Marlene Thomas, the beloved pacer was featured in the January 2015 edition of Trot Magazine in a story written by Ashley Mayotte about his recovery from a career-ending racing accident two years ago at Cal Expo. Showing his will to live after fracturing the bottom of both sesamoid bones in his left front and suffering a complete breakdown injury of his fetlock, The Tappan Zee persevered through extensive rehabilitation with the help of veterinarian Dr. Noel Muller and farrier James MacDonald, and was given a second chance at life in the loving care of the Thomases.

However, tragedy recently struck again and The Tappan Zee suffered another injury to his compromised foot that he could not overcome.

"He shattered the bones in the pastern on his compromised foot and three different vets all came to the conclusion that there was no hope of surgery or to heal it," said Marlene Thomas. "He lived life to the fullest and was very happy here [at Last Chance Ranch]. He always saw the glass half full and taught us all about life."

Campaigned by Bernie Wolin and George Reider for the majority of his career, the son of The Panderosa won 26 races and over $90,000 in purses.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of The Tappan Zee.