Happy Hoot, a regular in the Open ranks on the OJC circuit back in the early '80s, passed away earlier this week at the age of 33 after enjoying retirement at the farm of Barry Garrard.
The son of Rob Ron Robbie, who was a 69-time winner over the course of a career that saw him salt away more than $450,000 in earnings, was often referred to as the 'Iron Horse,' but around the farm he was affectionately known as 'Hooter.'
In his prime, Happy Hoot raced for partners Lloyd Smith and Lou Civil, who entrusted Peter Smith to condition the former claimer. The pacer was involved in a rare triple dead heat for win in 1981 at the now defunct Greenwood Racetrack. He shared the winner’s that day with fellow free-for-allers Baron Reve and Blizzard Almahurst.
Following a near life threatening injury, the pacer was sold to his longtime groom, Debbie Garland, and her parents, Jack and Eileen Mead. The veteran’s toughness allowed him to make it back to the races for a few more years while racing under the care of trainer Barry Garrard.
He toured many of Ontario’s 'B' tracks before hanging up his hopples and living out the remainder of his life at Garrard’s farm in Hayden, ON.
Please join Standardbred Canada in sharing condolences with the connections of Happy Hoot.
What ever happen to Baron
What ever happen to Baron Reve?
I am very sad to hear about
I am very sad to hear about Happy Hoot passing away. He was a big part of my life and I will miss him forever! My dad (Lou Civil)owned Happy Hoot with Lloyd Smith.
Happy Hoot was a true
Happy Hoot was a true warrior, he raced against some of the toughest horses of his time, although saddened by the news of his passing I'm delighted to know he enjoyed a long and well deserved retirement at Barry's Farm, he was much loved by Debbie, Jack, Eileen, and his many admirers.
Rest In Peace Hooter, I'm glad to have known you.
John
sorry to hear that he was a
sorry to hear that he was a great horse and always tried we are all going to miss u Happy hooter
I have a horseshoe hanging
I have a horseshoe hanging on my basement wall that belonged to happy hoot .it was given to me by jack mead.I bet on happy hoot on the night he was claimed by lloyd and Lou civil.it won that race paying $22.00. The mere mention of Happy hoot brings back many happy memories.
Thought I should comment
Thought I should comment because not many are old enough to remember the Great and Tough warriors from Greenwood, Garden City, Mohawk Raceway days. Thanks to Happy and his connections for being GOOD memories. Sorry about the loss!
Real sad news! He was a
Real sad news!
He was a favorite of mine @ Greenwood/ Mohawk..A solid FFA 'er and I remember him being part of the triple dead heat with Blizzard Almahurst and Baron Reve.
It is good to hear though that he did live a very long and happy life.
We used to race against
We used to race against Happy Hoot. A sad day...