Trot Insider has learned that well-known Standardbred breeder/owner Erkki Laakkonen has passed away at the age of 75.
Laakkonen passed on Sunday, November 20 in Finland.
Many of the horses that Laakkonen bred were known for their 'E L' moniker.
Laakkonen’s most famous horses are super sire Andover Hall (3,1:51.3 [$875,047]), the double millionaire O’Brien Award winner Cameron Hall (4,1:53.4s [$2,138,787]) and multiple stakes winner E L Titan (4,1:51.2f [$726,344]).
Laakkonen had a farm in the Toronto region, but he was struck by a massive stroke in 2007 and returned to his home country of Finland in 2008 by ambulance-flight.
Laakkonen stayed at a nursing home and was surrounded by his four children.
Erkki’s daughter, Elina, 41, continues the family’s racing traditions.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Erkki Laakkonen.