Jan Van Nest Passes

Jan Van Nest, born Nov. 21, 1949 in Hamilton, Ont., passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 25, 2025 while on vacation in Florida with her partner, Mitch Sahely. This has been a devastating loss to her family, friends and the horse world.  

Jan was not born into the racehorse world as some here are. She worked extra hard for her dream as an adult, and yet has accomplished so much in such a short time. She spent 25 years working as a data entry clerk for Proctor & Gamble. When her employer was offering an educational incentive, she took it! Jan enrolled herself in the Harness Horse Technician program at Mohawk College and worked for Bill and Tony Megens on the weekends (a well-known family in the racing world). Throughout her career, she has been a successful owner and caregiver of numerous horses with the Megens men; Bill, Robert, Mark, Mike and finally with her partner in crime of over 30 years, Dan Megens. Dan also doubled as the trainer and driver in their partnership. They have had a wild ride with some of their most successful and memorable horses, including Camythical, Nice Scooters, Moonwatcher, Force Of Luck, and Jan’s favourite, Stormaway, who was the 2009 Molson Pace winner. Jan was also a successful breeder of racehorses, all of which raced in her name, including Stormaway, Force Of Luck, Camythical and Moonwatcher, and future prospects Forceaway and Momentsaway. Jan’s name may ring a bell, as you might remember the article written about her in TROT Magazine in the 2019 Holiday Edition, as they interviewed her regarding her history in the game and Camythical. Jan worked hard. She was an astute horseperson skilled in training, feeding, stable management, knowledge of shoeing and recognizing symptoms and treating for maladies. She was at the barn every day and night for hours on end. Although Jan preferred to give credit to others, she was instrumental in the success of her horses. Even as she threw herself into her work, and cared for the horses as they were her babies -- and they were... she always made time for her human family.  

Jan, who grew up with her older brother and best friend, Bob, ended up living next door to each other as adults. And so, the laughs and shenanigans continued! Jan created a very close bond with her niece, Andrea, over the years as they went from childhood sleepovers to travel partners and grown-up girl talks. With no exception, her nephew Brad’s favourite childhood memory is when he and his sister, Andrea, stood with Jan in the winner's circle at one of her races. Although, this could not be topped by a favourite memory of the two -- when Jan fed them chocolate cake for breakfast! Jan had a natural tendency to make a connection with everyone she knew. Tradition continued with her great niece and nephew while creating memories with their “Grand Jan” from funny nicknames and thoughtful conversations with Dax to sharing the love of horses with Lilah, as she gifted her own saddle to her. The saddle her husband, Woody, bought her when he surprised Jan one crazy night with her own horse!  

Since speaking among her family and friends, they have all remarked that they will miss her positivity, her laugh, her generosity and her light-hearted, beaming personality. Jan’s energy was contagious. Jan was a gentle soul that will be missed by countless people and animals. Those who know Jan say that the world now seems lost without her.  

Jan was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Peg Moore. Widow of Woody Van Nest; partner of Mitch Sahely. Survived by her brother, Bob Moore (Dianne); niece, Andrea Mycock (Tim); nephew, Brad Moore (Elize); and great niece and nephews, Dax, Lilah, Annabelle, Oli, George and Chester. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Fool and Flagon, located at 2255 Barton St. E., Hamilton, ON, on Feb. 22 from 1-4 p.m. Photos and short stories that will be shared please email to [email protected].

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jan Van Nest.