Trot Insider has learned that longtime harness racing industry participant Murray McConnell of Hagar, Ont. passed away suddenly on Friday, May 5 at the age of 74.
McConnell was the owner and operator of Casimir Farm, Ontario's most northern commercial Standardbred nursery. The 160-acre farm is located midway between the cities of Sudbury and North Bay, near the hamlet of Hagar.
McConnell also served on numerous industry committees, with terms on the Standardbred Canada Board of Directors as well as its Breeders Committee.
A native of Regina, McConnell grew up in the harness racing hotbed of London, Ont. After spending summer holidays with his family on Manitoulin Island, McConnell developed his fondness for northern Ontario. He moved to the region in 1970, eventually fulfilling an ambition to own a farm to house his few saddle horses. He found his farm on the outskirts of Hagar.
His initial venture into horse ownership came with several partners investing in a $1,000 claimer at Sudbury Downs by the name of Rob Ron Judge. It was not a profitable venture and the son of Ritzy Don became a saddle horse. But the experience led McConnell to meet trainer Rheal Bourgeois at an afternoon's chuckwagon races at St. Charles.
"I liked Rheal because of his honesty," said McConnell, in a Trot Magazine interview. "We hit it off and formed a partnership in 1976."
The pair maintained a partnership for the next decade, with McConnell then shifting his focus to his breeding operation. Starting with Willis Hanover (an Albatross half-brother to Walton Hanover), McConnell's Casimir Farm became a stallion station with a number of familiar faces from the Ontario Sires Stakes program, including the likes of Lime Time, Shore Patrol, Make A Deal and Merrilywerollalong. The farm currently stands O'Brien Award winners Sir Luck and Up The Credit.
McConnell's Casimir farm prefix can be found on horses across North America. His most notable performer as a breeder is 2004 Canadian Pacing Derby and O'Brien Award winner Casimir Camotion p,1:48.3f ($1.96 million) while also boasting 55-time winner and $969,000 earner Casimir Jitterbug p,1:49.3s and Casimir Bad Boy p,1:49.4f ($590,000).
Trot Insider will provide further details and arrangements once they become available.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Murray McConnell.
Very sorry to hear of
Very sorry to hear of Murray's passing. A guy who spoke his mind and a good friend of mine. Lots of times he could make a dull SC directors' meeting much more interesting. R.I.P.
Brian Kempton asked me to
Brian Kempton asked me to post this comment for him -
A friend lost, thanks for your trust Murray. Thoughts go to Pam and family. Brian and Elaine Kempton
May Murray RIP :(
May Murray RIP :( Condolences to his family
I had many dealings with
I had many dealings with Murray over the years and inspected hundreds of his yearlings for the sales. His horses were always well raised and presented. Murray was a plain speaker and a man of his word, always a champion for the "little guy".
He is already missed and our heartfelt condolences go out to Jesse and Pam. Rest easy old friend.
Brian and Gay Webster
Recently I have been working
Recently I have been working with Murray and as always enjoyed his spirited discussions.
Murray was a singular individual with great integrity always fascinating to talk with about anything equine!
He was looking forward to the yearling sales this fall with great anticipation as he had such confidence in his Up The Credit yearlings.
R.I.P Murray
Robert Burgess
I had the extreme pleasure of
I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Murray on the SC board, Murray had a strong will and a Big Heart. He was his own man...you always knew where you stood with Murray, his word was his bond! Sincere Condolences to his family
Robert & Rosalie Bowness
I met Murray when my late
I met Murray when my late husband Jim was a member of SC Board. We were given a warm welcome when we travelled to Sudbury with our horses and dropped in at his farm. He was passionate about his horses and horseracing. He will be missed.RIP Murray.
Murray could be a bit gruff
Murray could be a bit gruff at times, and he and I had our battles, but at the end of the day he was always a man of his word and a good person whom I respected very much. He always spoke his mind, and you always knew where you stood with him. I've considered him a friend for many years and am deeply saddened by this news. You will be missed Murray. R.I.P.
He was never a man to mince
He was never a man to mince words, so I won't either.A passionate man who knew himself and understood the sport. An indefatigable worker. Rest in peace.
I got to know you over the
I got to know you over the last 17 years during your time on the SC Board and committees and at many horse sales...your passion for the industry and all you stood for were unmatched Murray. You will be missed. May you RIP. Sincere condolences to Pam and family. Caren Stockwell
Oh Dear. I got to know
Oh Dear. I got to know Murray quite well while we were SC directors. He was a man who told it as it was. I enjoyed our many conversations. I will miss you my friend. Racing has lost another good one.
Our condolences to Pam & family
Chuck Ibey & family
He was rough and he was gruff
He was rough and he was gruff but he certainly had a passion for our industry like no other. Rest in peace friend. Condolences to Pam and Jesse. Heather & Chuck
R.I.P. Murray you will truly
R.I.P. Murray you will truly be missed