Considered by many to be one of the greatest trotters to ever look through a bridle, news came from France on Saturday that champion trotter Ourasi passed away at the age of 32.
The winner of nearly $3 million in purses and more than 50 straight races over the course of his career, Ourasi captured the prestigious Prix d'Amerique on four occasions - more than any other horse. His fourth win came in 1990 - at the age of 10 - after he was upset in the 1989 edition. Prior to 1989, he had won the race three straight years. Trained by French horseman Jean-René Gougeon, Ourasi's fourth win came with Gougeon's brother Minou driving as Jean-René had suffered a stroke prior to the race.
North American harness racing might most recall Ourasi's epic battle with trotting kingpin Mack Lobell in the 1988 March Of Dimes, considered by many to be one of the greatest races of the modern era.
When Ourasi was retired to stud, he was found to have poor fertility and managed only 38 foals in a 10-year span. He was retired from stud duty after that.
Ourasi was living peacefully in Normandy at the time of his passing, still garnering many fans coming to visit and pay respects to one of the history's best trotters.
"This is a bad day. He died at 11 o'clock and was buried immediately," said Pierre Lamy, Ourasi's stable manager. "He could not eat for four days, not sleeping more because he feared not being able to get up."
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Ourasi.
I drove from Guelph to
I drove from Guelph to Orangeville Raceway to watch the March of Dimes The race gave me goosebumps from the time they left the gate. Ourasi was a Champion.
The March of Dimes duel
The March of Dimes duel between between Mack Lobell and Ourasi was in my opinion one of the greatest I ever witnessed.
After reading this sad news,
After reading this sad news, I returned to YouTube to watch this beautiful tribute video a European fan made for Oursai after visiting him during his retirement. All the more moving after this great horse's passing.
I know that people lead busy
I know that people lead busy lives but take 3 1/2 mins to watch the top video... the trip this horse goes in the 1990 Prix d'Amerique is unbelievable (parked first-up the entire way with the white breast collar). If you love harness racing just watch this video.
I had the privilege of seeing
I had the privilege of seeing him live 4 times. Also I was invited to a post race party after a big win by him in Vincennes. The conversation drifted around to what he was like to drive. His long time Driver said in perfect English, "If you tied a bag of sand in the Sulky he was good enough to avoid accidents and win on his own!!
A childhood hero. Probably my
A childhood hero. Probably my first international hero.
A legend who earned respect all over the world.
He seemed immortal, but nobody is. His paddock mates, the cows, will miss him.
Requiescat In Pace, Ourasi.
Btw. Mack Lobell lives in Sweden and is happy in his wonderful paddock. He is healthy and doing good. Met him last may, something i'll never forget.
Pretty magical, these old warriors. And they are proof of the fact that racehorses can enjoy a long life after racing.