The elation of a fourth-place finish in the 2014 Maple Leaf Trot behind some of the world's best trotters quickly vanished for the connections of Modern Family, who suddenly passed away minutes after Saturday night's race.
Reports indicate that the five-year-son of Cantab Hall-Domestic Diva was walking back to the Mohawk paddock when he collapsed. The trotter was owned by his trainer Daryl Bier, and co-owned with Charles Dombeck of Davie, Fl. and Richard Poillucci of North Easton, Mass.
"I am in a state of shock right now," Dombeck told Trot Insider via email. "He was an absolute magnificent animal who we all loved. His caretaker Brad Sawyer just got off the phone with me and he is inconsolable. Needless to say Daryl is also in shock."
Modern Family was a winner of 19 of 50 lifetime starts. A $110,000 yearling, Modern Family raced under the tutelage of Tony Alagna before being sold at the end of his three-year-old season. Bier paid $110,000 for the then-four-year-old at the 2013 January Select Mixed Sale at the Meadowlands.
At four, Modern Family won nine of 16 starts and took a mark of 1:51 at The Meadowlands with his Cutler elim win. The week before, he knocked off some of the best four-year-olds in the $100,000 Meadowlands Maturity.
In 2014, Modern Family had assembled a record of 6-6-1 in 14 starts. Three of those second-place finishes had to come at the hands of Sebastian K.
His biggest career win came earlier this season in the $200,000 Charlie Hill Memorial Trot at Scioto Downs, helping lift his lifetime bankroll to $535,649.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Modern Family.
I am in shock at reading the
I am in shock at reading the sudden passing of a great trotter Modern Family. I did enjoy this trotter and played him in races many times this year and last year.
It is so sad and just wanted to express sincere condolences on the loss of a fine young trotter. And to all the people involved with this horse. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Janelle Scherbik
USTA Member
My condolences to his
My condolences to his connections. Modern Family was one heck of a trotter and gave his all each and every time he raced.
Sad day for the connections
Sad day for the connections and racing to lose such a great horse.
my condolences
It was heartbreaking to hear
It was heartbreaking to hear about this tragedy. He was a magnificent performer who will be greatly missed by everyone who enjoyed his greatness. My heartfelt condolences go out to his connections.
Such a terrible ending to a
Such a terrible ending to a great performance. RIP to a very talented Horse and Condolences to everyone who loved him.
Thank you very much. He will
Thank you very much. He will be forever in our hearts
From celebration to absolute
From celebration to absolute devastation to hear about Modern Family - I loved watching that horse - this was his best year yet. To the connections of this wonderful horse I offer my sincere condolences.