Trot Insider has learned millionaire pacer Quite A Sensation was euthanized February 1 after falling and breaking his hip.
Owned by Claire and Linda Porter of Parkhill, ON, the charismatic 30-year-old son of Chris Time-Genes Sensation is best remembered for his heroic performance in the 1986 edition of the North America Cup at the now defunct Greenwood Racetrack. Sent off at odds of 30-1 that night, the gelding prevailed by a nose over even-money favourite Amity Chef in a track record clocking of 1:54.2
Later that year, Quite A Sensation set a world record for pacing geldings on a half-mile track by winning at Northfield Park 1:54.4. The mile time shaved two full seconds off the previous standard for three-year-old pacing geldings and almost a full second off the overall track mark of 1:55.3 established by another half-mile world champion, Falcon Seelster.
"Quite A Sensation will always have a special place in my heart and mind," said the pacer’s regular reinsman, Trevor Ritchie. "He was the horse that propelled my career to the next level when he won the North America Cup all those years ago. He got me on the world stage with that win and will always be one of my favourites."
Purchased as a weanling for $5,500, Quite A Sensation retired with a lifetime record of 49-25-20 from 155 starts, a bankroll of $1,087,568 and a speed badge of 1:53.3 taken at Raceway Park during his five-year-old season.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Quite A Sensation.
It is so sad when a local
It is so sad when a local dies...even a furry one. I remember the North America Cup so well as I was a nearly new newly wed and it was the first time I witnessed how into sports my husband was as he pounded our glass coffee table with every step that horse took to the finish...the glass proved to be as strong as driver and horse and didn't break. Our condolences to the family and friends of Quite A Sensation.
It sure made me sad to hear
It sure made me sad to hear of the passing of another great warrior. My dad Jack Graham was the guy who sold him as a weanling at one of his sales. It's just another super story of what this business is all about and another reason that the Standardbreds are here to stay.
For the first time ever my
For the first time ever my good friend Earl Lennox was stuck for words, the North America Cup was on TSN, right after the finish while waiting for the photo one commentator asked Earl who he thought had won. Earl confidently said Amity Chef, we waited for what seemed like an eternity, the track announcer said "Quite A Sensation" a great cheer erupted from the crowd, then a long pause from the commentators, a few blushes also then an explanation of what had just happened. Ah, the good old days
Sorry to hear of his passing,
Sorry to hear of his passing, he was a great little campaigner.I was shocked when i saw the article, didn't know he was still surviving. Saw him race many times,was racing in Toledo the night he took his record. Still remember seeing Linda paddocking him and when he would go to the gate she would not watch the race but sit on her bucket and cover her head with the cooler until it was over.
Was great to watch the little guy race his heart out.
Again, sorry for his passing.
Bev Heywood
Condolences to all the
Condolences to all the connections of Quite A Sensation. A true warrior...Run free in Equine Heaven...