Bart Heller, owner, dead at 63

SAN MATEO, Calif. - Bart Heller, a longtime racehorse owner who was part-owner of millionaire Dixie Dot Com, died of a heart attack Friday morning while undergoing minor surgery at Stanford Medical Center. He was 63. He had been battling cancer for several years but had appeared to be doing well recently.

Trainer William E. Morey, who has horses for Heller at Bay Meadows, was shocked by the news. "We had our ups and downs in the business, but mainly he was a very good friend," Morey said.

Morey's father, Bill Morey Jr., has Dixie Dot Com at Del Mar, where he is scheduled to run in the Pacific Classic next weekend. Dixie Dot Com is owned by Heller and his widow, Ronelle, and Donald and Carole Chaiken.

Heller also owned the stakes-winners Chapel Choir, Baron O'Dublin, Grey Moon Runner, and Roz H.

Heller is survived by his widow, two sons, Scott and Ron; two daughters, Michelle and Stacey, and two stepsons, Brett and Michael.