Canadian owner-breeder Sabiston dies at age 97

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - The popular Ontario owner-breeder James Sabiston passed away on Oct. 10 at 97.

A longtime member of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society and supporter of the Ontario breeding program, Sabiston operated Longview Farm near Stouffville, Ontario, for more than six decades, beginning in 1956 with his first stallion Bimini Bay. He went on to build a successful breeding operation and stood numerous sires, including Dawn Flight and Bold Revenue.

Among the stakes winners he bred were Katahaula County, Rose and Shine, Grecian Touch, Silent Fleet, Big Blunder, and Bold Agent. He also owned Grecian Touch and Rose and Shine, who went on to produce last year's Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old filly and Breeders' Cup champion British Idiom.

Sabiston was awarded the Mint Julep Cup in 1996 by the CTHS in recognition of his dedication and lifetime contributions to the Thoroughbred industry.

There will be a private funeral service for Sabiston, with a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.

The Ontario racing community lost two others this month due to illness, Martha Gonzalez and Janet Bedford.

Gonzalez, 58, was the wife and assistant to trainer Nick Gonzalez. Together, they won two Queen’s Plates and sent out Silent Poet to capture this year’s Grade 2 Connaught Cup.

Bedford, 74, trained the 1986 Canadian champion older male Let’s Go Blue and the 1983 Canadian champion older female Eternal Search.