Oklahoma breeder John Smicklas dies at 81

John Smicklas, a prominent breeder and owner who raced at Remington, died Sept. 23, according to an obituary posted by Havenbrook Funeral Home in Norman, Okla. Smicklas was 81.

Smicklas is survived by his wife, Barbara, with whom he bred and raced the multiple Grade 3 winners Belle of Cozzene, an earner of $522,455, and Brush With Pride, who made $548,615, as well as nine-time stakes winner Zee Oh Six. Smicklas also helped found the Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement Program.

Services are at 2 p.m. Sunday at Rose State College in Midwest City, Okla.