Hightstown, NJ — Larks Crown, who led all older trotters in wins in 1990 and later embarked on a second career as a teaser stallion at Hanover Shoe Farms, died Monday (Feb. 4), owner Dr. Bridgette Jablonsky said. He was 34.

Larks Crown died on Feb. 4. Barbara Livingston photo.

A son of Mighty Crown out of Lark’s Peacock, Larks Crown was born in Ohio, where he enjoyed success on the state’s fair circuit at ages 2 and 3. He shipped east to compete at Yonkers and Roosevelt raceways and earned fans in New York with his gritty performances in the claiming ranks.

In 1990, Larks Crown won 20 of 36 races. His victory total was surpassed by only one trotter that season, 3-year-old filly Marilu’s Lady with 26. For his career, Larks Crown won 64 of 190 starts and earned $229,206.

The horse was featured in the book “Standardbred Old Friends,” which detailed his career and Jablonsky’s history with the trotter.

Jablonsky and her family owned Larks Crown, known affectionately as “Larkie,” during his ascent in New York, but eventually saw the trotter claimed away. Jablonsky, who was in veterinary school during the latter part of Larks Crown’s career, kept tabs on the horse on the racetrack as well as following his retirement. She regained ownership of the horse in 2005 and moved him to Hanover Shoe Farms, where he was loved by all who worked there.

He found a role as a teaser stallion and enjoyed watching over the mares and their foals, said Jablonsky, who is now the executive vice president/syndicate manager at Hanover Shoe Farms. Larks Crown will be buried at the farm.