from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Evelyn G. Schaut, 93, a native of Mt. Carroll, Ill., died April 3, 2010, at her home in Powell, Ohio, following a short illness.

Her love for horses as a little girl turned into a passion for the trotters and pacers when she married the late Richard J. Schaut on June 6, 1940. Together they made countless trips to the Chicago area racetracks, watching many of the sport’s early greats — both equine and human. They purchased their first Standardbred, Date Line, in 1961, an act that turned them from ardent fans to active participants, and later involved their entire family.

Mrs. Schaut enjoyed making huge picnics and sharing them with horsemen on many trips to the Illinois State Fair in Springfield and Hayes Fair Acres in Du Quoin, following the Grand Circuit action. She spent numerous hours researching pedigrees and was as good as anyone on knowing the breeding lines of Standardbreds.

A partner with her son, trainer-driver Rick (Schaut Stable), she was a regular sight wherever Rick was racing, but particularly present over the years at Pompano Park. It was there she enjoyed the career of one of her personal favorites, her double-gaited mare, La Vite p,3,1:58.2f ($40,513) and 9,1:57.3f ($84,974).

She is survived by her daughters, Nancy and Patricia (Bruce) Soulsby; son, Richard (Elizabeth); grandsons, Richard and Jerald Richard “J.R.”; and brother, Edward Grimm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, 3293 Wright Rd., Laura, OH 45337.