from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Donald E. Knight, 80, of Urbana, Ohio, died March 18, 2015.

Mr. Knight was a long-time trainer in the state of Ohio. It was not his occupation, but a hobby that he greatly enjoyed. Over the years, he bred, owned, or trained more than 50 horses. Most years he only had one or two horses in training at a time.

His most successful horse was Captain Huebie, who won a late closing series at Scioto Downs as a 3-year-old in 1998 and made more than $50,000 during his racing career.

He also trained Noble Huebie most recently, who might be recognized as the horse his granddaughter Stephanie learned to train and drive. She raced while wearing Mr. Knight’s colors because she never bought her own.

Mr. Knight also owned B Good Lena, who Aaron Merriman drove to victory for his 6,000th win.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ruth; son, Gary (Beth); daughter, Kay (Steve) Huebner; grandsons, Joe and Josh; granddaughters, Stephanie Huebner and Emily Huebner; great-grandson, Jak; and faithful dog, Speedy.

Stephanie would like to thank her grandfather for all of the time that he spent teaching her about horses. She plans to honor his memory by becoming a vet and treating horses.