by Robin Clements, for the California Harness Horsemen’s Association

Sacramento, CA — Dutchman 5,1:57.3 ($132,858), the California 2-, 3- and 4-year-old divisional stakes trotting champion, was euthanized on Friday (May 25) after a long bout with ringbone.

Photo courtesy of the author

Dutchman was euthanized on May 25.

Out of the multiple stakes producing mare One To Top and by J W Dutch Treat, Dutchman snatched 10 of 13 stakes races while banking $132,858. When a foot injury ended his racing career, Dutchman was then given to a family in Oregon as a pleasure horse.

Last year Vickie and Steve Desomer, the breeders and previous owners, were contacted by people working with the Standardbred Retirement Foundation and told that Dutchman had ended up in a low end auction and was the target of kill buyers as he seemed very lame. The Desomers stepped up and purchased Dutchman and secured shipping back to their farm in Wilton, Calif.

After consultation by their vet, it was determined that Dutchman was suffering from a deteriorating case of ringbone, but that he could rest comfortably as a pasture pet. Recently though, the ringbone had gotten worse, which at this time it was determined that Dutchman’s quality of life had come to an end.