by Norman Vance

Grand Rapids, MI — Stakes-winning mare Gotta Have Clout, dam of world champion mare Clearly Clout, died at age 29 on Oct. 12, 2015, at her home on the Guy Smith Ranch in Hawkinsville, Ga.

She was bred and raced by Norm and Sharon Vance of Grand Rapids, Mich. Smith trained her during her 2- and 3-year-old seasons, when she was the best pacing filly in Michigan. Don Harmon was her driver. She was subsequently trained by Ron Waples and Jim Jackson. She won 43 races and $281,657.

For her retirement, Smith built a spacious, shaded paddock on his ranch.

Gotta Have Clout was sired by Lukan Hanover at Starwin Farm in Michigan and raised there. Prior to her 2-year-old season in Michigan, she was broken and trained down by Jack Franklin in Xenia, Ohio.