It is with sadness that we share the passing of the legendary JM VANGOGH this week. His career accomplishments rank alongside any horse of his era. He was purchased for only $4,500 as a yearling by Paul Chambers and John Mello. He went on to earn $2 Million U.S.
He had 206 career starts with 65 wins, 98 top two finishes, and 120 top three finishes. Nearly all this was done versus Grand Circuit, Ontario stakes, and open level competition. He was broke and trained in the U.S. by his owner/trainer Paul Chambers and then sent to Ron Waples for his expert handling during his Canadian racing days.
In addition to multiple Preferred and Open victories, World Champion and World Record Holder JM VANGOGH recorded wins in Ontario Sires Stakes Gold finals, in finals of Georgian Downs’ Earl Rowe Memorial and Masters Series, and in the $345,000 final of The Classic Series’ Classic Trot. He won the O’Brien Award and multiple Woodbine Entertainment Group Trotter of the Year Awards.
He was the most intelligent and toughest horse we have ever seen. He is now in a better place. All we can say is thank you to him and everyone who cared for him.