Ottawa, Ontario—Equine Canada and the Canadian Eventing Committee would like to extend their sincerest condolences to Mike Winter and the Kingpin Syndicate on the loss of the great Canadian equine athlete Kingpin.
Tragically, on April 25, 2009, King Pin passed away while competing in the cross country phase of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in Lexington, KY.
“King Pin suffered a hemorrhage of the large vessels in the abdomen unrelated to any jumping effort or trauma,” said Dr. Christiana Ober, the Canadian Eventing Team veterinarian. “This is a very rare condition and the actual cause is unknown.”
Winter’s partnership with the talented 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse has led to many international triumphs, including helping the Canadian Eventing Team win the silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, BRA, where they also finished in eighth place individually.
Winter, a native of Montreal, QC, but who now resides in Newnan, GA, and Kingpin also finished in 12th at the 2008 edition of Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event. With Kingpin, Winter was a member of the ninth place Canadian Eventing Team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“I am mourning the loss of a partner and close friend,” said Winter.
“We have lost a great horse and a superb athlete,” said David O’Connor, Canadian Eventing Committee International Technical Advisor. “Our hearts go out to Mike and his family. We would also like to express our deepest condolences to the members of Kingpin’s syndicate and all those who participated in his wonderful career.”
“Mike’s relationship with Kingpin was one to admire,” noted Graeme Thom, Chef d’équipe of the Canadian Eventing Team. “As a pair they exemplified the true definition of partnership. Kingpin represented Canada with a strong competitive spirit and will be missed greatly.”
Canada has lost a world-class athlete in King Pin. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered has having achieved top international results for Canada.
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