Canadian horseman dies

Ottawa-based horseman Lyle Anderson was killed in the Sunday morning plane crash of Comair flight 5191 in Lexington, Ky. Anderson, 55, was returning home after racing a horse at The Red Mile Thursday night, and was accompanied by his girlfriend, Christina Anderson (no relation), who was also among the 49 killed in the crash leaving Blue Grass Airport en route to Atlanta.

Anderson's River Ridge Farm owned Ally Hall 2, 1:57.1 ($384,595), a half sister to Hambletonian winner Amigo Hall who won several stakes at two in 2001, including the International Stallion Stakes and the Oakville. More recently he trained 2003 Valley Victory winning colt trotter Beardmore T1:54.4 ($463,717).

Kentucky-based horseman Kevin Thomas was a longtime friend of Anderson and told harnessracing.com Sunday afternoon, "It's unbelievable this happened. It's ironic because he had just told me when he got here this week that he hadn't been happy that his travel this time had him changing planes in Atlanta."

The Red Mile paused after its third race Sunday night to pay tribute to those killed on the plane, with the drivers and trainers gathering in the winner's circle for a moment of silence.

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