Superman dies

Superman, Michigan's premier trotting stallion of the 1980s and '90s, died Sept. 1 at Starwin Farm in Coleman, Mich., at the age of 33.

A son of Speedy Scot and out of the Florican mare Desert Wind, Superman sired 757 registered foals, and 68 2:00 performers. These included 11 Michigan champions and two world champions: Jeff’s Playboy, and Super Timkin.

Superman was born in 1973 at Castleton Farm in Lexington, KY. He raced mainly in California during his 4, 5 and 6-year-old seasons for owner Fleetwood Garner of Bakersfield and trainer Shelly Goudreau, retiring with a lifetime mark of 1:58.1 and earnings of $140,000.

Downing Stock Farm of Northville, Mich., purchased Superman in 1980. He began stud duties there in 1981 and quickly established himself as a producer of many of the state’s top trotters. The move to Starwin Farm came in 1989 when the Downing family closed its stud barn. Superman continued to sire champions and his last crop of foals was born in 1997.

At the time of his death, Superman still had four foals racing. He had sired winners of over $18.5 million, 57 of which earned $100,000 or more. Always a horse with a competitive personality and an opinion, he will be missed by those closest to him. (MHHA)

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