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Woodbine Entertainment mourns the loss of Jim Sabiston

October 11, 2020

TORONTO, October 11, 2020 – Woodbine Entertainment would like to extend its condolences to the family and friends of Canadian breeder and owner James (Jim) T. Sabiston, who passed away on Saturday, Oct. 10 at the age of 97.

A longtime member of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society and supporter of the Ontario breeding program, Sabiston operated Longview Farm near Stouffville, Ont. for more than six decades, beginning in 1956 with his first stallion Bimini Bay. He went on to build a successful breeding operation and stood numerous sires including Dawn Flight, Triumphant, Ground Cover, Good Old Mort and Bold Revenue.

Among the stars he bred were stakes winners Rose and Shine, Grecian Touch, Silent Fleet, Katahaula County, Big Blunder and Bold Agent. Rose and Shine, winner of the 2011 Muskoka Stakes and Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Woodbine, went on to produce last year’s Eclipse Award-winning two-year-old filly and Breeders’ Cup champion British Idiom.

Highly respected by his fellow horsemen and clients, Sabiston was known for the integrity of his handshake and the time he put into nurturing his partnerships and the horses he raised.

Sabiston was awarded the Mint Julep Cup in 1996 by the CTHS in recognition of his dedication and lifetime contributions to the Thoroughbred industry.

A private funeral service will take place, with a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.

Please join Woodbine Entertainment in offering condolences to the family and many friends of Jim Sabiston.

Jim Sabiston (center with grey jacket) in the winner's circle at Woodbine Racetrack with 2011 Muskoka Stakes champion Rose and Shine. (Michael Burns Photo)
Jim Sabiston (center with grey jacket) in the winner’s circle at Woodbine Racetrack with 2011 Muskoka Stakes champion Rose and Shine. (Michael Burns Photo)
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