OK-Bred GI Winner Clever Trevor Dies at 31

Millionaire Oklahoma gelding Clever Trevor, a grade I winner who ran at 16 different racetracks, died recently at the age of 31.

The son of Slewacide—Little Mary Beans, by Twice Bold, who propelled trainer Donnie K. Von Hemel into national prominence, spent his retirement at Von Hemel's Robin's Nest Farm near Piedmont, Okla., where he passed away July 22.

Clever Trevor made what was to be his career finale in the 1992 Washington Park Handicap (gr. II), in which he finished second.

The plan was to try him on turf, but Clever Trevor developed a foot abcess while training at Remington Park and the decision was made to retire him. He finished with a 15-5-2 mark from 30 starts, including nine stakes wins, and earnings of $1,388,841 spread over five seasons while taking on all comers.

Clever Trevor's record was topped by his victory in the 1989 Arlington Classic (gr. I). He also finished second in the 1989 Travers Stakes (gr. I) to Hall of Famer Easy Goer and was second and third behind two-time champion sprinter Housebuster in top East Coast sprint stakes in 1991: the Forego (gr. II) and listed Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash in back-to-back starts.

"His last couple of races they were still 110-type Beyer (speed figure) races," Von Hemel said. "He was just a high-quality animal, even after knee surgeries after his 3-year-old year, his 4-year-old year, and 5-year-old year. Chips in both knees. He ran into some tough ones, but he never disappointed—always came to run.

"He was the first really national horse I had, and at a point in my career when Remington Park (near Oklahoma City) had just started. It really helped me get going, not only at Remington but across the nation. Just great people who owned (and bred) him, the McNeill family. Just memories you'll cherish the rest of your life."

Clever Trevor was the only retired Thoroughbred racehorse at Robin's Nest Farm. He quickly developed a bond with the Von Hemel family at their home and with his running buddy Nick, a palomino American Quarter Horse that Von Hemel's wife, Robin, had purchased to ride around the farm.

"Once Trevor arrived, they became best friends and wouldn't let each other out of the other's sight," she said. "I never rode Nick again; Trevor wouldn't allow it. We had to do everything with them as a pair. Nick is also saddened by this loss."

Clever Trevor's main caretaker, Robin Von Hemel, said the farm feels empty without him.

"He was here with us for the last 24 years," she said. "He had become very elderly in recent days. He let us know it was time on Friday night."

Clever Trevor was just the second Oklahoma-bred millionaire; 1986 Horse of the Year Lady's Secret was the first.

Remington Park has conducted the $100,000 Clever Trevor Stakes for 2-year-olds since 1997. This year's edition will take place Nov. 4.