Primetime Bobcat, a former world champion and O'Brien Award finalist, has sadly passed away at the age of 27. Born to Abercrombie and Emerald Girl, he leaves behind a legacy of remarkable achievements in the world of harness racing.
Over his illustrious career, Primetime Bobcat competed in 201 races, amassing an impressive record of 48 wins, 31 places, and 25 shows. Garnering over $740,000 in earnings, he spent the majority of his competitive years racing at tracks in Michigan before reaching the age of nine.
The year 2006 marked a pinnacle in Primetime Bobcat's career, solidifying his status as a legendary contender. Beginning the season under trainer Casie Coleman at Georgian Downs, he was later claimed by conditioners Anthony Montini, Basil Michele, and William and Joseph Rogers. Demonstrating his prowess, Primetime Bobcat triumphed over open-class competitors, clinching victory in the Spring Pacing Championship final in April.
His remarkable performance was further accentuated by a Canadian record-tying mile of 1:48.1 at Woodbine Racetrack on May 6. Just one week later, he astounded the racing world by achieving a world record time of 1:47.2, surpassing the longstanding record set by the iconic Jennas Beach Boy almost a decade prior at The Meadowlands.
Montini, reflecting on Primetime Bobcat's extraordinary feat, expressed,
"I think remarkable is the most fitting word considering his age. When I saw three-quarters in 1:20.4 and then to get the record, the hairs just stood up all over my body. It was truly a touching moment."
Following his exceptional nine-year-old campaign, where he boasted a record of 14 wins, 6 places, and 2 shows from 31 starts, Primetime Bobcat was honoured as WEG's Older Pacer of the Year and named an O'Brien Award finalist for his outstanding contributions to the sport.
Despite battling through injuries after the remarkable 2006 season, Primetime Bobcat was retired in 2008 at the age of 11. He spent his retirement years in Nova Scotia at the farm of his owner, Dale March, who fondly reminisced,
"We had him for about five years. He had a great life with us... It's hard to know he's not there now."