Equine Obituary - Olympic's Godfather
Monday, March 12, 2018
Two-time world champion Olympic’s Godfather passed away on Mar. 9 at Abernathy Stables in Byhalia, Mississippi. The 19 year-old gelding was owned and loved by Tess Suiter in his final years. Affectionately known as “Godfather,” he was loved by many during his long life.
Sired by Olympic Generator and out of Godfather’s Goodbye, Olympic’s Godfather was foaled to Joe Willett of Mayfield, Kentucky. He was a half brother to the multi-titled World Grand Champion, Godfather By Ultra Copy.
Purchased as a two-year-old by the Barry Carter Family of West Tennessee, The Carter family would enjoy showing Godfather for 15 years. In 2009, the powerful team of Stephanie Carter and Olympic’s Godfather claimed their first World Championship title in the Novice Lady Riders on Novice Mares & Geldings under the direction of trainer, Donnie Jones. Godfather and Stephanie returned to the 2010 Celebration to gain another World Championship title.
In the fall of 2015, Tess Suiter purchased Godfather for her granddaughter Laci Mathews to enjoy. Laci and Godfather went on to win shows such as the National Trainers’ Show, Gulf Coast Charity and Money Tree Classic and finished in the top 3 at the Celebration under the direction of Abernathy Stables.
Shown an impressive 166 times in his life with 64 blue ribbon honors, Godfather made his final blue ribbon ride last fall at the Walking for The Angels show with Mary Kate Long aboard in a highly competitive Youth 11 & under class. Plans had already been made for Long to show Olympic’s Godfather during the 2018 show season.
All who knew and loved him will certainly miss the highly affectionate Godfather. For any that ever had a chance to interact with him knew that he always gave 100 percent and that is a rare quality to find.