Champion and All American Derby (Grade 1) Quarter Horse Racing winner Old Habits died Tuesday morning of an apparent heart attack after a gallop at the San Luis Rey Downs training center. Trainer Danny Cardoza was ponying Old Habits off the track when the gelding began quivering and trembling, the jockey jumped off and Old Habits collapsed. A veterinarian was on hand within minutes but Old Habits could not be revived.

Last year’s champion three-year-old, Old Habits earned $680,491 and won nine of 22 races, including the Los Alamitos Derby (G1) and Governor’s Cup Futurity (RG1). He also finished second in the All American Futurity (G1) and garnered thirds in the Grade 1 Champion of Champions and Los Alamitos Invitational Championship.

A son of Apollo (TB), Old Habits was bred by AQHA Executive Committee Member Frank “Scoop” Vessels III’s Vessels Stallion Farm at Bonsall, California. The gelding raced for “The Girls,” a well-known group of 10 women (including Vessels’ wife, Bonnie) who always dressed in red when he competed. Old Habits is to be buried at Vessels Stallion Farm