Linda Shantz's fitting tribute to Wake at Noon

In the truest and most heartfelt response an artist can make, artist Linda Shantz was prompted to paint by news that former Canadian Horse of the Year Wake at Noon had died on the track at Woodbine in an ill-considered and ill-fated attempt at making a second racing comeback, this time at age 13.

A self-taught specialist in painting equine and animal subjects, the Ontario-based Shantz, upon hearing of Wake at Noon's demise, dug out an old photo of him taken on Queen's Plate Day almost exactly a decade ago, and used it for reference in crafting her tribute.

If you aren't familiar with her work (a bit hard to believe if you're a diehard racing fan) and/or haven't visited her blog, you're missing out. So, take this opportunity to get caught up, and to see her handsome homage to a courageous champion.