Susan Casner, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, accomplished owner and breeder, and treasured member of the Thoroughbred community, passed away May 27 following a battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was surrounded by the love of the family and friends who defined her life.Born in Grand Island, Nebraska, Susan's journey in racing began at Aksarben Race Track in Omaha, Nebraska, where she worked as a mutuel clerk. It was there that she met the love of her life, Bill Casner, who made a habit of placing wagers at the window staffed by the prettiest clerk on the grounds. Bill asked Susan out several times before she finally accepted. Once she did, they were off to the races together, beginning a partnership that would span decades and leave an indelible mark on the Thoroughbred industry.The early years were filled with hard work, long miles, and adventure. Bill trained and galloped the horses while Susan did whatever was needed-groom, hotwalker, assistant and trusted partner. Together they traveled the country with a small racing stable, building a life around the horses they loved. For six years they chased dreams from racetrack to racetrack before settling near Dallas, Texas, after the births of their daughters, Kayce and Karri.The move brought stability, but horses never left their hearts. Upon finding success in business, Susan and Bill invested most of their life savings partnering with longtime friend Kenny Troutt in founding Excel Communications. Their chance to re-enter the Thoroughbred industry was born from the fruit of that wise bet.In 2000, Bill and Troutt co-founded WinStar Farm, which would grow into one of the most influential breeding and racing operations in North America. Through it all, Susan remained a passionate supporter, enthusiastic participant and proud ambassador for the farm and the sport she loved.Her presence could be felt throughout WinStar's rise. She celebrated the victories, welcomed visitors, championed the horses, and embraced the people who made the farm special. She was the namesake of GSW Sharp Susan (Touch Gold) and was among those at the center of the celebrations when WinStar's Super Saver (Maria's Mon) captured the 2010 GI Kentucky Derby.As an owner and breeder, Susan achieved success at the highest levels of racing. Her accomplishments included breeding and owning G1 Dubai World Cup winner Well Armed (Tiznow), GI Travers Stakes and GI Santa Anita Derby winner Colonel John (Tiznow), among numerous other stakes performers who carried the WinStar colors.Susan Casner at Hawthorne in 1979 | courtesy of Bill CasnerPerhaps no horse better illustrated Susan's remarkable instincts than Sweet Damsel.During a late session of the 2001 Keeneland November Sale, Susan spotted the daughter of Turkoman walking through the back ring. Although the mare lacked the fashionable pedigree page that often commands attention, Susan saw something others did not. She turned to Bill and insisted they needed to own the mare. After Sweet Damsel failed to meet her reserve at $64,000, the Casner's negotiated a private purchase and brought her home to WinStar.The decision proved prophetic. Sweet Damsel developed into a multiple graded-stakes producer, with Colonel John emerging as her most accomplished runner. For family and friends, the story became one of Susan's signature moments-a reflection of her intuition, horsemanship, and unwavering confidence in her own judgment.That legacy continues today. Susan's fingerprints can also be found on recent GII Wood Memorial winner Albus (Yaupon), while one of her greatest commercial breeding successes came in 2024 when a colt by Not This Time out of Kayce Ace sold for $3.4 million at Saratoga. Now known as Faran, the colt traces directly to Sweet Damsel, keeping alive the family that began with Susan's inspired purchase nearly a quarter-century ago.Beyond her achievements in racing and breeding, Susan was deeply committed to the people who make the sport possible. She generously supported organizations including Race For Education and the Racetrack Chaplaincy, believing strongly in giving back to the industry that had given so much to her family.Those who knew Susan remember far more than her success. They remember her ever-present smile, her warmth, her generosity and her ability to make everyone feel welcome. Whether speaking with owners, farm employees, sales staff, horsemen or backstretch workers, Susan treated everyone with the same kindness and respect.While horses were one of the great passions of her life, her greatest joy was always her family.Susan is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Bill; her daughter, Kayce Anderson, and son-in-law, Clark Anderson; and her beloved grandchildren, Blu Anderson and Rayne Anderson. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Karri Casner.From Aksarben to Churchill Downs, and across countless farms, racetracks, and sales grounds in between, Susan Casner left an impression that will not soon fade. Her accomplishments as an owner and breeder secured her place within the Thoroughbred industry, but her true legacy lives in the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched with grace, humility, kindness, and love.In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be mad to For The Good or to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation in honor of Susan.The post Susan Casner, Accomplished Owner And Breeder, Dies appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.