The Nov. 1994 death of Canadian owner and breeder John Sikura Sr. has been confirmed as accidental following a review of the case by the Chief Coroner of Ontario. Sikura, 60, died on his way back from a restaurant when he fell asleep behind the wheel of his car in his driveway. The car subsequently burst into flames, Sikura died of smoke inhalation, and General Motors settled a product-liability suit with the Sikura family.Since Sikura's death, stories have appeared in Toronto-area newspapers alleging mystery witnesses, alternative motives, and police corruption in the case, prompting its reopening."It always has been and remains a tragic accident, and anything printed contrary to that has been irresponsible," said John Sikura Jr., who owns Hill 'n' Dale Farm in Lexington. "The Toronto Star has used a bunch of unnamed sources that uncovered a pack of untruths. There was no sensitivity for the family, an absolute lack of respect, and it was total nonsense. Hopefully this puts it to rest, but people read a headline and they think it's true."Ontario Chief Coroner Jim Young concluded that the fire in Sikura's car was a result of mechanical/electrical problems. He added that there was no evidence indicating homicide by either arson or an explosive device.The elder Sikura parlayed a Toronto-area farm into a major stateside operation when he moved to Kentucky in the '70s. He belonged to a syndicate that became the first entity to buy a yearling for more than a $1 million when it paid $1.5 million for a Secretariat colt at the 1976 Keeneland July sale. The horse never came close to fulfilling lofty expectations. Sikura bred Rahy, the second-leading sire for 2001, who has sired outstanding runners such as Fantastic Light, Serena's Song, and Tranquility Lake.
The Nov. 1994 death of Canadian owner and breeder John Sikura Sr. has been confirmed as accidental following a review of the case by the Chief Coroner of Ontario. Sikura, 60, died on his way back from a restaurant when he fell asleep behind the wheel of his car in his driveway. The car subsequently burst into flames, Sikura died of smoke inhalation, and General Motors settled a product-liability suit with the Sikura family.Since Sikura's death, stories have appeared in Toronto-area newspapers alleging mystery witnesses, alternative motives, and police corruption in the case, prompting its reopening."It always has been and remains a tragic accident, and anything printed contrary to that has been irresponsible," said John Sikura Jr., who owns Hill 'n' Dale Farm in Lexington. "The Toronto Star has used a bunch of unnamed sources that uncovered a pack of untruths. There was no sensitivity for the family, an absolute lack of respect, and it was total nonsense. Hopefully this puts it to rest, but people read a headline and they think it's true."Ontario Chief Coroner Jim Young concluded that the fire in Sikura's car was a result of mechanical/electrical problems. He added that there was no evidence indicating homicide by either arson or an explosive device.The elder Sikura parlayed a Toronto-area farm into a major stateside operation when he moved to Kentucky in the '70s. He belonged to a syndicate that became the first entity to buy a yearling for more than a $1 million when it paid $1.5 million for a Secretariat colt at the 1976 Keeneland July sale. The horse never came close to fulfilling lofty expectations. Sikura bred Rahy, the second-leading sire for 2001, who has sired outstanding runners such as Fantastic Light, Serena's Song, and Tranquility Lake.
