The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame extends condolences to the family, friends, and associates of 2017 Builder Inductee Eugene Melnyk, who passed away March 28, 2022 at age 62, following what was described in a release by his family and the Ottawa Senator organization, as an illness he faced with determination and courage.As a Thoroughbred breeder and owner, Melnyk was named Canada’s Outstanding Owner in 2007 and won Sovereign Awards in 2009 as Outstanding Owner and Breeder. Among the many Melnyk stakes winners that ran under the blue and gold silks include Sealy Hill, who became the first filly to win Canada’s Triple Tiara (the Woodbine Oaks, Bison City and Wonder Where Stakes.) She won three Sovereigns and was inducted into Canada’s Hall of Fame. Speightstown, like many of Melnyk’s horses is named after a Barbados’ landmark or locale, was an Eclipse Award winner after winning the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Multiple Sovereign winner Roxy Gap, Marchfield, who won over $1 million, Leigh Court, Flower Alley, winner of the Travers and sire of Kentucky Derby winner I’ll Have Another, Lodge Hill and Graeme Hall are only a few of his 62 graded stakes winners and the Barbados Gold Cup twice.
As a businessman Mr. Melnyk, purchased the NHL’s Ottawa Senator franchise in 2003. He was also the founder of Canadian pharmaceutical company Biovail Corp and, more recently, was chairman and chief executive of Neurolign, and chairman of Clean Beauty Collective.
As a philanthropist he supported numerous charities, many of which focussed on education in both Canada and the Barbados, as well as healthcare.
https://www.canadianhorseracinghalloffame.com/2017/08/28/eugene-melnyk/