Janeane Everatt had a strong passion for horses and family, and these loves sparked the creation of one of Canada’s leading Thoroughbred farms, Shannondoe, a half-century ago. What began as a trout farm for Janeane and husband James in the 1960s turned into a horse breeding empire in 1971 when the couple went to Keeneland to purchase their first broodmare.
From standing stallions to breeding champions and selling high-priced yearlings, Shannondoe has been the epitome of longevity in Thoroughbred breeding. And Janeane was the backbone of the family business.
Janeane Everatt passed away on July 12, 2023 at 82 at her St. Thomas, Ontario residence.
Janeane’s daughter Arika Everatt-Meeuse, who has been running the Shannondoe operation for about a decade, said her mother’s great loves included going to horse sales, meeting people, and dining with friends.
“She never missed a horse sale and was always my traveling companion to Kentucky and New York, ” said Arika. “She loved to see people and was the most genuine, kind and selfless person.”
Janeane worked as a nurse when she and James started their farm, first selling trout and later, breeding horses. She was also busy raising a family and encouraged Arika to ride horses.
“She supported my love for riding by running me to lessons and horse shows my entire childhood and never missed a show even as an adult. My mom was at every event until her disease [Parkinson’s and dementia] started to come through in 2019.”
Nicknamed ‘Boss Lady J’ by farm staff, Janeane was an integral part of foaling and was on hand for the birth of champions Terremoto (whom the family raced themselves), Sand Cove, a champion and millionaire, Canadian classic winner Miami Deco and Horse of the Year Caren, a daughter of one of Shannondoe’s current stallions, Society’s Chairman. This year the farm is represented by Grade 3 stakes winner Lucky Score, who races for Gary Barber and partners.
Janeane beat esophageal cancer in 2013 and continued to be present at the farm, helping with horses or observing foalings. She was popular with farm staff for her compassion for people and her frequent trips to the local bakery to get donuts and cakes on special days. Janeane and James had their 57th wedding anniversary on June 24 and were honoured by the CTHS Ontario for their 50-year membership.
Fittingly, the first horse the Everatt family raced since Janeane’s passing [and they only race a few horses each year] won at Woodbine on the evening of July 20. Jab, a five-year-old homebred by War Dancer that the family could not sell as a yearling, flew to a big win on the turf. Co-owned and trained by Dave Cotey, Jab won under dark clouds that would soon turn into a summer storm.
“I think Mom was able to hold off the rain for Jab tonight,” said Arika.
Janeane rarely missed a foaling. (family photo)
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