Jonathan “Slade” Stodghill
July 24, 1968 – Dec. 14, 2024
Devoted Father
Avid Thoroughbred Trainer
Irreplaceable Friend
Slade Stodghill is the son of Jason Coyote. A former leading Tampa Bay Downs trainer, Stodghill grew up riding surfboards in Hawaii until he was 18, when he came home to Ocala to learn the horse business from his father.
His first horse was a broodmare by Copelan named Lady Lan that he purchased for $1,500 at Fred Hooper’s dispersal sale. His first foal out of her was the filly, Copewiththiscoyote, that he sold to Winstar Farm for $150,000 in 1996.
He was hooked.
He trained at many tracks across the USA through a 25-year career all while breeding all of his own stock. His mother, Susan Brewer, helped him every step of the way as they were partners in the business. His brother, Jason, also played a role in their success as he was their exercise rider and broke all the babies at the farm. They found success at many different circuits across the USA.
But more than a horse trainer, Slade Stodghill was a father. He raised his two sons as a single father and although chasing his own dreams across the country, he never missed the important things for his two boys.
They will dearly miss his witty banter and unconditional love.
He finally lost his battle with esophageal cancer on Dec. 14 at HCA Hospital in Ocala. He passed peacefully with his sons by his side.
Slade will be remembered and missed by many. He is survived by his loving sons Lance Allan Stodghill and Jonathan Cash Stodghill.
His service will be held Dec. 20, 2024 at 2 p.m. at:
Greenwood Cemetery
16861–16941 SE 165th Ave.
Weirsdale, Fla. 32195
