WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. (Oct. 15, 2024) – Longtime horseman Heinz Steinmann, who stood California champion stallion Swiss Yodeler, passed away last week. He was 92.
According to the Tri-Community News, Steinmann is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lora, 11 children, 46 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.
The Swiss-born Steinmann came to the United States at the age of 16 with his family, which owned the Wrightwood ski area, Holiday Hill that later became Mountain High. He and wife Lora took over management of the facility in 1961 and sold it in 1983.
From that point, Steinmann turn to his passion of Thoroughbreds. Trainer Mike Harrington purchased Swiss Yodeler for Steinmann at the 1996 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $60,000. He went on to be a Grade I winner of $761,442, but it was in the breeding shed where Swiss Yodeler starred.
He led all California sires in 2006 thanks to his Breeders’ Cup Sprint-winning son, Thor’s Echo, who retired with earnings of nearly $2.5 million. Swiss Yodeler sired 15 black-type winners, including California 2-year-old champion Tilde. His total progeny earnings exceeded $31 million.
Swiss Yodeler stood at Pepper Oaks, Harris Farms and Lovacres Ranch before being relocated to West Virginia.
Steinmann also enjoyed further success with Creative Cause, a millionaire Grade I-winning son of Giant’s Causeway purchased for $130,000 who ran fifth in the 2012 Kentucky Derby and third in the Preakness. Creative Cause has gone on to a stallion career, with progeny including $2 million-earner Pavel.
According to the Tri-County News, a rosary will be held in Wrightwood at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church on Friday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated in Phelan at Blessed Saint Junipero Serra Church on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 10 a.m., followed by a reception at Wrightwood Place. Burial will take place at Mt. View Cemetery at 4 p.m.