Heartbreak in the Mott Family: Beloved 2-Year-Old Margot Mott Passes Away After Brave Battle with Brain Cancer

LOUISVILLE, KY — With aching hearts and unimaginable sorrow, the Mott family has announced the passing of their beloved daughter, Margot Mott, a vibrant and deeply cherished two-year-old whose courageous spirit and boundless light touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Margot passed away in June 2024 after a fierce and inspiring battle with a malignant brain tumor — a diagnosis that no child should ever have to face.

Margot was the treasured daughter of the Mott family and the adored granddaughter of Bill Mott, a legendary figure in the world of horse racing and a Hall of Fame trainer known for his exceptional career, integrity, and lifelong dedication to the sport. For all his accolades and triumphs on the racetrack, nothing compared to the deep love and devotion he had for his family — and especially for little Margot, who brought joy and laughter into the lives of everyone around her.

Despite her tender age, Margot lived with a kind of radiant grace and quiet strength that moved people in profound ways. Her parents, devastated but filled with gratitude for the time they had with her, described her as “our tiny warrior, our beautiful star, our heart.” Diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor in late 2023, Margot endured months of intensive treatments, including surgeries, chemotherapy, and clinical trials. Through it all, her eyes sparkled with curiosity, and she never stopped smiling, even on the hardest days.

Family members say Margot had a deep love for animals, especially horses, often watching races on television with her grandfather. She loved being outside, playing with her favorite stuffed animals, and dancing to her favorite music — “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” often playing softly in the background during her hospital stays. Nurses and doctors alike were in awe of her spirit. “She had a smile that could stop time,” one nurse shared.

Bill Mott, a towering figure in horse racing with more than 5,000 career wins and numerous honors including training Cigar — one of the sport’s all-time greats — has remained a private man. But those close to him say the loss of his granddaughter has shaken him in ways words cannot express. He often called Margot his “lucky charm” and spoke with pride and tenderness about the joy she brought into his world.

In a joint family statement, the Motts wrote:

“Margot was our light in the darkest times, a gentle soul who taught us what it truly means to fight, to hope, and to love unconditionally. Though her time with us was painfully short, her impact will echo through the rest of our lives. We will never stop loving her, and we will never stop saying her name.”

The broader horse racing community — a close-knit world that reveres tradition, perseverance, and heart — has rallied around the Mott family, offering condolences, prayers, and support. Numerous trainers, jockeys, owners, and fans have posted tributes to Margot on social media, sharing touching messages of solidarity. Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, and other major tracks flew flags at half-mast the week of her passing in remembrance.

In honor of her memory, the Mott family has launched the Margot’s Light Foundation, a charitable initiative that will fund pediatric brain cancer research, support families navigating similar battles, and provide comfort to young patients in children’s hospitals. A memorial service celebrating Margot’s life is being planned, with details to be announced in the coming weeks.

As the racing season continues, one thing is certain — Margot’s memory will ride on in every finish line crossed, every heart she touched, and every quiet moment where love and resilience are needed most. In a world so often marked by noise and chaos, Margot was a song — short, sweet, and unforgettable.

Rest in peace, little Margot. You were deeply loved, and you always will be.