Texas Tech University’s Midnight Matador Passes Away

The longest-serving horse in Texas Tech sports history has passed away. The Midnight Matador, who worked 10 seasons with 11 different Masked Riders, died Tuesday, Feb. 3 after complications from colic surgery.

Texas Tech Spirit Program Director Stephanie Rhode mourned the loss in a statement issued by the school Wednesday.

"The entire Texas Tech Spirit Program mourns the passing of Midnight Matador," Rhode said. "He lived almost his entire life in service to our university inspiring hundreds of thousands of fans during his tenure as the Masked Rider horse. He devoted himself to our university with such loyalty, and he leaves a legacy that will be difficult for any horse to surpass."

Midnight Matador was the 13th horse to ride for Texas Tech’s Masked Rider program and served for 11 seasons.