California's Golden Eagle Farm to Close
Description:
Golden Eagle Farm in Ramona, Calif., founded and owned by the late John and Betty Mabee, is scheduled to close Oct. 31, according to Golden Eagle racing manager Janine McCullough.
The Golden Eagle-owned stallion Stormin Fever will be moved to Rancho Temescal in Piru, Calif.
The Mabees, who won Eclipse Awards in 1991, 1997, and 1998 as the nation's outstanding breeders, grew Golden Eagle from 197 acres to 568 acres and were also California's leading breeders for several years. They bred horses in both California and Kentucky. John Mabee died in 2002, followed by his wife in 2010, and their son, Larry, in 2012.
California-bred gelding Best Pal was bred at Golden Eagle and is buried on the property. The 1988 son of Habitony--Ubetshedied, by King Pellinore, inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 2010, earned $5,668,245. His victories included the 1992 Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I), 1993, Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I), and the inaugural Pacific Classic in 1991.
The Mabees' other major runners included General Challenge, Dramatic Gold, Excellent Meeting, and Event of the Year. Though Golden Eagle has reduced its holdings over the years, a third generation, Larry's son, John R. Mabee, has raced such horses as 2014 Tiznow Stakes winner Storm Fighter, a son of Stormin Fever bred by his father
"Although we are saddened by the closing of Golden Eagle Farm as a boarding and breeding facility, we are pleased to continue owning this great stallion," said McCullough.