Grade I winner Halo America died July 7 at Old Friends Thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, Ky. At 26 she was euthanized because of declining health.
A homebred for John Franks, Halo America won nine stakes including the 1997 Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. I) at Oaklawn Park. The daughter of Waquoit registered 15 wins overall, including four graded stakes wins, and earned $1,460,992 racing from 1993-97.
As a broodmare Halo America produced grade I-placed stakes winner Marino Marini , by Storm Cat; and grade II-placed Quick Temper, by A.P. Indy.
In 2004 John Sikura purchased Halo America for $1.45 million at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale where she was consigned by the Franks estate.
The mare retired to Old Friends in 2014 following her breeding career at Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale Farm in Lexington. She was cared for at Nuckols Farm in Midway for most of her retirement, but returned to Old Friends' Georgetown location when space became available.
"Halo America wasn't with us long but it didn't take her long to make a lasting impression," said Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen. "She was a spectacular racehorse, a successful broodmare and a kind, intelligent, beautiful old friend. Thanks to Hill 'n' Dale for trusting us to care for her and to Charles Nuckols for providing a spot for her until she could come to the main farm."
