Champion Hidden Lake to Old Friends

(Edited press release)

Hidden Lake, who earned the 1997 Eclipse Award for top older female, will become the newest retiree at Old Friends, a Thoroughbred retirement facility near Georgetown, Ky. Her owner, Robert Evans of Connecticut, donated her.

A daughter of Quiet American, Hidden Lake was consigned to this year’s Keeneland January sale for horses of all ages, but the decision was later made to retire the 16-year-old champion.

During her 4-year-old season, Hidden Lake captured four graded stakes, three of which were grade Is them grade Is. Nearly collapsing from heat exhaustion following the Go for Wand (gr. I) that summer, Hidden Lake came back strong three months later to win The Beldame (gr. I). She was also a contender in that year’s Breeders’Cup Distaff (gr. I), where she finished 7th.

Campaigned during the latter part of her career by the partnership of Robert N. Clay of Three Chimneys and Tracey Farmer and trained by John Kimmel, Hidden Lake retired with earnings of just under $947,489.

Jockey Richard Migliore has called his win with Hidden Lake in the Go for Wand one of his most memorable victories.

“From the recesses of her heart, Hidden Lake found a way to fight back and win,” he said. “After the finish line, she actually collapsed from exhaustion. That was how much effort she put into winning that race. She was running on empty and found more to give.”

“We are very grateful to Mr. Evans and everyone involved,” said Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends.“She was an unbelievable race mare, and we’re honored that she'll join Silver Charm’s dam, Bonnie’s Poker, at Old Friends. We’ve already received some great notes from her many fans.”

Sallee Vans will deliver Hidden Lake to Old Friends Jan. 17. Friends and fans are, as always, invited to visit.