Champion Hidden Lake (Quiet American–Friendly Circle, by Round Table), 23, was euthanized Thursday morning due to the infirmities of old age at Old Friends, where she has been pensioned since 2009.
“Hidden Lake was all class, especially at the end,” said Old Friends' Michael Blowen. “Her courage and fortitude were unmatched while on the track and off.”
Owned by Robert N. Clay and Tracy Farmer and trained by John Kimmel, Hidden Lake was named champion older mare in 1997 after victories in the GI Hempstead H., GI Go For Wand S., after which she almost collapsed from heat exhaustion, GI Beldame S. and GII Shuvee H. She retired at the end of that season with a record of 22-7-4-6 and earnings of $947,489.
Robert S. Evans purchased Hidden Lake, who was carrying a foal by Distorted Humor, for $525,000 at the 2005 Fasig-Tipton November sale. She began to have increasing difficulty carrying foals to terms and in 2009 Evans donated the Eclipse winner to Old Friends.
“Hidden Lake defined bravery, determination, and courage,” said Old Friends board member Barbara Fossum, who cared for the mare regularly at the farm. “She was dignified and generous to those who loved her–demanding and all heart. She personified everything an Eclipse champion should be.”
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