Grade 1 winner Lotka passes away at Our Mims

Lotka, the thirty-year-old Kennelot mare by Danzig, died today at Our Mims Retirement Haven in Paris, Kentucky. Lotka had been a resident there since August of 2008. Said OMRH President Jeanne Mirabito: "We have had many great mares at OMRH but none as full of life as Lotka.  She was magnificent, the heart of the farm. As crushed as I am at her passing, I was honored to be part of her life."
 
The late Henryk de Kwiatkowski was responsible for Lotka's breeding, and the mare ran under his Kennelot Stables colors. Lotka won the Grade 1 Acorn Stakes, the Grade 2 Black Helen Handicap, the Grade 3 Columbiana Handicap, La Prevoyante Invitational Handicap, Magnolia Stakes. She also won the second running of the Grade 3 Queen Elizabeth Challenge Cup at Keeneland. In October of 2011, Lotka was invited back to Keeneland to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of that win. She appeared at Keeneland's Breakfast with the Works on Keeneland's 75th Anniversary. Lotka also ran second in the Grade 1 Fantasy Stakes and third in the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks. Overall, she raced 20 times with 10 wins, 4 places, and 1 show for a career earnings total of $721,804.
 
Lotka was successful as a broodmare, too. Her 1995 son Mambo Twist by Kingmambo earned almost $2.5 million on the Japanese tracks. Lotta Dancing, her 1991 filly by Alydar, earned over $350,000 on the track. Of Lotka's fourteen foals: only three were unraced and four earned over $100,000.
 
Lotka was a favorite for those who came to see her at the Haven. She celebrated her thirtieth birthday there just this past March 27th. Remarked Mirabito: "Lotka was special to us in so many ways. We could always count on her to be large and in charge when it came to herd dynamics. She also ruled our hearts. I remember the day Lotka arrived. I looked into her eyes and was mesmerized by the intelligence behind them. I knew, at that moment, my life would never be the same.

"A loss this big, a wound this deep, will take a long time to heal. Godspeed, Lotka, you were loved beyond measure."

Lotka was buried in the Haven's cemetery.

OMRH became a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2006. Featured in Barbara Livingston's More Old Friends, the Haven specializes in "restoring health and spirit in aged mares." The Haven is supported through donations, eBay auctions, and its online shop.

Our Mims Retirement Haven is home to Princess Royale, Bel’s Starlet, Blue Viking, Ms. Royal Flagship, Taba Dance, Trail Guide, and Dogwood Patty. Our Mims’ grandson, 1997 Breeder’s Cup™ Sprint winner Elmhurst, arrived in October of 2011.

OMRH Web Site: http://www.OurMims.org