October 14, 2003 - Ocala, FL - Almata, a 21 year-old daughter by Exceller
out of Aloma (Native Charger), was donated for retirement to The Exceller
Fund by John Franks, owner of
Franks Farms.
Almata was originally scheduled to be sold at the Ocala sales in Florida on
October 15th.
With the help of the Daily Racing Form's Glenye Cain and David McDonough,
The Exceller Fund initially arranged to have Almata scratched from the auction
to be purchased privately. When member Kathy Vespaziani phoned Mr. Franks
to confirm the sale, he graciously offered to donate Almata to The Exceller
Fund instead.
The Exceller Fund is grateful to Brook Ledge Horse Transport for donating
Almata's transportation from Florida to her new home in Kentucky.
Update
December 2003: Sadly, John Franks passed away in December 2003. He will always
be in our thoughts. He would be happy to know that Almata is doing wonderful
in her new home.
Update
February 2004: Member Loretta Tarnowski has generously offered to sponsor
Almata for 3 months! Many thanks Loretta!
UPDATE: March 2007: Almata had suffered some issues with
her heels and needed some special shoes to help relieve her pain. We
are happy to report that Almata appears to have made a full recovery
and is able to once again, enjoy barefoot strolls in the pasture with
her friends at New Hope Farm in Kentucky.
ALMATA is the Dam of:
-Voodoo Child, M 1987 by Seattle Song 9 wins, Producer
-Hunt Lane, G 1992 by Sword Dancer (IRE) 10 wins, 4 to 10 set ntr PHA and est. course record DEL
-Destiny Awaits, M 1994, by Chief's Crown Placed, Producer of stakes-placed Patient Patty
-Ever Gain G, 1995 by Nureyev Winner in Hong Kong
-Good Fellow Robin, G 1996 by Robin Des Pins Winner, Stakes Placed
-Luckymata, C 2000 by Lucky North Winner in 2 starts at 2