Golden Eagle Farm History

Golden Eagles still soar high above the land that bears their name—Golden Eagle Farm, one of the premier Thoroughbred breeding farms in California.  Established by John and Betty Mabee in 1972, Golden Eagle Farm is located in the rolling hills of Ramona in beautiful San Diego County.  

Golden Eagle Farm’s familiar racing silks have appeared on the back of some of the most notable graded stakes horses in North America for the last 20 years.  The late John and Betty Mabee and their son, Larry Mabee have raced some of California’s biggest racehorses such as Best Pal, General Challenge, Dramatic Gold and Excellent Meeting. 

The Mabees have long dominated California's owner-breeder ranks.  They have taken home three Eclipse Awards for North America’s Outstanding breeder in 1991, 1997 and 1998. In 1992 they reigned as North America's leading owner and breeder by money won. Through the foaling crop of 2008, the Mabees have bred and/or raced 212 stakes winners, 25 grade 1 winners, and have earnings of over $37 million in stakes earnings. They were also named “2000 Owners of the Year” by a member vote of the Thoroughbred Owners of California.  In 2007, John and Betty Mabee were inducted into the California Hall of Fame.