03 Aug Obituary: Princess Royale

Our Mims Retirement Haven, a nonprofit sanctuary for retired Thoroughbred broodmares in Paris, KY, sadly announces the passing of Princess Royale. The mare was euthanized due to the infirmities of old age on Sunday, August 2, 2015. She was buried in the Haven’s equine cemetery.

Australian-born Princess Royale was the 1985 daughter of Bletchingly, the country’s leading sire in 1980, 1981, and 1982, out of the mare Rom’s Stiletto. The Princess held the record as the highest-priced yearling filly to go through the Easter sales.

In her racing career, Princess Royale had a record of three wins and two second-place finishes in her ten starts. Also successful as a broodmare, she produced ten foals, nine of which raced and altogether earned over a million dollars.

Exported to the United States in 1989, Princess Royale passed through several sales and was eventually purchased by a veterinarian for $400 to keep her from being sold to kill buyers. Dr. Terry Bahner kept the mare for a bit then donated her to Our Mims Retirement Haven. The Princess came to live at the Haven on November 24, 2006.

While at the Haven, Princess’ stall was painted with hearts, flowers, and the statement: “We can’t all be princesses — Someone has to clap when I walk by.” She was the only Lady at Our Mims Retirement Haven who wore a pink halter. Australian racing enthusiasts once visited the Haven and asked, without knowing the mare’s name, if she had Bletchingly bloodlines. Then came the realization: “Oh my gosh! This is the Princess?!” The enthusiastic fans excitedly requested a photo with the mare they admired.

Jeanne Mirabito, Our Mims Retirement Haven founder and farm owner, remarked: “My heart hurts tonight but I know, with certainty, the Princess grew tired of her failing body. We loved her enough to let her go. May she run with the wind, fast and free. May she find our Heavenly Herd and deliver our messages. And may she be waiting when it is my time to go.”

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 accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance​ and the Kentucky Equine Health and Welfare Council. OMRH has received grants from Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA)​.

OMRH Web Site: http://www.OurMims.org
Press Releases: http://www.OurMims.org/news/

Jeanne Mirabito: (859) 227-6304
Farm Manager, President
jeanne@ourmims.org

Cheryl Bellucci: (937) 776-1904
Director of Fund Raising and Promotion
cheryl@ourmims.org