John Mabee 2002 Deaths

John Mabee

three-time Eclipse Award winning breeder, who with his wife, Betty, were major figures in California and American thoroughbred racing for 45 years; founded Golden Eagle Farm; his most famous horse was Best Pal, who is tenth all-time in career earnings; original board member of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, serving as the track's president and then as its chairman for a total of nearly 25 years; owned approximately 400 horses at the time of his death; suffered his second stroke in as many years in early April. The cause of his death was not given.