Two-time O'Brien Award winner and double millionaire Lis Mara is returning to the farm he helped build.
In its "continuing quest to lead the renaissance of New Jersey breeding," 2014 New Jersey Standardbred Breeder of the Year Deo Volente Farms has announced that Lis Mara is heading to New Jersey to stand stud.
In 2006, Lis Mara, who was a stakes winner at age three, burst onto the free-for-all scene, winning $1,042,110. Lis Mara won the elimination and final of the Breeders Crown, the Canadian Pacing Derby final, the Des Smith Memorial, and the American National. His 2006 world record Breeders Crown win (1:47.3) was the fastest mile in the history of that prestigious race. Lis Mara followed up his championship 2006 season by earning $1,008,681 while becoming the first horse in 20 years to defend his Canadian Pacing Derby title.
Lis Mara p,4,1:47.3 ($2,270,674) is the fastest and richest son of the fastest Standardbred ever, Cambest from the great broodmare Lisheen, she a sister to Albert Albert. He had previously stood stud in Ontario and was a shuttle stallion Down Under. Lis Mara will spend the rest of his days at Deo Volente Farms and will stand stud at private treaty.
From limited opportunity, Lis Mara is the sire of the stakes colt Mel Mara, p,3,1:49.1, a winner of over $450,000. In all, he’s responsible for four sub-1:50 pacers with his fastest being Validus Deo p,3,1:48.4.
During his racing days, philanthropic owners Mike Gulotta contributed a portion of Lis Mara’s earnings toward the rebuilding of Port Au Prince in Haiti that had been damaged by the earthquake. More than 20 new residences were constructed and Lis Mara may be the only living Standardbred to have a street named after him known as Lis Mara Drive.
“It’s so appropriate that the horse who contributed so much to this farm gets to spend the rest of his days here in dignity and comfort," said Deo Volente's owner Mike Gulotta.
Lis Mara will be available at private contract. Interested breeders should call Linda at 908-282-4848 for further details.
(With files from Deo Volente)