Armbro Nest Passes

Diamond Creek Farm has reported that stakes winner and successful broodmare Armbro Nest has passed away at 32 years of age.

After the passing of Shes A Great Lady in early 2023, Armbro Nest took on the role of the farm’s resident matriarch. She maintained her cool demeanor, perhaps softening ever so slightly to the extra attention the position gave her.

In the words of Adam Bowden from the Golden Girls series, “Armbro Nest has gone from alpha mare to matronly caretaker in the course of the last [now 14] years. Since her last foal, Eagle Nest, who arrived in 2010, she has taken to retired life with grace. She used to dominate the other mares in a way that exuded greatness.

"Her loosely termed best friend, Shes A Great Lady, was always 'under her hoof' from the time they arrived until well after their last foals came. Armbro Nest and Shes A Great Lady were not only stablemates during their race careers but become pasture mates at Peninsula Farms before we purchased both. They ended up being buddied up together when they arrived and have remained together since."

While Shes A Great Lady dominated the racing headlines, Armbro Nest (Dragons Lair-La Toya) was no slouch on the racetrack, earning $674,821 and possessing a speed mark of 1:50.4. She produced nine foals, including eight yearlings that went through the sales ring averaging $137,500. Every one of her foals made it to the track and eight took marks faster than 1:56, including three who earned more than $300,000.

"Although not quite as talented as her 'Great Lady' stablemate, 'Nest' outshined her in the breeding shed and seemed to rub it in by dominating her in the field.”

To the end, Armbro Nest was always the stoic, plain brown mare with her own mind. She was so lucky to have been so loved and cared for by Gina, who gave her all the attention (and bright pink blankets) that she never wanted, but secretly enjoyed. What a life of love for an old broodmare.

"We will always mourn the loss of these great mares. When they pass, it is always a time for reflection and sadness. They are the foundation of Diamond Creek and we could never celebrate our current accomplishments without honouring those that were part of the beginning.

"Armbro Nest has gone to be reunited with her forever stablemate and best friend, Shes A Great Lady, in the greener pastures that await all these magnificent mares."

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Armbro Nest.

(With files from Diamond Creek Farm)