by T.J. Burkett, associate editor, Hoof Beats

Columbus, OH — The staff at Diamond Creek Farm breathed a sigh of relief as Loyal Opposition p,1:48.4 ($2,861,294) gave birth to her first foal, a filly, on Wednesday morning, March 19, at the central Kentucky breeding operation.

It was an anxious two weeks as the three-time Dan Patch Award winner was due to foal on March 1, according to farm owner Adam Bowden.

“Everything worked out well and she’s happy and healthy,” said Bowden. “She’s a big, tall filly so we’re happy.”

The filly is from the last crop by the late Western Hanover. Bowden purchased Loyal Opposition privately in December 2006 after she retired from racing.

Bowden and his Diamond Creek Farm operation will be featured in the upcoming April issue of Hoof Beats.