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8/10 - Congratulations to Craig and Cathy Beam, TOBA’s newest members of the month. TOBA members since 1992, the Beams own and operate Thorobeam Farm, a 220-acre farm outside of Sabina, Ohio.

Before entering into the Thoroughbred business, the Beams had an understanding and a love for all horses. Both Craig and Cathy grew up riding and showing Quarter Horses. Cathy also was acquainted with horse racing because her grandfather, Clayton Cox, was a Standardbred driver in the Midwest.

The Beams purchased their first Thoroughbreds in 1992 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. They purchased two sale yearlings and privately purchased a two-year-old in training. To gain more understanding of the business side of the Thoroughbred industry, the Beams attended a TOBA New Owner Seminar in Saratoga in the 1990s. According to the Beams, “the New Owner Seminar had useful information for getting more involved in the industry.” In 1999 the Beams sold a stone quarry and gravel business in order to focus fulltime on a commercial breeding operation. The Beams now own seven mares and only race what they don’t sell.

The Beams have enjoyed success both as breeders and owners. They bred successful runners Great Point, Miss Norman and the 2009 Florida-bred champion two-year-old filly Amen Hallelujah. Although they have never watched Amen Hallelujah run in person, they have followed her success closely. “There is nothing better than watching a horse you bred win,” said Craig Beam.

The Beams still own Amen Hallelujah’s dam, Sara’s Success. After purchasing the filly privately as a three-year-old, Sara’s Success went on to win four stakes races including the Calder Oaks. Sara’s Success is currently in foal to Distorted Humor and has an Offlee Wild filly at her side.

Since their entry in the Thoroughbred business, the Beams have ridden the rollercoaster of successes and set-backs.  In 2008 homebred Thunder Louie won his first start in stakes company in the Lord Juban Stakes at race at Calder Race Course. The jubilation of seeing the son of Skip to the Stone take his second lifetime victory in a stakes unfortunately faded an hour after the race when it was discovered he had fractured a sesamoid.  Thunder Louie never raced again and is now retired. The Beams always provide a home for their retired or injured horses. “We keep anything that gets hurt,” stated Craig Beam. Currently, seven geldings call Thorobeam Farm home.

The Beams are passionate about the Thoroughbred industry and hope to build upon their success. They currently have one three-year-old filly in training with Tom Amoss. “The Thoroughbred industry is an exciting business. There is nothing like it,” said Craig Beam.

TOBA congratulates Craig and Cathy Beam on their Thoroughbred achievements.

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