In 1948, W. D. Lumpkin of San Angelo, Texas, paid $140 for a yearling filly. He changed her name from Anthem to Barbara L after his teenage daughter, who broke the bay filly to ride.
The 1947 mare was sired by Patriotic (TB) and out of Big Bess by Sonora Harmon. Barbara L began racing as a 2-year-old and soon proved versatile. Her races varied in distance ranging from 220 yards to half a mile over different track conditions. Barbara L ran against Stella Moore, Clabbertown G, Johnny Dial and Maddon’s Bright Eyes. Although beaten by several of these horses, the mare in turn beat the same horses at different times.
A.B. Green bought the mare in 1951 for $3,500 and continued racing her for four more years. She was retired in 1955 after a distinguished racing career. From 81 lifetime starts, Barbara L had 21 firsts, 23 seconds and nine thirds and earned a AAA rating. Her total winnings were $32,836.
As broodmare at Green Pastures, the bay mare produced 14 foals from different stallions. Miss Olene by Leo, Cuter Yet by Jet Deck, Barbara 3 by Top Deck and Mr Walt by Vandy. From the 14 foals, 11 started and earned ROMs. Nine of the foals earned AAAT/AAA ratings, four were stakes winners and one stakes placed.
Barbara L died in 1977 and was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2007.
Biography updated as of March 2007.