Thoroughbred owner and breeder Robert John Lothenbach has died suddenly at 64, leaving behind a legacy of success in horse racing both locally in Minnesota and at the national level, and as the founder of successful business and charitable endeavors.
‣ Robert John Lothenbach, a Thoroughbred owner and breeder who was a passionate booster of horse racing in his home state of Minnesota, has died unexpectedly at the age of 64.
‣ Lothenbach’s racing stable grew to around 100 horses competing in his royal blue silks with red diamonds and eventually won multiple leading ownership titles at Canterbury, and the operation morphed into a bloodstock venture that grew into a broodmare band of 30-plus.
‣ Lothenbach’s business acumen afforded him a transition into philanthropy, anchored by the formation of the Lothenbach Family Foundation and contributions to the Literacy Matters Foundation.
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We are saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of thoroughbred owner and breeder, Robert John Lothenbach. At just 64 years old, Lothenbach made a significant impact in the horse racing industry, particularly in his home state of Minnesota. It was Lothenbach’s early partnership at Canterbury Park that served as a springboard for his career in the sport, which eventually led him to branch out with a racing stable that grew to around 100 horses competing in royal blue silks with red diamonds.
His passion and dedication to horse racing earned him multiple leading ownership titles at Canterbury, as well as the operation eventually evolving into a robust bloodstock venture. Notably, his stable was nationally ranked in the top 20 ownership entities for both victories and purse earnings from 2020 through 2022. Additionally, his stable boasted a broodmare band of 30-plus horses and accumulated earnings of over $30 million in purses with 793 winners in a 23-year span.
Beyond his contributions to the racing industry, Lothenbach was also an accomplished entrepreneur, founding and growing a printing company into a nationally prominent business, and advocating for charitable causes including literacy foundations. His generous contributions were often done anonymously, echoing his humility and heartfelt dedication to making a difference.
At the heart of his racing endeavors, Lothenbach was not only a sportsman who enjoyed racing his horses but also a man of great integrity and character. He was known to be a hands-off owner who let professionals do their jobs, and he was always generous in crediting others for his success. His generosity extended to horses as well, notably allowing trainer Neil Pessin to acquire high-quality horses that significantly improved the quality of his stock.
His contributions and impact have not gone unnoticed, with the Minnesota Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association expressing profound shock at his passing, while Neil Pessin fondly remembered Lothenbach as “someone you really wanted to do well for.” Bob Lothenbach’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to be felt in the horse racing industry, and his invaluable contributions will resonate for years to come.
