Monthly Archives: September 2017

Introduction

 

For certain racing fans, the name of Shergar is one of the most recognizable of the 1970s and 1980s. although it won just five trophies, it only ran in 8 races in the end up. A stunning broad white blaze, bred by Aga Khan, it was sent to train with Michael Stoute and fulfil its destiny – to become one of the most well-remembered horses of its, or any, generation.

 

Career Summary

 

With its first run being a victory, Shergar set the tone for the career to come. Losing its second race, Shergar set itself for the three-year-old season in some style, debuting at the Guardian Classic Trial. This was to be its first major win, beginning to take some of the most impressive honours of the era in a clean sweep.

 

Becoming a national icon back in Ireland as it was unable to find any real competitive challenge, the owner, Aga Khan, sold off shares in the horse, creating a valuation of a whopping £10m. the likes of John Magnier invested into the horse at this point.

 

With its racing career coming to an abrupt end at the Irish Derby, Shergar moved into the world of stud and was the creator of more than 35 foals in his single and only stud season. The best was Authaal, who went on to win the 1986 Irish St. Ledger.

 

Terrifyingly, Shergar was stolen on 8^th February, 1983. Forced to load his prized possession into a horse box by a team of six, Fitzgerald watched his beloved horse be taken away. To this day, the perpetrators have never been caught. It’s remains have never been found, either, nor identified.

 

Achievements & Highlights

 

 

Wins – Guardian Classic Trial (1981), Chester Vase (1981), Epsom Derby (1981), Irish Derby (1981), King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1981)

 

Associations – HH Agha Khan IV, Michael Stoute.

 

Earnings – ?

 

 

Introduction

 

The name alone makes people stand up and take notice – Secretariat was a thoroughbred who became the first winner of the Triple Crown in 25 years for American Thoroughbred horses. A record breaker through a stellar career, the immense success rate of Secretariat means that to this day it still stands out as one of the most impressive horses of its generation.

 

Winning the likes of Horse of the Year, the horse was the participant in one of the best races of all-time when it left a whole 31 lengths behind itself as it charged to victory at the Belmont Stakes in 1973.

 

A talented horse that managed to win seven of its eight starts, with five major stake victories n that time, the name of Secretariat has gone down in racing history –and for good reason.

 

Career Summary

 

Known for breaking records and taking in some major wins such as the Churchill Downs and the Marlboro Cup. The Cup itself it set a world record, winning at a whole 1 1/8 miles, showing that it was a horse that could handle itself on various landscapes. By winning hearts and minds with its versatility, it was no surprise that – as its stellar career came to an end – Secretariat made its way into the world of syndication.

 

Syndicated for over $6m, the horse was a successful sire, with its daughters going on to create some truly special horses themselves. The horse sadly died in 1989 when it suffered from laminitis and died, leaving a proud racing legacy.

 

Achievements & Highlights

 

 

Wins – Sanford Stakes (1972), Hopeful Stakes (1972), Futurity Stakes (1972), Laurel Futurity (1972), Garden State Futurity (1972), Bay Shore Stakes (1973), Gotham Stakes (1973), Arlington Invitational (1973), Marlboro Cup (1973), Man o’ War Stakes (1973), Canadian International (1973)

 

Associations – Meadow Stud.

 

Earnings – $1.3m+