The Shackleford Experience

Photo by Mary Cage

Stout, copper, white-faced, and feisty are all words that can describe 2011 Preakness Stakes (GI) winner Shackleford. A colt that I have followed since his maiden win, Shackleford has captivated me throughout his racing career. I know I’m not the only one that has been fascinated by the beautiful chestnut, as I’ve met many people that have admitted that they love “Shack Attack.”

Perhaps fans’ love for the Dale Romans trainee stems from Shackleford’s liveliness. Often, the son of Forestry can be spotted rearing, bucking, or prancing. His antics, speed, and determination are what make him Shackleford.

After his gutsy maiden win at Churchill Downs in the November of his two-year-old year, Shackleford made his way to Gulfstream Park in Florida, where he impressively won an allowance race to kick off his three-year-old season.  With that allowance win, he began appearing on lists of Kentucky Derby (GI) hopefuls.

However, a disappointing fifth place finish in the Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (GII) nearly dashed his Derby dreams. Shackleford had one more shot: the Florida Derby (GI). He was dismissed at nearly 69-1.

It was as if everyone had lost faith in him. However, I had not. Needless to say, I was overjoyed when the beautiful blaze-faced front runner finished a head behind eventual Kentucky Derby favorite, Dialed In. Watching the gallop out, I was thrilled to see that he galloped out in front of the other horses.

Photo by Mary Cage

Approaching the Derby, people were either jumping on the Shackleford bandwagon or completely dismissing him. As for me, I was thrilled that he had made it to the Derby and made him my top pick off of pedigree, looks, and performances. After all, his dam Oatsee had already produced the stakes-placed Afleeting Lady  (who is now graded stakes-placed), the multiple graded stakes-winning Baghdaria, and the grade one-winning Lady Joanne. In addition, Shackleford was the best-looking horse in the Derby field, exhibiting a long, thin neck, strong legs, balance, and incredible muscling.

Shackleford may not have won the Derby, but he put in a stellar performance, giving all he had to finish an impressive fourth. He was saving his best for the next leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness. Gamely holding off the Derby winner, Animal Kingdom, Shackleford came home victorious in the 136^th Preakness.

In the post parade for the Preakness, Shackleford showed us the best of his antics. By the time he loaded in the starting gate, he was lathered in sweat. Many, including me, worried that he had taken too much out of himself in the post parade. Of course, that wasn’t the case. He was just being Shackleford.

Though “Shack Attack” hasn’t won since, he has made good showings in many graded stakes races this year, including a close second in the Haskell Invitational Stakes (GI), a second in the Indiana Derby (GII), and a second in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (GI).

Yet, Shackleford’s showings in prestigious races aren’t the only things intriguing about him. Fans are drawn to his playful behavior and how hard he tries. I must admit, I’m one of those fans.

Photo by Mary Cage

In the post parade, Shackleford may work up a sweat and nearly unseat his rider, Jesus Castanon, but he’s just being him. Even Jesus Castanon can’t help but smile when the colt lets out a buck or leaps in the air. At the Breeders’ Cup, I was riveted by the gleaming chestnut and noticed many other fans were as well. When his name was announced during the post parade, a cheer went up from the crowd. The people love this horse.

Another special characteristic of Shackleford is how hard he tries. As one focuses on that big white blaze of his, his chestnut legs work like pistons, reaching for more ground as he gallops toward the wire. His auburn ears pin back as he runs with focus, determined to hold off any horse that comes at him. He may not get it done every time, but he will give it his all. That’s the Shackleford fans have come to know and love.

This horse should be publicized to a greater scale, as he already has a large fan base there. Promoting this horse could really help the sport, as he is obviously already a fan favorite. We're not going to have another Zenyatta, but why not have a Shackleford?

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