Ever the Gentleman, Shug McGaughey talks about Orb

Shug, Orb and Happy Days

May 6, 2013

Dear Readers,

As I watched a couple of video replays of impromptu interviews with Shug McGaughey, which took place in his shedrow, both in Kentucky and later in New York, I couldn’t help note a distinct change in his demeanor. Shug’s normal reticence to wax poetic about his charges, seemed to have disappeared. Shug was talking specifically, as would be expected, about the latest in a long line of really good horses he has had the privilege to be in charge of over the years.

Point in fact―this Eclipse Award winning, and Racing Hall of Fame inductee, was practically giddy compared to his usual persona. Ever the gentleman, as Shug spoke with the journalists crowded around him, his soft accent left no doubt about his Kentucky roots, nor did he fail to acknowledge the owner’s of the Kentucky Derby winner Orb, while he made sure to place special emphasis on the staff he works with everyday.

When he talked about Orb specifically, he reiterated more than once, how this colt thrilled them all just watching him train over the long winter. He used the word “phenomenal” several times to describe this young horse’s behavior, he stated Orb behaved like a winner.

He shared how he was anxious to get everybody back to New York and their familiar, quiet and relaxing surroundings. Orb pulled up well after the race and didn’t seem overcooked, but Shug said he would know more by Tuesday or Wednesday. Then he would think about tightening up the bolts and getting Orb ready to tackle the second leg of the Triple Crown.

When asked how he felt about having a target on his back coming into the Preakness Stakes, Shug laughed and stated he hoped it was a really big target, because he was in the position he had wanted to be in for the last 30 years.

Quietly confident, ever charming is our Shug McGaughey, I for one am going to be rooting for the whole team. Then I am going to look for another long shot to hook up with him and Mylute in the Tri-fecta wagering.

Take care,

Shelley Riley

www.shelleyriley.com