After two less than Shadow performances at Lexington recently, Shadow Play is now at Blue Chip Farm in upstate New York, retired to stud. He came back sound after 3 weeks of significant problems with his RF foot, which was the original problem last Fall after the 1st heat of The Jug. Ironically, Shadow never had a single thing wrong with him until that day last September, and this year, it has been one thing after another. Many of the issues didn't even involve him directly, such as the well publicized Mohawk qualifier cancellation and subsequent truck to Lexington to qualify a few hours later. It just wasn't meant to be this year.
But having said all of that, Myself especially, but also my partners Ron and Gail MacLellan, Serge Savard and this years partner, Blue Chip Farm, have all enjoyed the ride Shadow gave us the past 3 years, and we are all anxiously awaiting the start of his new career. The many moments of enjoyment and all the time myself and family personally spent with Shadow throughout his training and racing career, will never be forgotten and we certainly thank him for that. When I was leaving Lexington a week ago Sunday, I stopped in to feed him one last time at 5 in the morning on my way to the airport, and I certainly shed a tear as I walked back to my car. Blue Chip Farm has a beautiful facility with excellent people there, and I do know he will be well looked after, and that's really all that matters. So long, Shadow.
Congratulations to Shadow,
Congratulations to Shadow, Doc Moore and all connected to this fine animal. I know because of his big heart and desire to win we will be hearing the name Shadow Play in the future as his offspring appear on the racetrack . Thanks for the memories Doc and I know we will be hearing more of you as well ....Malicious and Wellthereyougo at 3 as well as your 2 year olds next year . Keep up the good work . I have heard it said many ti.mes ... "Moore is lucky" , but we all know ,luck is nice to have on your side , but .there is more to this game than luck. Have a good winter in Florida.
To the Shadow Play
To the Shadow Play group;
You folks, including the great people at Blue Chip Farms, should be very proud of what you have achieved with this outstanding athlete.
I was there when he won the Jug and saw first hand what he had to overcome. It was the thrill of a life-time for my wife and I.
You all deserve the most scincere thanks from every body in Harness Racing for bringing him back at four and holding steadfast on your decision through less than perfect conditions; if more owners took this stance I believe it would grow the fan base for the long-term betterment of racing.
If Tiger Woods or Wayne Gretzky were retired from there sports in there prime think of how it would affect their sports.
Shadow is truly a special individual and a superb athlete with flawless confirmation, gait, desire and heart.
Best of luck at stud.
Nothing but best wishes on
Nothing but best wishes on the retirement of Shadow Play. It's been a pleasure watching you race.
Can't wait to see what his offspring will bring to the track.
Marie Stoyles-Moura
As you can see by the last
As you can see by the last name, my family has been endeared to Shadow Play over the past 2 years initially because of his driver. However, he quickly won us over and now holds a special place in the hearts of several Central Ohio harness racing fans. We will miss him on the track and wish you the best in bringing another LBJ and world champ!
Steve Miller
Hey Doc, It was an absolute
Hey Doc, It was an absolute pleasure to be stabled beside you, Tea-bag and of course Shadow Play. Congratulations on all your success with him and congratulations to Chelsea on a job well done.
He's been my all time
He's been my all time favorite major leaguer since day one, though I perhaps should have tried harder to remain impartial. He's what you want in a race horse - class and determination. I'm sure he'll pass along those qualities to his off-spring. Thanks for the ride SP.
Best of luck Shadow Play. He
Best of luck Shadow Play. He holds the kind of heart, determination, and desire that should lead to nothing but big things in his stud career.
Best of luck to Shadow Play
Best of luck to Shadow Play as a stallion and a sincere thank you to Dr. Ian Moore for contributing as a blogger on the SC website throughout Shadow's four-year-old season.
Cheers,
Jeff
I can't wait to see his
I can't wait to see his first foals hit the track. He's been a great champion with a giant heart. Good Luck to Shadow Play.