McGaughey to be TCA’s Honored Guest

Trainer Claude R. “Shug” McGaughey has been selected as the Thoroughbred Club of America’s Honored Guest for the organization’s 82nd Testimonial Dinner on September 29 at Keeneland Race Course.

The TCA Annual Testimonial Dinner honors those who have rendered distinguished service to the sport of Thoroughbred racing.

A native of Lexington, Ky., McGaughey began his training career at Keeneland in 1979, and was named trainer for the Phipps Stable in 1985. Three years later, he won the Eclipse Award for outstanding trainer. In 2004, McGaughey was inducted into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame, and he won his first Kentucky Derby in May, saddling top 3-year-old Orb.

“The Testimonial Dinner was established in 1932 and the distinguished individuals honored by the Thoroughbred Club of America include a number of training legends such as Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons, Horatio Luro, Woody Stephens, Charlie Whittingham, Mack Miller and D. Wayne Lukas,” said TCA President Happy Broadbent. “Shug McGaughey is one of the greatest trainers of our time, and he deserves to join the distinguished group of horsemen selected for this honor.”

McGaughey has trained four Hall of Fame horses – Personal Ensign, Easy Goer, Inside Information and the newly-inducted Lure. His other champions include Heavenly Prize, Queena, Rhythm, Smuggler, Storm Flag Flying and Vanlandingham.

McGaughey has won 1,774 races during his career through August 7, with 307 of those victories coming in graded stakes races. He ranks second all-time by Breeders’ Cup wins with nine; and tenth among trainers by lifetime earnings, with over $120 million.