McGaughey will have 15-horse Oaklawn string

Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey said Monday he plans to send a 15-horse division to Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., for the meet that opens Jan. 24. McGaughey is based in South Florida and New York.

McGaughey said his son, Reeve, will accompany the horses to Oaklawn. McGaughey estimated it will be the first time since 1984 or 1985 that he’s had a string at Oaklawn.

“We’re looking forward to it,” he said.

McGaughey said the primary reason for venturing to Oaklawn is a renewed relationship with John Ed Anthony of Shortleaf Stable and the Arkansas businessman’s desire to take some horses to Oaklawn. Back in 1984, Anthony and McGaughey teamed to win the Rebel at Oaklawn with eventual champion Vanlandingham.

“It’s a good opportunity for my son to come in there and work for an outfit like Shortleaf,” McGaughey said. “John Ed Anthony helped me get started years and years ago. With the dirt opportunities that are there, with the way purses are, and with what they’re trying to accomplish at Oaklawn, we thought it was a very good opportunity.”

McGaughey said another factor in the decision to come was a longstanding relationship with Oaklawn racing secretary Pat Pope. McGaughey has shipped into Oaklawn with a handful of stakes starters since the 1980s, among his local wins the 1995 Apple Blossom with Heavenly Prize and the 2001 Oaklawn Handicap with Traditionally.

McGaughey won the Kentucky Derby in 2013 with Orb. He’s trained a number of champions, including Easy Goer and Personal Ensign.