Weyburn rallies to win Sir Shackleton in comeback
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Despite having been idle more than six months and facing older horses for the first time, Weyburn proved more than equal to the task, rallying down the center of the track to a 2 1/2-length victory over Collaborate in Saturday’s $100,000 Sir Shackleton at Gulfstream Park.
The win was the fourth on the card and third stakes triumph for jockey Tyler Gaffalione and the second of three stakes victories on the day for trainer Brendan Walsh, who also won the Grade 3 Orchid with Family Way and the Sanibel Island with My Philly Twirl. Gaffalione added a fifth victory and fourth stakes win later on the card with White Abarrio in the Grade 1 Florida Derby.
Weyburn had been trained by Jimmy Jerkens before being transferred to Walsh’s barn for the winter. A son of Pioneerof the Nile, Weyburn won the Grade 3 Gotham and was beaten a neck by Kentucky Derby winner Mandaloun in Monmouth’s Pegasus with Jerkens as a 3-year-old in 2021.
Weyburn was a bit sluggish during the early going before moving to closer contention in the run down the backstretch. Gaffalione angled Weyburn wide to commence his bid midway on the turn, with the pair readily running down the leaders near midstretch before drawing well clear at the end.
Collaborate advanced to close contention three wide approaching the stretch, joined for command a furlong from the wire, but proved no match for the winner while a half-length better than 9-5 favorite Fortin Hill. Fortin Hill raced within easy striking distance while saving ground throughout but lacked the necessary closing response.
The original posted splits and final time of 1:25.57 for seven furlongs were incorrect. Daily Racing Form hand timed the Sir Shackleton in 1:22.97. Weyburn, who is owned by Chiefswood Stables Limited, paid $10.60.
“Jimmy [Jerkens] is a great friend of mine,” Walsh said. “He sent [Weyburn] to me for the winter and sent him to me in great shape. He’s been coaching me along the whole time, the horse has been working great, and I think he was more nervous about the whole thing than I was. So I just wanted to give him a mention as well.”
Walsh said he was a bit surprised at how the race developed.
“He was a little sluggish at the start, I thought he’d be a little more forwardly placed, but once he got that room, Tyler found that opening for him, he really started running,” Walsh added. “We were just hoping he’d deliver, and he did. It’s nice to get the year started out right with the horse. He’s super talented. I’m not sure what the plans are moving forward. I’d guess he’ll go back to Jimmy.”