Chelokee
Chelokee | |
---|---|
Sire | Cherokee Run |
Grandsire | Runaway Groom |
Dam | Dixie Ghost |
Damsire | Silver Ghost |
Sex | Stallion |
Foaled | 2004 |
Country | United States |
Colour | Black |
Breeder | Foley Farms Bloodstock |
Owner | Centennial Farms |
Trainer | Michael Matz |
Record | 10: 5-1-2 |
Earnings | US$386,685 |
Major wins | |
American Classic Race wins: Northern Dancer Stakes (2008) Barbaro Stakes (2008) |
Chelokee (foaled April 15, 2004 in Florida) is an American Thoroughbred racehorse.
Background
Bred by Foley Farms Bloodstock, he was sired by multiple stakes winner Cherokee Run. He was out of the mare Dixie Ghost, who is the daughter of Mississippi Dixie by Dixie Bandland, and traces directly back to Northern Dancer, Nearco, Nashua, and Man o' War.[1]
Racing career
At three, Chelokee won the Northern Dancer Breeders Cup Stakes (Grade 3), the inaugural Barbaro Stakes and placed third in the Florida Derby (Grade 1). During the running of the 2008 Alysheba Stakes, Chelokee suffered a career ending injury when he slipped and broke his ankle going down the stretch. Chelokee was rushed to the Equine Hospital were surgeons successfully repaired his shattered ankle.
Retirement
With his racing career over, Chelokee was sent to stud at Tom Simon’s Vinery in Lexington, KY. Chelokee successfully covered 24 mares in 2009, but having an injury that prevented him to be put out to pasture and a hoof which required a special glue-on shoe and 24 hour care, it was decided that he might be better served in another breeding program.
Chelokee's owner, Centennial Farms decided to donate him to the University of Arizona's Equine Center in Tucson.[2] At the center, faculty and students could care for him 24 hours a day; there he can get all the love and medical attention he would require. Chelokee will be utilized in the school's Thoroughbred breeding program which is part of the University of Arizona Equine Program and the Race Track Industry Program (RTIP).
"Everybody was excited about this plan, because we knew it's a great home and that the students would fall in love with him. He's got a great personality and is a beautiful individual" - Centennial President Don Little Jr
On July 8, 2012 Lady Kee(filly)became the first winner for Chelokee winning by 5 1/2 lengths at Prairie Meadows.
References
- ^ http://www.pedigreequery.com/chelokee Chelokee Pedigree and Picture
- ^ http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/breeding-news/2010/january/05/chelokee-to-stand-at-university-of-arizona.aspx Thoroughbred Times Article