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John A. Shirreffs

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Born:

June, 1, 1945 - Fort Leavenworth, KS USA

Hometown:

Inglewood, CA USA

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What the Nation is saying about Trainer John A. Shirreffs...

Mr. Commons Beats Willyconker in Arcadia

Mr. Commons came from off the pace to beat Willyconker by a length under Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith in Saturday's Arcadia Stakes at Santa Anita Park. Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 4 days ago ·

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Mr. Commons Draws Outside Post in Arcadia

Likely heavy favorite Mr. Commons will break from the outside post against seven rivals in Saturday's Arcadia Stakes at Santa Anita Park. Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 7 days ago ·

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Jinlie01 · Mr. Commons looks soild but any thoughts on possible outsiders like Dewey's Special? · 5 days ago ·

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What will the future hold for Mr. Commons?

Another week, another sparkling workout for Mr. Commons. Since blowing the doors off his competition in the Grade 2 Sir Beaufort Stakes back on opening day at Santa Anita, the handsome son of Artie Schiller has rattled off four furlongs in :48.40, five furlongs in :59.00, and six furlongs in 1:12.40...Read More

Posted 18 days ago ·

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Lou'sfan · If they think they have a turf champ, why run him on dirt? Then again John Henry did it just fine. · 18 days ago ·

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Capper · I think he'll eventually be on turf full-time, but if he can be a graded stakes winner on dirt that would only enhance his chance to be a stallion, similar to what the connections of Paddy O'Prado tried. Its even better that the Strub is against 4 year olds exclusively. Also, I think Mr. Commons ran a sneaky good race in the Preakness. He was light on seasoning, drew an outside post & was hung wide the entire way. · 18 days ago ·

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Capper · FYI Brian, I'm hoping Mr. Commons runs in the Million too, since I'll be there in person! · 18 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · You'll be there ... hanging with me, Jasen! · 18 days ago ·

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WAR ADMIRAL: THE LITTLE HORSE WHO COULD — AND DID! (for John Shirreffs)

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Source: thevaulthorseracing.wordpress.com · Posted 30 days ago ·

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How the Economy Has Shaped the Industry

Dead Heat Debates’ Laura Pugh and I were discussing the Count Fleet Stakes and the G3 Sham Stakes, and, as always happens with conversations, when we had exhausted that topic, we moved on to another. As we discussed this year’s crop of 3-year olds, our conversation somehow meandered to Rapid Redux a...Read More

Posted 32 days ago ·

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cpsoren121 · And it goes beyond just the owners and trainers. Fans alike are also affected by the economic conditions. If they only knew that a day at the races aren't as expensive as they think. Great read though! Nice work. · 32 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Thank you very much for the mention, it was a great discussion :) Money influences so much now, one other thing is the retirment. While i grow tired of the early retirement, I understand that money is a huge part of the decision. When racing, the insurance on a horse rises each year it runs, especially the ones like Smarty, Afleet, and Bernardini. The entry fees are tens of thousands if not more, shipping, bills and everything pile up. Why would you pay a trainer for another year, in this economy, while increasing the risk of injury to your horse, paying outlandish entry fees, when you could just pay a board bill and my millions in profit with that same horse as a stud? Is it greed, I would say in some cases it is, however, there are other factors. On Zenyatta, I feel the same way as above. Love the horse, but think the connections had a bull and would not let her out of the pen more than once a year. I don't expect a west coaster to travle 3k miles for one race. What I do expect is to race where your talent puts you. Her talent far exceeded any filly or mare in the Cali division, which is why I am angry they did not run her against males in Cali. It is my opinion that she would have won and dusted any male in Cali during 09 and 2010. RR is no stakes horse, and while he races below where he should, he makes up for it by how often he runs. 19 times in one year is unheard in the larger circles of racing, the most Zenyatta ran was 7 times in year. Her final two seasons she started 5 and 6 times. · 32 days ago ·

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brooklyn.steve · This is the same reason some horses don't go to the Breeders Cup that should. Yeah, it would be nice to win, but the risk/reward factor will almost never favor the owner. As an owner, one thing I have wanted to see changed for some time is purse distribution. If the bulk of the money goes to the winner, how is anyone except the winner supposed to make a buck? It should be a uniform 50% of the purse money goes to the winner, 25% goes to the 2nd place horse, 12% to the show horse and so on. The winner of any race, I don't care if it's a MCL or the Kentuck Derby, should never get more than 50% of the purse money. · 32 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Chris, you're absolutely right about a day at the races. Depending on how far away from a track you live, the most expensive part of the day would probably be travel costs and betting. Laura, you make a VERY good point about racing where your talent puts you. If this actually happened, we would have more competitive and exciting races. If Zenyatta had raced against the boys more times than just in the BCC, then her fans would have been ecstatic. Her closing kick was amazing to watch, but it was even more thrilling when she raced and won against males. Steve, I like your idea about purse distribution. It would definitely make more people take more risks rather than playing it safe in the interests of trying not to land in the red. · 31 days ago ·

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2:14 PM

Eblouissante posted her first work of 2012 for John Shirreffs. She went 4f in :50.60 at Hollywood Park on Jan 8.

mdracing69 · 31 days ago ·

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1:00 PM

Recovered from knee surgery this summer, grade I winner Morning Line is now with John Shirreffs at Hollywood Park.

zatt · 56 days ago ·

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mdracing69 · Morning Line posted his first work for Shirreffs. He went 3f in :37.60 at Hollywood Park on 12-29. · 40 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · getting off of dirt, and working on the cushion track will be gentler on his body parts. · 40 days ago ·

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amfuller · Here's video of him galloping, he makes his appearance at about 0:53 into it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PADsjDzdy0I&list=UUt867ELN4F9UJqcf60ivmDQ&index=3&feature=plcp · 40 days ago ·

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amfuller · His actual gallop starts after the 4:00 mark. · 40 days ago ·

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What's Next for The Factor, Mr. Commons?

The coming months may call for a change in surface for Mr. Commons and international travel for The Factor. Both 3-year-olds won graded stakes at Santa Anita on Monday’s opening day of the winter-spring meeting.The Factor revived his career with an impressive win by 3 1/2 lengths in the Grade 1 Mali...Read More

Source: drf.com · Posted 43 days ago ·

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Mr. Commons Bursts Through in Sir Beaufort

Heavily favored Mr. Commons burst between rivals in midstretch to dismantle his opposition while going on to a 3 ¼ -length triumph in the Grade II, $150,000 Sir Beaufort Stakes for 3-year-olds at one mile on turf. “Since I got through, it was great,” said Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith followi...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 44 days ago ·

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annalefsrud@yahoo.ca · He is a complete gem, strong, great stride, as fine looking as they come. Also love Ultimate Eagle, just wasn't quite his day. · 43 days ago ·

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At 30-1, I’m giving a long look to Luckarack in the Malibu

As the racing world shifts seamlessly from Santa Claus to Santa Anita, I’m looking for as big a day from the Arcadia oval as my three-year-old daughter enjoyed yesterday via Kris Kringle. With four stakes races today highlighting the opening day card at Santa Anita, there should be plenty of excitem...Read More

Posted 44 days ago ·

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Winplacsho · I like Hoorayforhollywood a little cutting back in distance from that route in the Delta Jackpot, but I'll throw Luckarack in my 10-cent supers just for you! · 44 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Why not? 30-1 sounds pretty good to me, too! · 44 days ago ·

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Waya · Thought he might do it there for a second, but The Factor was just way too good. · 44 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Yeah, he menaced early in the lane, and just missed the head bob for 3rd at 40-1, but the Malibu was all about the winner. Huge effort by The Factor. One race earlier, how about Mr. Commons? Liking my early selection for 2012 Turf Champ more and more! · 43 days ago ·

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CashCall Futurity 2011 Preview: Majestic City Seeks Better

The Grade 1 CashCall Futurity at Hollywood Park gives 2012 Kentucky Derby hopefuls an opportunity to earn a nice chunk of change at the end of their juvenile campaigns. Morning line favorite Majestic City has already garnered $245,570 and tries to add to his bankroll on Saturday.Trainer Peter Miller...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.wordpress.com · Posted 53 days ago ·

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Lady Railrider Heads South for Cat's Cradle

Lady Railrider, the 120-pound highweight in the $80,000-added Cat’s Cradle Handicap Sunday, will be shipped south from Golden Gate Fields Thursday, trainer Steve Specht confirmed Wednesday. “She should be there around 11 a.m.; she’s going to Ed Moger’s barn (72 East),” said Specht. Joe Talamo...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 63 days ago ·

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Saturday Hollywood Park Pick 6 Tickets - Nov 26

Saturday’s Pick 6 from Hollywood Park includes two graded races. First up is the G3 Vernon O. Underwood (6th race) for 3-year-olds and up dashing six furlongs on Cushion Track. Morning line favorite Euroears has flopped in two straight and horses exiting the Breeders’ Cup have been disappointing all...Read More

Source: pick6blog.com · Posted 75 days ago ·

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Zenyatta Celebration to Kick Off Breeders' Cup

Breeders’ Cup Ltd., along with Zenyatta owners Jerry and Ann Moss, announced today the launch of the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Zenyatta Celebration, to be held Championship Friday, Nov. 4, at the Kentucky Derby Museum. With Zenyatta set to be the World Championships’ “Official Hostess,” the official a...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 127 days ago ·

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New York Vinnie · I also understand this 'Celebration' will/might be a permenant program for future BC's. The next step would be to erect a monument opposite Secretariat at the Horseracing Hall of Fame in Saratoga. · 126 days ago ·

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juststacey · This is absurd - a celebration of the 2nd place finisher. What an insult to Blame. · 119 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · In 20 years Blame won't be remembered except when some one brings up Zenyatta!!! · 119 days ago ·

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railbird33 · Icy is right. As people look at Big Red's likeness at Saratoga do they say, Oh yea, didn't Secretariat finish second to "Onion" here in the 1973 Travers Stakes"??? The celebration is for the greatness and accomplishments of the horse. · 119 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · That is true icyhotboo. However, I laugh with these words....Zenyatta+Kentucky Derby Museum+World Championship. Kudos to the writer. · 119 days ago ·

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getthefacts · And Um exactly what were the accomplishments railbird? or where was the greatness of you speak? I must have missed both. · 119 days ago ·

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getthefacts · Hell they're honoring a horse in KY who raced in KY once and never won, Hell she wasnt even racing yet when she would have been eligible for the Derby. · 119 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · " getthefacts · Hell they're honoring a horse in KY who raced in KY once and never won, Hell she wasnt even racing yet when she would have been eligible for the Derby." WOW, she must have been great then!!! · 119 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · just saying · 119 days ago ·

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getthefacts · if you could actually name something factual that was a "great" accomplishment on the racetrack I could see your point, but seeing as how thats been a struggle for you I don't think it will happen now. If they chose to honor her in Cali I could understand it. Sounds to me like the Museum is just trying to use the hype to generate some publicity. Ecspecially seeing as how they point out she is the "official Hostess" for this years event. I imagine that will change annually. · 119 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · getthefacts : You walked right into that nobody could have set you up better. I thought it ironic that you carried a 600+ epic and on another post made a declartion of her greatness. BTW Why isn't Blame the host? · 119 days ago ·

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getthefacts · where did I make a decleration of her Greatness? or are you just going threw more delusions? Because the committee didn't feel sorry for him winning the BC. · 119 days ago ·

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getthefacts · Her owners seem to be willing to tie her to anything to keep her relevant, so sad. I bet they would parade the poor thing at a dog food convention if they thought it would generate enough buzz. · 119 days ago ·

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getthefacts · "getthefacts : You walked right into that nobody could have set you up better." And could you please explain what you are refering to me having "walked right into"? · 119 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · You seem deficient in the department of comprhension so I'll try and break it down for you and write slow. You declared a horse who only raced once in Kentucky and finished second at that was being honored. That would leave anyone to believe did something magnificant somewhere else. Don't take it personally as people and their abilities mature differently. Also on you epic thread you stated it wasn't as much the surface but that as you had suspectd horses went slower around turns, hopefully that was meant as a joke. You really offer only redundancy climaxed by repetition. All my love... · 119 days ago ·

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getthefacts · Umm the comment must have gone over your heard, how does someone saying a horse being awarded something in a state where she won nothing, equates to her having made major accomplishments elsewhere? While I will agree she accomplished more in other places, I dont think it would take a genius to comprehend that. Maybe you should write slower, or perhaps just take your own advice and learn how to comprehend the correct spelling of comprehension or "comprhension" as you put it, before you make yourself look like a total moron, yet again. · 119 days ago ·

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getthefacts · I mean as pathetic of fields as she faced in California she at least won. · 119 days ago ·

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getthefacts · and Icy, lol, why would that make Zenyatta the "official Hostess" of an event honoring herself? Unless shes not really being honored and it's just more of a literal dog & pony show that sells 5 tickets a year to the Moss, Shirreffs and the groom if he's off that day. · 119 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Please explain to me about your suspicion that horses go slower around turns as I can't seem to grasp that. Please provide details, thank you. · 119 days ago ·

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getthefacts · Now as far as the turns comment went. It was my own opinion, but when looking at the Record times, you notice up through 7 furlongs dirt was faster, beyond that the times were either very close or turf was quicker. Except the random distance of 1 3/4 miles. Now while it would indicate that Turf is less demanding over distance, when considering turf tracks are mostley always inside of dirt tacks here in N/A, that would mean they have shorter faster turns, would it not? · 119 days ago ·

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getthefacts · Another question Icy, if as you pointed put turf races are faster than dirt races, why do you consider it even the slightest bit impressive that in 2009 BCC Zenyatta beat the likes of 2 turf horses who ran their 1 1/4 win in 2:04:19,2:02:91 for Gio Ponti, and he lost to horses who won in times of 2:05 or more. And Twice Over's aren't any better. So why is a horse who beats slow turf horses great? · 119 days ago ·

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boxersdaddy · Makeupthefacts.....It's about time that you realized that you are booring the hell of of everyone else. · 119 days ago ·

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getthefacts · Then why are you still reading and commenting on it? · 119 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · I don't understand the comments about Zenyatta's connection to Kentucky. This is a Breeders Cup celebration/party not a Churchill Downs one. Zenyatta won two Breeders Cup races and finished second in one of the most exciting Breeders Cup races ever run. I can think of only two horses that can match that record. And this is to raise money for charity, I believe they picked Zenyatta because they felt she would be the one to raise the most money. · 118 days ago ·

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New York Vinnie · Folks, ignore 'facts'. His is just preaching to himself. Again. · 118 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Then why are you still reading and commenting on his words? · 118 days ago ·

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getthefacts · Don't you just find it hilarious when they can't answer that? · 118 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Amusing :) · 118 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · mikeinsb......some cogent points made. a few on these post just don't have the capacity to understand that. · 117 days ago ·

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Shirreffs Goes After Repeat in QE II

Three times in the history of the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) a trainer has posted back-to-back victories in the race for 3-year-old fillies. John Shirreffs could become the fourth to complete the double when he sends out a double-barreled threat in George Krikorian’s Star Billing a...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 118 days ago ·

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Harmonious getting another BC shot

Harmonious, a two-time Grade 1 winner, will start in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Churchill Downs on Nov. 4, but the three-time Group 1 winner Blue Bunting will not make the trip from Europe. Those developments add a longshot closer to the Filly and Mare Turf, but deny the rac...Read More

Source: drf.com · Posted 119 days ago ·

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Jeranimo Beats Mr. Commons in Oak Tree Mile

Jeranimo won the $150,000 Oak Tree Mile at Santa Anita, which could lead to a start in the BC Mile. In Saturday's Oak Tree Mile, Jeranimo ran one mile on the turf in 1:32.61 and paid $11.20, $4.40 and $3.20 as the 9-5 second choice. It was Garcia's third winner on the 10-race card. Mr. Commons, the ...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 123 days ago ·

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Mr. Commons Aims High in Oak Tree Mile

Mr. Commons, a 3-year-old who lost the Grade II Del Mar Mile Handicap by a nose bob to Caracortado, will be aiming for better luck among nine entrants in the Oak Tree Mile, which goes as the ninth race. St. George Farm Racing’s homebred son of Artie Schiller got nipped in the final jump of his first...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 126 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Another big test, but one I think Mr. Commons can pass with flying colors! · 126 days ago ·

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Del Mar: Cambina, Nereid Meet Again

The Grade I, $250,000 American Oaks on July 16 at Hollywood Park concluded in a dead heat between Cambina and Nereid. It was the first dead heat in a Grade 1 race at Hollywood Park in 21 years. Saturday, in the Grade I, $250,000 Del Mar Oaks, the co-winners and three others from th...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 172 days ago ·

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Harmonious Ready for Best in Mabee

Two-time Grade I stakes winner Harmonious will be sent out with the intention of reversing the result from their last meeting when she engages Celtic Princess and six others in Sunday’s Grade II, $250,000 John C. Mabee Stakes.Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 180 days ago ·

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Top Horses

Current top horses in the wiki.

Zenyatta (USA - 2004)

Scenic Blast (AUS - 2004)

Life Is Sweet (USA - 2005)

Harmonious (USA - 2007)

Tiago (USA - 2004)

Starrer (USA - 1998)

Bertrando (USA - 1989)

Star Billing (USA - 2008)

After Market (USA - 2003)

Giacomo (USA - 2002)

Stakes Tracker - Probables

Date

Horse

Race

Status

Comment

First Posted by

03/03/12

Frank E. Kilroe Mile-G1

Probable

02/11/12

Entered

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Trainer John A. Shirreffs - Race Results & Past Performances

[Add Race Result]

Date

(Descending)

Horse

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02/05/12

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02/05/12

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02/04/12

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6 1/2 f

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Crossing the Line

1:12.03

02/04/12

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3

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1:33.41

02/04/12

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Tippety Tap Tap

1:47.25

02/03/12

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There Is No Limit

1:12.66

02/02/12

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Generation of Love

1:15.75

01/29/12

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1:22.38

01/29/12

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Boxeur Des Rues

1:34.34

01/27/12

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Speedway Monkey

Sassy and Single

1:35.97

01/15/12

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01/15/12

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01/13/12

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Long Lake Krista

1:12.38

01/12/12

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Bud I Crushed It

1:59.33

01/08/12

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Miss Communication

1:13.47

01/07/12

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San Pasqual H-G2

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1:41.44

01/05/12

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12/31/11

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Unusual Heatwave

The Roan Ranger

1:13.05

12/30/11

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Called to Serve

1:35.48

12/29/11

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Generation of Love

1:08.39

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One of the most humble people in the sport =)

ugozenyatta | 6/7/2011 5:50 PM | - Re: John A. Shirreffs

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Having once met John Shirreffs, having followed his career, having watched the splendor of Zenyatta, having seen how he and his wife Dottie still give Zenyatta so much of their hearts, I feel the need to say that this man profoundly admirable. Not only is he a gifted trainer, he's a classy person who represents the very best of horseracing. John, my salute to you!

zgirl | 4/12/2011 5:09 PM | - Re: John A. Shirreffs

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Please. Blame couldn't touch Zenyatta. She ran a better race than ANY horse on that field. He couldn't have pulled off what she did. She may have 'lost' but she show'd she still is the HORSE

MarcAnderson | 11/7/2010 8:48 AM | - Re: John A. Shirreffs

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A shocker!!! Zenyatta's stablemate Zardana beats Rachel Alexandra and you can kiss the Apple Blossom goodbye...

horses | 3/13/2010 5:23 PM | - Re: New Orleans Ladies

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Does anyone else find it interesting the discussion about him sending a horse to face Rachel Alexandra? If Steve Asmussen were sending one to face Zenyatta, there would be headlines from coast-to-coast about it.

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cigar | 3/9/2010 9:10 PM | - Re: John A. Shirreffs

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Now that would be a sporting decision if Mosses/Shirreffs decide to go in the Classic. If these connections do decide on Classic, I wonder how much influence Rachel Alexandra's campaign, including important wins against males, will have had on that decision. Then again, who cares about the motives! It'll be great for U.S. thoroughbred racing and an exciting Classic!

christiecat | 10/28/2009 4:36 PM | - Re: Zenyatta first preferenc...

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That would be awesome. If that's the case, the matchup would happen as both would have nothing to lose. Rachel would have her Horse of the Year award, and Zenyatta would have her perfect 14 in a row, eclipsing Personal Ensign's record. At that point I think both camps would go for it...

bband | 9/30/2009 2:51 PM | - Re: Zenyatta could run after...

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They are going to cherry pick their way to the BC Distaff with Zenyatta. Then if she catches a cold, they'll retire her undefeated.

arazi | 6/22/2009 12:06 AM | - Re: Zenyatta remains bound f...

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