Multiple grade I winner and millionaire Shakespeare is returning to Central Kentucky for the 2012 breeding season. The son of Theatrical has been relocated from Signature Stallions in Central Florida to Lane’s End Farm near Versailles, Ky.
“We are so pleased to add this exciting young sire to our roster,” said William S. Farish, the owner of Lane’s End Farm.
Shakespeare is off a to a good start as a freshman sire this year. His son, Shkspeare Shaliyah, captured the grade III Pilgrim Stakes and his trainer Doodnauth Shivmangal said afterward he is aiming to start him next in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (gr. IT), which will be run Nov. 5 at Churchill Downs. The colt is two-for-three and broke his maiden going 1 1/16 miles on the grass in his start at Belmont Park prior to the Pilgrim.
From just 11 starters, Shakespeare has a total of six 2-year-old winners this year, including Lane’s End sales grad Laertes, who won at first asking by 3 1/2 lengths in a maiden special weight at Woodbine. Others include Shakespeare's Brew, who also broke his maiden at Woodbine in his first start by three lengths; Prince Raphael, who won by 6 3/4 lengths in a maiden special weight at Woodbine; and, Sheza Drama Queen, who won by 11 lengths to break her maiden.
“Considering Florida breeders like dirt sprinters, Shakespeare was well received and supported,” said Bill Bazzell, general manager of Signature Stallions, which is owned by William Schettine. “The mare population in Florida has been diminishing and this horse is too good not to have a chance at a larger population of nice mares.”
Racing for Dell Ridge Farm and Schettine, Shakespeare won seven times in eight starts including the grade I Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes and grade I Woodbine Mile. He set a new course record in the Belmont Breeders’ Cup Handicap (gr. IIT), running 1 1/8 miles in 1:45.06. His earnings totaled $1,293,780.
By leading sire Theatrical, Shakespeare is out of grade I winner Lady Shirl. He is a full brother to grade II winner Lady Shakespeare and a half to grade II winner Perfect Shirl and stakes winner Fantastic Shirl.
His stud fee will be announced at a later date.