Hall of Fame horse trainer tallies 2,000 career wins, including Derby, Belmont, Breeders’ Cups

Editor’s Note: As Lexington celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the Herald-Leader and kentucky.com each day throughout 2025 will share interesting facts about our hometown. Compiled by Liz Carey, all are notable moments in the city’s history - some funny, some sad, others heartbreaking or celebratory, and some just downright strange.

Jan. 6, 1951: Horse trainer Shug McGaughey is born. He started training in 1979 and to date has more than 2,000 career wins, including the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont Stakes and nine Breeders’ Cups.

McGaughey also accomplished a rare trifecta, training a Breeders’ Cup winner, Personal Ensign; her daughter, My Flag; and her granddaughter, Storm Flag Flying. He won his first Kentucky Derby in 2013 with Orb and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2004.