Sprint Crown Beckons: Shenandoah's Power Play

From Classic Grace To Everest Chase

Lady Shenandoah has completed one of racing's most remarkable transformations, evolving from classic distance specialist to Everest contender in a journey that has captivated Australian racing. The 4YO Snitzel mare, bred by Arrowfield Stud out of Star Pupil and purchased by Hermitage Thoroughbreds for A$525,000 (US$330,000) at the 2023 Inglis Easter Sales, brings impressive credentials to the A$20 million (US$13.5 million) showpiece at Royal Randwick on October 11.

Hermitage Thoroughbreds manager Shannon Clarke watched this evolution unfold from the stable's heritage property at The Oaks. "Lady Shenandoah is currently our star of the stable," she says. "She has been an exceptional race filly to date, already winning at the Group One level three times as a 3YO. She is tenacious and an exciting filly moving forward."

The Lightning-Fast Mare Who Left Ponies Trailing

Lady Shenandoah's sprint potential was evident long before her classic triumphs suggested otherwise. Clarke recalls the early signs, "Even when she was a little baby working up the track here, we used to send her with one of the ponies (a Thoroughbred himself) and they'd do a bit of pace work, and the pony couldn't keep up; she'd shoot off like lightning. I think she loves it. She's an active filly. She likes to be doing something."

The fact that this daughter of Snitzel has three Group One victories as a 3YO;the Flight Stakes, Surround Stakes and Coolmore Classic, proves this point.
Following Sunshine In Paris's retirement, which opened the door for her Gr.1 TAB Everest selection, the premier middle-distance performer now represents the elite level of Australian sprinting under Fairway Thoroughbreds' slot.

The mare's breeding pointed to speed from the outset. As a daughter of Snitzel, Australia's most successful stallion, and out of Star Pupil, she possessed the genetic blueprint for elite sprinting. The Hermitage team, guided by Guy Mulcaster Bloodstock expertise at Easter Sales, recognised her potential among the premier yearling offerings.

Her natural enthusiasm for racing remains unchanged. "I think she enjoys racing itself," Clarke observes. "They tell you when they're not enjoying it at the end of the day. As long as she's enjoying it and going around happy, then we'll allow her to race on."

When Mcdonald Called It: The Sprinter Revelation

The pivotal moment in Lady Shenandoah's career came through the assessment of champion jockey James McDonald. Despite her Group One success over longer distances, McDonald recognised her true calling.

"James McDonald was adamant at the end of last preparation that she was a sprinter, even though she was obviously winning those Group Ones up to a mile," Clarke explains. "He just thought the older she got, the stronger she got, and that she'd be more of a sprinting type."

The transition became reality in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes, where, despite finishing second to Headwall, Lady Shenandoah demonstrated her sprint credentials. "After her last start in the Concorde, even though it was a bit luckless, she really showed that she's got the speed there," Clarke notes.

"Everyone who watched that race could see that she just could not get out. Once she did, she just flew home. The way she extended in that last 50 meters was nail-biting."

Trainer Chris Waller backed McDonald's judgment with the bold decision to redirect Lady Shenandoah's campaign. "As Chris said, it was a big gamble taking her from the 1400 to mile races back to sprinting," Clarke acknowledges.

The Waller Factor: Five Years Of Mutual Respect

Clarke's partnership with Waller has developed over five years into a relationship built on patience and understanding. "My dealings with Chris started about five years ago, and he's just an absolute gentleman," she says. "If you have any issues, he helps you work them out. He's got your back, and I think we have a nice mutual partnership going on."

The training philosophy aligns perfectly with Hermitage's approach. "He gives our horses time. We like to have our horses with a trainer with a bit of patience, and it just seems to work out," Clarke explains.

Waller's confidence in Lady Shenandoah's Everest credentials provides reassurance for the Hermitage team. "He's one of the world's best trainers and a very good judge. If he thinks that she is a contender for this race, then we back him 110%," says Clarke.

From Track Work Rider To Everest Dreams

Clarke's journey to managing an Everest contender began far from the glamour of racing. Originally from Perth, her entry into the industry was unplanned. "After I finished school, I wasn't really sure what to do with myself. I'd always been around horses my whole life since I was about the age of four. The job came up on some website that my mum saw, and it was for a breaker in Perth. I thought, 'this job will do until I find a normal job.' That was 25 years ago now."

Family considerations brought her to Hermitage in 2016. "I always used to ride track work for many years, but after I had my daughter, the track work times weren't very conducive to being a mother to a young child. An opportunity came up to work here, and the times fit in better with having a young child."

Owner Eugene Chuang's faith transformed Clarke's career when the management position became available. "When the previous manager departed, my boss, Mr Eugene Chuang, gave me a chance, a very good chance that probably doesn't come along very often, and I took it up," she reflects. "I've been in this industry for a long time now, but this is the most important job I've had, I would say. I'm very grateful for the opportunity."

Moonee Valley And The Road To Randwick Glory

Lady Shenandoah's Gr.1 TAB Everest preparation continues through the Gr.1 Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley, where she enters as favourite. The campaign strategy provides optimal spacing between major assignments. "At this stage, I believe it will be the Manikato and then back up to Sydney to prepare for The TAB Everest," Clarke explains. "That way she gets three weeks between runs to freshen her up a little bit."

Clarke's expectations remain grounded despite the excitement. "We know she's got the speed now, that's undeniable. I just hope that she can get a clear run that she didn't get in the Concorde. I hope she can get out and stretch her legs and just fly."

The pressure of managing an Everest contender brings unique challenges. "It feels like I'm always under pressure anyway;I do that to myself," Clarke admits. “ I've got to try and remind myself to enjoy it, not feel so stressed about it, and just relax into it. Because these things don't come along all the time."

Riding The Everest Wave

For Hermitage Thoroughbreds, the A$20 million spectacle race represents uncharted territory despite previous Group One success with The Autumn Sun and September Run. "In Australia, it's the elite of the elite sprinters in the country, and even overseas horses are in now," Clarke observes. "This is a different level altogether."

As Lady Shenandoah prepares for her date with destiny, Clarke maintains perspective about their remarkable position. "I know that these things don't last, and I just hope it can continue for a little while longer so we can ride on the coattails of her success," she concludes.
The mare joins confirmed runners Ka Ying Rising, Joliestar, Briasa, Private Harry and Jimmysstar in the field for October's richest sprint.