Kenneth McPeek explained

Kenneth McPeek
Occupation:Trainer
Birth Place:Fort Chaffee, Arkansas
Birth Date:2 August 1962
Career Wins:2,033+ (ongoing)
Race:Coaching Club American Oaks (2024)
Kentucky Oaks (2024)
Acorn Stakes (2024)
Southwest Stakes (2024)
Fantasy Stakes (2024)
Pocahontas Stakes
(2015, 2016, 2022, 2023)
Ashland Stakes
(2002, 2014, 2023)
Ben Ali Stakes
(2014, 2018, 2023)
Alysheba Stakes (2023)
Pimlico Special (2023)
Blame Stakes (2023)
Indiana Oaks (2023)
Belmont Derby (2022)
Jeff Ruby Stakes (2022)
Oklahoma Derby (2022)
Indiana Oaks (2022)
Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes
(2001, 2018, 2021)
Bourbon Stakes
(2010, 2014, 2021)
Breeders' Futurity Stakes
(1994, 2009, 2021)
Falls City Handicap
(2020, 2021)
Breeders' Futurity Stakes
(2009, 2021)
Lexington Stakes
(2017, 2021)
Beholder Mile Stakes (2021)
Gulfstream Oaks (2021)
Summertime Oaks (2021)
Alcibiades Stakes
(2000, 2001, 2008, 2018, 2020)
Alabama Stakes
(2018, 2020)
Opening Verse Stakes (2020)
Preakness Stakes (2020)
Holy Bull Stakes (2019)
Louisville Handicap
(2007, 2014, 2017, 2018)
Iroquois Stakes (2001, 2018)
Mrs. Revere Stakes (2018)
Modesty Handicap (2018)
Bourbonette Oaks
(2010, 2016, 2017)
Bashford Manor Stakes (2017)
American Oaks (2017)
Carry Back Stakes(2016)
Eclipse Stakes (2014)
Sixty Sails Handicap (2014)
Commonwealth Stakes (2014)
Blue Grass Stakes (2002, 2013)
Virginia Derby (2013)
Indiana Oaks (2013)
Mint Julep Stakes (2011, 2012)
Virginia Oaks (2012)
Gardenia Stakes (2012)
Travers Stakes (2012)
Hollywood Starlet Stakes (2012)
Dogwood Stakes (2002, 2011)
Aristides Stakes (2009, 2011)
Rachel Alexandra Stakes (2011)
Matt Winn Stakes (2011)
Regret Stakes (2011)
La Cañada Stakes (2010)
Golden Rod Stakes (2010)
Beaumont Stakes (1994, 2009)
Summer Stakes (2009)
Commonwealth Turf Stakes (2008)
Delta Jackpot Stakes (2006)
Edgewood Stakes (2004, 2005)
Gulfstream Park Breeders' Cup Turf Stakes (2004, 2005)
Sir Barton Stakes (2003)
Ohio Derby (2003)
Spinster Stakes (2002, 2003)
Fair Grounds Oaks (2002)
Florida Derby (2002)
Louisiana Derby (2002)
Kentucky Cup Juvenile Stakes (1994, 2001)
Tropical Park Derby (2000)
Tampa Bay Derby (1999)
Turfway Championship Handicap (1997)
Widener Handicap (1997)
Fort Harrod Stakes (1996)

American Classic Race wins:
Belmont Stakes (2002)
Preakness Stakes (2020)
Kentucky Derby (2024)

Awards:Big Sport of Turfdom Award
(2002)
Keeneland Training Title Fall Meet
(2009, 2011, 2015 tie)
Keeneland Training Title Spring Meet
(2011)
Horses:Tejano Run, Harlan's Holiday, Sarava, Einstein, Take Charge Lady, Repent, Hard Buck, Noble's Promise, Golden Ticket, Java's War, Daddys Lil Darling, Restless Rider, Swiss Skydiver, Crazy Beautuful, Rattle N Roll, Tiz the Bomb, Envoutante. Smile Happy, Classic Causeway, Defining Purpose, Thorpedo Anna, Mystik Dan
Updated:May 10, 2024
Url:
Image Upright:.5

Kenneth G. McPeek (born August 2, 1962) is an American Thoroughbred racehorse trainer and a bloodstock agent.[1] McPeek gained prominence by winning the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) in a thrilling three-horse photo finish with the 18-1 underdog Mystik Dan[2] and the 2024 Kentucky Oaks (G1) with Thorpedo Anna. This achievement marked the first time since 1952 that a trainer swept both prestigious races in the same year, making McPeek the third trainer in history to achieve this feat.[3] McPeek has expressed that his proudest accomplishment is achieving this success with what he calls "working class horses."[4] The 2024 Kentucky Derby win also made McPeek one of only five living trainers who have won all three Triple Crown races.[5] McPeek won his first classic in 2002 with the 70-1 longshot Sarava in the Belmont Stakes (G1).[6] Eighteen years later, he won the 2020 Preakness Stakes.(G!) with the filly Swiss Skydiver.[7] Lexington, Ky, Mayor Linda Gorton proclaimed July 2, as Kenny McPeek Day in Lexington. "Kenny has accomplished something very few have, and we are excited to honor him and his many achievements." Gorton said. "His success and determination are a great example of what's possible here in the Horse Capital of the World." [8]

Background

McPeek was born at the Fort Chafee military base near Fort Smith, Arkansas, while his father, Ron, was stationed with the 101st Airborne Division. His mother went into labor unexpectedly while visiting Ron. Shortly after Kenny's birth, he and his mother returned to their home in Lexington, Kentucky. Since both of his parents grew up in Lexington and McPeek was raised there, he regards himself as a native of the city.[9]

Life and career

McPeek's interest in horses and racing was sparked by his father's ownership of several Thoroughbreds. After earning a degree in Business Administration from the University of Kentucky,[10]

Bloodstock Agent

McPeek, has built a significant reputation as a bloodstock agent. McPeek’s approach to purchasing horses is a system he developed early in his career when working with limited budgets. "I focus on the athlete rather than the pedigree," McPeek stated, noting that success in the winner's circle ultimately overshadows bloodlines.[20]

1993: One of his early successes was Tejano Run, purchased for $6,000, who went on to finish second in the Kentucky Derby[21] and earn $1,166,842 in purse money.[22]

2000: Among McPeek's notable purchases is Take Charge Lady, acquired for $175,000. Despite her modest pedigree, she won over $2.4 million during her career and became a Blue Hen mare, producing champions like Take Charge Brandi and Omaha Beach.[23]

2005: McPeek stepped back from training to focus on bloodstock, leading to one of his most famous purchases: Curlin. Purchased for a modest sum of $57,000 due to an inflamed ankle, Curlin went on to earn over $10 million and became a leading sire.[24]

2022: McPeek purchased a yearling filly by Fast Anna for $40,000, later named Thorpedo Anna.Tejano Run Under his guidance, she went on to earn $1,980,663, with major victories including the Kentucky Oaks (G1), the Acorn Stakes (G1) and the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1).[25]

McPeek continues to apply the same principles at auctions, emphasizing the physical attributes of horses over pedigree.

Personal life

McPeek has been married twice. His first marriage was to Sue Lustig McPeek, with whom he has a daughter, Jenna McPeek. Jenna graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and also majored in Equine Pre-veterinary studies. She was a member of the national championship-winning equestrian team at Otterbein.[26] McPeek's current wife, Sherri, is his primary partner in Magdalena Racing. They married on May 9, 2015, and have a daughter, Annie Franklin McPeek, who shares a love for horses and often helps pick names for McPeek's horses along with Sherri.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kane . Mike . 16 July 2024 . Savvy Shopper McPeek Keeps Finding Top-Level Winners . Thoroughbred Daily News.
  2. Web site: Reilly . Kellie . 4 May 2024 . Mystik Dan wins 150th Kentucky Derby in three-way photo finish .
  3. Web site: King . Byron . 4 May 2024 . Mystik Dan Holds off Sierra Leone to Win Kentucky Derby . 4 May 2024 . The Blood-Horse.
  4. Web site: Demling . Jody . 4 May 2024 . Trainer Kenny McPeek called his shot - won both the Oaks and Derby . 4 May 2024 . HTVMA Solutions, Inc.
  5. Web site: Perez . Joe . 17 May 2024 . The Challenge of Winning a Personal Triple Crown . 17 May 2024 . The Blood-Horse.
  6. Web site: Hersh . Marcus . 5 June 2017 . McPeek not afraid to take a swing with Senior Investment . 5 June 2017 . DRF.
  7. Web site: Denk . Pete . 22 February 2024 . McPeek Reaches Career Win 2,000, Reflects on Success . 10 May 2024 . The Blood-Horse.
  8. Web site: Kehn . Daniel . 2 July 2024 . His horses won the Kentucky Derby and Oaks. Lexington declares a day for the trainer.. Lexington Herald-Leader.
  9. Web site: Trainer Bios, Kenny McPeek . Keeneland Association, Inc.
  10. Web site: Kenneth McPeek . The New York Racing Association.
  11. Web site: Rampellini . Mary . 21 February 2024 . McPeek's unintended career on cusp of 2,000 wins . 10 May 2024 . Daily Racing Form.
  12. Web site: Russo . Nicole . 14 September 2013 . Catching Up With Take Charge Lady: Grade 1 winner now a top-flight broodmare . 10 May 2024 . Daily Racing Form.
  13. Web site: By . 1990-11-18 . MAN WITH THE MAGIC NAME HAS HEAVY BURDEN: DEBT . 2024-01-31 . Orlando Sentinel . en-US.
  14. Web site: By . 1995-07-16 . WILLIAM DUPONT III, FROM HIGH FINANCE TO HIGH WEEDS . 2024-01-31 . Orlando Sentinel . en-US.
  15. Web site: Kenny McPeek to Return to Training . Blood-Horse . bloodhorse.com/ . 23 February 2006 . 10 April 2015 . Chapman, Ric.
  16. Web site: Yunt . Gary . 28 May 2009 . Barn Notes (5.28.09) -- McPeek Celebrates 1,000th Win/Spinters Lead Way for Sizzling Calhoun/Mint Julep Nominations Out . 10 May 2024 . Churchill Downs.
  17. Web site: Horse Races NOW! App Launched . Blood-Horse Publications . www.bloodhorse.com . April 4, 2012 . 29 October 2014.
  18. Web site: Trainer Profile . 10 May 2024 . www.equibase.com.
  19. Web site: Kenny McPeek | Keeneland |url=https://www.keeneland.com/trainer-bios/kenny-mcpeek |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510151043/https://www.keeneland.com/trainer-bios/kenny-mcpeek |archive-date=10 May 2024 |access-date=10 May 2024 |publisher=Keeneland}} McPeek interviewed for a position as a stockbroker in New York, but decided his career to be in the Thoroughbred racing industry by taking a job as a hot walker for Shug McGaughey.[10] In 1985 McPeek obtained his training license when his father tasked him with overseeing some of his race horses. McPeek saddled his first winner, Final Destroyer, owned by his father, at River Downs (now known as Belterra Park) in October 1985.[11]

    First Stakes Win: In 1991, McPeek saddled his first stakes winner, Red Wing, at Canterbury Park.

    First Graded Stakes Win: In 1994, McPeek won his first graded stakes race in the Beaumont Stakes (G2) at Keeneland with Her Temper.

    First Grade 1 Win: In 2002, McPeek won the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park with Harlan's Holiday's. The following month, he saddled Take Charge Lady to victory in Keeneland's Ashland Stakes.[12] Later that year, with the Triple Crown on the line for War Emblem, McPeek's colt Sarava caused an upset by winning the Belmont Stakes at odds of 70:1. McPeek was also the recipient of Big Sport of Turfdom Award.

    June 2005, McPeek decided to scale back his operations, feeling that his stable of 160 horses, in six states, had become too large. He chose to focus on being a bloodstock agent, a decision that led to the purchase of future two-time Horse of the Year, Curlin, at the Keeneland September Sale for $57,000. McPeek returned to training in the spring of 2006.

    2006, McPeek purchased the former Pillar Stud Farm, a 115-acre parcel in Lexington, Kentucky, from William du Pont Jr., who was selling off pieces of his massive landholdings portfolio due to financial difficulties.[13] [14] McPeek renamed the farm to Magdalena Farm in honor of Magdalena Weber Shely (b. 6/2/1793), the original Matriarch of the land.[15] The office at Magdalena Farm is the home base for McPeek Racing.

    2009, McPeek achieved his 1,000th career win at Churchill Downs.[16]

    2012, McPeek won the Travers when Golden Ticket dead-heated with Alpha. McPeek also developed a mobile app called Horse Racing Now, designed to provide horse racing videos and data for both new fans veteran horseplayers. called Horse Races Now.[17]

    2018, McPeek purchased Swiss Skydiver for $35,000, who later won the 2020 Preakness Stakes.

    2024, McPeek saddled his 2,000th career winner on February 21, at Turfway Park.

    Mc Peek's horse Mystik Dan won the Kentucky Derby, giving McPeek individual wins in all three of the American Triple Crown races. As of July 31, 2024, McPeek has career earnings of $126,474,936.[18]

    .
  20. Web site: Kane . Mike . 16 July 2024 . Savvy Shopper McPeek Keeps Finding Top-Level Winners . Thoroughbred Daily News.
  21. Web site: Kane . Mike . 16 July 2024 . Savvy Shopper McPeek Keeps Finding Top-Level Winners . Thoroughbred Daily News.
  22. Web site: Horse Profile .
  23. Web site: Kane . Mike . 16 July 2024 . Savvy Shopper McPeek Keeps Finding Top-Level Winners . Thoroughbred Daily News.
  24. Web site: Kane . Mike . 16 July 2024 . Savvy Shopper McPeek Keeps Finding Top-Level Winners . Thoroughbred Daily News.
  25. Web site: Horse Profile .
  26. Web site: Smith . K . 9 May 2023 . Kenneth McPeek's Daughters: The Unique Perspective of Growing up in the Horse Racing World . Celebrity Mirror.

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