William Shively

While some pretty resonant horses have grazed this land, right back to Domino himself, few have played a more significant role in its story than a 25-year-old gelding retired here with a single Grade III success to his credit. But if the first horse to lure William Shively onto the Turf can be thanked for doing so with a somewhat flattering sample of the dividends available--he won eight of 30 starts and close to $500,000--then nor should anyone be misled about the kind of odds that typically stimulate his owner....

In this edition of our ongoing mating plans series, we spoke with Robert Tillyer, farm manager of Dixiana Farm. "Right now we have about 50 broodmares at Dixiana Farm," Tillyer said. "This year we are going to have around 38 foals. We usually put over 30 yearlings through the sale each year and then Mr. Shively is always happy to retain a few for his own racing stable."   BRIELLE'S APPEAL (m, 8, English Channel - Court of Appeal, by Deputy Minister) to be bred to Gun Runner This year...

The silks of Lee and Susan Searing's CRK Stable have been a formidable presence in California in recent years thanks in large part to MGSWs Express Train (Union Rags) and Midcourt (Midnight Lute). Both stable stars have excelled in their division for trainer John Shirreffs with Midcourt taking last year's GII San Pasqual S. and Express Train claiming winning honors in the same race this year before also adding the GII San Diego H. to his growing resume. While separated by two years in age, the stablemates also share the...

William and Donna Shively's Dixiana Farm is the new sponsor for the $500,000 GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, one of this country's most prestigious races for 3-year-old turf fillies. The QE II Challenge Cup Presented by Dixiana will be held on the second Saturday of Keeneland's fall meet Oct. 10. "Keeneland is pleased that Dixiana has become the sponsor of the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup," Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. "Dixiana has been a valued corporate partner through its sponsorship of other stakes at Keeneland, and...