Prestigious Shadwell Turf Mile features higher purse, unique trophy
Winning a Grade 1 stakes race at a track like Keeneland is a special accomplishment for any owner. But the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) on October 6 offers two other enticing elements.
First, the purse has been raised to $750,000 – highest of any race on the Fall Stars Weekend lineup and equal to the spring meet’s signature event, the Toyota Blue Grass (G1). And beyond the added cash is a unique keepsake to mark the achievement for the winning owner.
Race sponsor Shadwell Farm of Lexington commissioned a sculptor to create a one-of-akind award to pay tribute to all the winners of the prestigious race. It features a majestic bronze falcon and each year, the victorious owner will get a replica of this perpetual trophy.
Race sponsor Shadwell Farm of Lexington commissioned a sculptor to create a one-of-akind award to pay tribute to all the winners of the prestigious race. It features a majestic bronze falcon and each year, the victorious owner will get a replica of this perpetual trophy.
Why a falcon? Falconry is a passion for Shadwell owner Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum, and the model for this trophy was a picture of the Sheikh’s prize falcon, Nayef, that hangs in the farm office’s main lobby.
