Shirley was an American

Thoroughbred The Thoroughbred is a list of horse breeds, horse breed developed for Thoroughbred racing, horse racing. Although the word ''thoroughbred'' is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thorough ...

racehorse Horse racing is an equestrian performance activity, typically involving two or more horses ridden by jockeys (or sometimes driven without riders) over a set distance for competition. It is one of the most ancient of all sports, as its bas ...

. Ridden by future U. S. Racing Hall of Fame inductee

George Barbee George Joseph Barbee (December 12, 1849 – October 30, 1939) was an English-born jockey who was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1996. Published reports indicate Barbee lived to be 89, and is buried near Belmon ...

, Shirley won the 1876

Preakness Stakes The Preakness Stakes is an American thoroughbred horse race held annually on Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland (except in 2026 when it will move to Laurel Park (race track), Laurel Park dur ...

Background

Shirley was bred at

Woodburn Stud Woodburn Stud was an American horse breeding farm located in Woodford County, Kentucky about from the city of Lexington. It was established in the 18th century as an original land grant property of General Hugh Mercer to whom it had been grant ...

by Alexander John Alexander. His father was the leading sire Lexington, and his dam was Miss Carter. Shirley was sold to

Pierre Lorillard IV Pierre J. Lorillard IV (October 13, 1833 – July 7, 1901) was an American tobacco manufacturer and thoroughbred race horse owner. Early life Born in Westchester, New York, he was the son of Pierre Lorillard III (1796–1867) and Catherine ...

, and was trained by William Brown.

Racing Career

Ridden by jockey

, Shirley won the

as a three-year-old.

Pedigree

References

Thoroughbred family 9-a 1873 racehorse births Racehorses bred in the United States Racehorses trained in the United States Preakness Stakes winners Byerley Turk sire line {{Racehorse-stub