• Home
  • About
  • Services
  • FAQ
  • Testimonials
  • Blog

Call us today! (859) 321-6618

clark@bloodstock-agent-ky.com
Login

Login
Clark Shepherd - Bloodstock AgentClark Shepherd - Bloodstock Agent
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • FAQ
  • Testimonials
  • Blog

Kupuna Wins Big: $100K Evangeline Mile Stakes Masterclass

Kupuna

Kupuna Wins Big: $100K Evangeline Mile Stakes Masterclass

April 8, 2024 Posted by Clark Shepherd Blog, Bloodstock, Bloodstock Agent, Buy a Racehorse, Horse Racing Partnerships

On April 6, 2024, at Evangeline Downs, Kupuna, a dark bay or brown gelding, etched his name into the annals of horse racing by clinching the $100,000 Evangeline Mile Stakes (Black Type) with a commanding performance. Under the guidance of jockey Mitchell Murrill and training from Bret Calhoun, Kupuna showcased a masterclass in racing strategy, securing a 5 1/2-length victory and earning a career-best Equibase Speed Figure of 111.

This win marked a significant milestone in his career, recording his first stakes victory and pushing his earnings to over $385,000 from 17 career starts.

Kupuna’s journey to this moment began long before his win at Evangeline. Foaled on April 20, 2019, he is a progeny of Hard Spun and Hanalei Hailey, by Malibu Moon, bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC & Greg Biagi.

His pedigree hinted at a blend of speed and stamina, a promise that began to unfold with his entry into the racing world.

System First: How Disciplined Investors Win with Racehorses
Trending
System First: How Disciplined Investors Win with Racehorses

kupuna
Kupuna as a yearling

The saga of Kupuna’s ascent in the racing world began when he was purchased as a yearling at the Keeneland September Sale for $140,000. Clark Shepherd of Shepherd Equine Advisers, acting as an agent, secured the promising yearling on behalf of Larry Hirsch (Highlander Training Center) and Wayne Sanders, setting the stage for his development into a competitive racehorse.

This strategic acquisition underscored the belief in his potential to excel on the racetrack.

Kupuna’s racing career kicked off with modest beginnings, displaying early promise at Churchill Downs in 2021 and achieving his maiden victory at Oaklawn Park on January 15, 2022. Despite facing challenges, including a seventh-place finish resulting in a chipped knee in the Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (Gr. 2), his performances remained consistently strong.

He has shown his talent across various tracks, from Ellis Park to Churchill Downs, competing in both allowance and stakes races with notable success.

In 2023 and 2024, Kupuna’s performance improved significantly, highlighted by his major win at the Evangeline Mile. This victory was not only about his racing skills but also the careful planning and hard work of his team.

Owned by Wayne Sanders and Highlander Training Center, Kupuna’s rise from a carefully chosen OPTIMAL Mating yearling to a stakes race winner shows the importance of strategic decision-making in horse racing.

Kupuna’s career reflects more than just race outcomes; it’s about fulfilling his potential through the joint efforts of his owners, trainers, and agents. As he moves forward, Kupuna’s success is a clear example of effective strategy and the compelling nature of horse racing.

bloodstock agent
author avatar
Clark Shepherd Bloodstock Agent, Sales Consultant & Pedigree Analyst
Clark Shepherd stands as a beacon in the thoroughbred world, renowned for his unyielding integrity and deep-seated expertise. Growing up on the racetrack, he transformed his lifelong passion into a thriving career as a trusted bloodstock agent. Clark's profound knowledge in equine management and keen eye for racehorses have led numerous clients to victory, including the pinnacle of designing the mating of a Kentucky Derby winner. Dedicated to both industry stalwarts and newcomers, he offers personalized, insightful guidance in every equine venture. Clark's ethos is encapsulated in his mantra: "Empowering Equine Success with Integrity and Insight!"
See Full Bio
social network icon social network icon social network icon social network icon
Tags: bloodstockbloodstock strategybreedingbuy racehorseexperienced bloodstock agenthorsehorse racingracehorseyearlingyearling auction
Share
1

About Clark Shepherd

Introducing Clark Shepherd, your guide through the captivating world of thoroughbred racing. As an experienced bloodstock agent and passionate horseman, Clark brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as a blog author. With a discerning eye for bloodlines, a dedication to horsemanship, and a commitment to excellence, Clark shares insightful articles and valuable insights, helping readers navigate the intricacies of the industry and discover the keys to success in the thrilling realm of horse racing. Join Clark on this exhilarating journey as he imparts his wisdom, experience, and love for the sport through engaging and informative blog posts.

You also might be interested in

breeding

4 Key Insights from Federico Tesio: Breeding Beyond Profit

May 8, 2024

The legacy of Federico Tesio in horse breeding provides a[...]

animal welfare

Animal Welfare: Racing Into a New Era

Jan 11, 2024

As dawn illuminates the Kentucky skyline, the issue of animal[...]

war front

War Front: A Month of Majestic Wins

Nov 14, 2023

In the thoroughbred racing world, War Front has emerged as[...]

Tag Cloud

agent best bloodstock strategies bloodstock bloodstock agent success bloodstock strategies bloodstock strategy breeding buy racehorse experienced bloodstock agent honest mischief horse horse racing racehorse reliable bloodstock agent thoroughbred ownership thoroughbred racing thoroughbred racing and breeding world thoroughbred racing yearling yearling auction

Recent Posts

  • System First: How Disciplined Investors Win with Racehorses
  • Tesio’s Breeding Playbook: Data Over Hype
  • Pedigree Over Pretty: What Really Makes a Winner
  • St. Armands Key Shines Again with Gritty Fair Grounds Win
  • Bosun Dominates Turf Debut with Powerful Fair Grounds Win!

Recent Comments

  • I Was Wrong About Breeding Racehorses—And You Might Be Too on Tesio Blueprint: Breed Elite Racehorses with Proven Science
  • Transform Investments: The Right Tools for Racing Success on Thoroughbred Success: Stop Gambling, Start Strategizing
  • Thoroughbred Success: Stop Gambling, Start Strategizing on Thoroughbred Success: Strategy Beats Luck Every Time
  • Thoroughbred Success: Strategy Beats Luck Every Time on Thoroughbred Ownership: A Winning Framework for Success
  • Why Some Horses Cost Millions: Master the Sales Game on Race Records Fail: Secrets to Breeding Consistent Winners

Archives

  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023

Categories

  • Blog
  • Bloodstock
  • Bloodstock Agent
  • Buy a Racehorse
  • Horse Racing Partnerships
  • News
  • Successful Bloodstock
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Contact Us

We're not around right now. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, ASAP.

Send Message

Thank You for Visiting

I appreciate your interest in Shepherd Equine Advisers. As your bloodstock agent, I’m here to help with any questions you have about racehorse ownership or any other aspect of the thoroughbred industry. Feel free to contact me; I look forward to the opportunity to assist you and contribute to your success in equine investments.

Contact Info

  • Clark Shepherd
  • Shepherd Equine Advisers, Inc.
  • 3506 Rabbits Foot Trail, Lexington, KY 40503
  • 859-321-6618
  • clark@bloodstock-agent-ky.com
  • bloodstock-agent-ky.com

Fresh from blog

  • System First: How Disciplined Investors Win with Racehorses
  • Tesio’s Breeding Playbook: Data Over Hype
  • Pedigree Over Pretty: What Really Makes a Winner
  • St. Armands Key Shines Again with Gritty Fair Grounds Win
  • Bosun Dominates Turf Debut with Powerful Fair Grounds Win!
  • Breeding Myths Exposed: Why ‘Best to Best’ Fails
breeding

© 2025 — Highend WordPress Theme. Theme by HB-Themes.

Prev Next
Go to mobile version