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Horse Breeds

Thoroughbreds: Speed, endurance and a spirit that never gives up

Ruth Nicolaus
May 1, 2025
May 1, 2025

1 of 4

5 photo courtesy coady photography(4).JPG

Justa Streak at Prairie Meadows Racing.

Photo courtesy Coady Photography

McShane with her Thoroughbred named Sing Lucy Sing, a 5-year-old Iowa bred.

Photo courtesy McShane

Thoroughbreds at D/M Racing Stables in Bondurant, Iowa.

Photo courtesy McShane

9 sofia - courtesy christine hicklin.jpg

Hicklin at age 10 with her first Thoroughbred at a horse show in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Photo courtesy Hicklin

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Ruth Nicolaus

Thoroughbreds are the king of the racetrack.

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10 my happiness -- courtesy christine hicklin.jpg — Hicklin on her filly My Happiness. The mare was the 2-year-old Iowa Bred Champion in 2022 and has since won a few races and been stakes-placed multiple times.
Photo courtesy Hicklin

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2 photo courtesy josie mcshane (3).JPG — A Thoroughbred mare and her foal.
Photo courtesy McShane

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1 photo courtesy josie mcshane (7).JPG — Josie McShane with the first Thoroughbred baby she raised. The two-year-old, named Itstartswithadream, will run at the track this summer.
Photo courtesy McShane

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6 photo courtesy coady photography (6).JPG — Sing Lucy Sing after a race at Prairie Meadows Racing in Altoona, Iowa. The 5 year old has $76,600 in lifetime earnings.
Photo courtesy Coady Photography

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Freelance writer Ruth Nicolaus loves the Great Plains and its people. She lives in eastern Nebraska. Reach her at editorial@midwestmessenger.com.