Shuvee (VA)

One of the best and most durable mares of the 20th century, Shuvee won 15 major stakes in her career — at distances from eight furlongs to two miles — and retired with the highest earnings of any filly or mare in American history.

Inducted

1975

Foaled

1966

Sire

Nashua

Dam

Levee

Damsire

Hill Prince

Breeder

Whitney Stone

Owner

Mrs. Whitney Stone

Trainer

W. C. Freeman

Career

1968-1971

Earnings

$890,445

Racing Record

44

Starts

Year	Starts	First	Second	Third	Earnings
Year	Sts	1	2	3	$
1968	13	3	4	3	$209396 $209,396
1969	12	6	2	2	$312894 $312,894
1970	10	4	1	0	$201852 $201,852
1971	9	3	3	1	$166303 $166,303

Biography

One of the best and most durable mares of the 20th century, Shuvee won 15 major stakes in her career — at distances from eight furlongs to two miles — and retired with the highest earnings of any filly or mare in American history.

Shuvee was impeccably bred. Sired by Nashua out of the Hill Prince mare Levee, the chestnut Shuvee was built like a stallion. Standing 16.1 hands and weighing more than 1,100 pounds, Shuvee’s size was problematic early in her career as she was developing into her frame while learning to train and race.

After losing her first seven starts as a 2-year-old in 1968, Shuvee began to figure things out. She defeated Hall of Famer Gallant Bloom in the Frizette and followed that with an upset of Process Shot in the Selima Stakes.

Shuvee became a force as a 3-year-old, winning the New York Filly Triple Crown: the Acorn, Mother Goose, and Coaching Club American Oaks. She also won the Cotillion Handicap, Alabama Stakes, and Ladies Handicap in 1969.

Shuvee, however, was arguably at her best during her 1970 and 1971 victories in the Jockey Club Gold Cup against males at two miles. No other filly or mare had ever won the race. Other victories for Shuvee included two editions of both the Top Flight Handicap and Diana Handicap and a win in the Beldame Stakes. Shuvee was named Champion Older Female in 1970 and 1971.

After the 1971 season, Shuvee was retired with a record of 16-10-6 from 44 starts and earnings of $890,445, more than any other filly or mare in history. She produced 11 foals, including the stakes winners Tom Swift, Shukey, and Benefice.

Shuvee died in 1986 at the age of 20.