Pletcher to Receive Shadwell Horses from McLaughlin

Shadwell Farm announced March 5 that horses conditioned by Kiaran McLaughlin, who is stepping back from training to become an agent for jockey Luis Saez, will be sent to seven-time leading trainer Todd Pletcher. 

EHALT: McLaughlin Leaving Training to Become Saez's Agent

"On behalf of H.H. Sheik Hamdan and all of us at Shadwell, we would like to thank Kiaran McLaughlin and his staff for all of the years of hard work and dedication to the horses we have given them to train for Shadwell," the farm stated in a release. "Through their efforts, uncountable wonderful memories were created. We completely understand the move that he is making and we wish him well. 

"As Kiaran starts a new chapter in his life, so does Shadwell Stable with Todd Pletcher graciously agreeing to train the horses that Kiaran had been allocated as well as future allocations that would have gone Kiaran's way," the statement continued.

Shadwell has 13 horses with McLaughlin. Rick Nichols, the vice president and general manager of Shadwell, said earlier that McLaughlin will remain as the trainer of Ajaaweed through the 3-year-old's March 21 start in the TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.

Late Thursday, McLaughlin released a statement about choosing to conclude his career.

"I appreciate everyone's well wishes," he said. "This was a very tough and emotional decision for me and my family, but I am excited for this next step and to represent such a great jockey and even better person in Luis Saez. I have big shoes to fill as his agent (Richard DePass) retires.

"To my owners who have supported me over the last almost 30 years as a trainer, I cannot thank you all enough. I owe an extra special thank you to the Maktoum family and all those involved with the Shadwell and Godolphin teams. I had one of the best jobs in the world working with all of you and will never forget all the great memories. Hoping we will be able to team up in the future to celebrate some big wins!

"To my help, especially my brother Neal and his wife Trish, thank you for everything. We were the best team and I will miss working with all of you every day. Each and every one of you were vital to Kiaran McLaughlin Racing Stable's success. Also, a big thank you to the blacksmiths, vets, jockeys, shipping companies, racetrack employees, etc. that have been there supporting me throughout my career.

"I love horse racing and just because my training career may have ended, that passion will never change. I'm thrilled for this opportunity! Racing is truly one big family and I am happy to continue to be a part of this family just in a different capacity moving forward."

McLaughlin also has 13 Godolphin horses in his stable, including two starters in March 7 graded stakes: Endorsed in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) and Spa City in the Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby (G2).

Jimmy Bell, the president of Sheikh Mohammed's American arm of Godolphin, said a decision on a trainer is "being worked through at this time" and could be made by March 9.