Shug McGaughey has been one of the premier trainers in America for more than 30 years, predominantly as the private trainer for the vaunted Phipps Stable, along with a few select outside clients.

A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Claude R. “Shug” McGaughey has been the Phipps family’s trainer since November 1985. In that time, he has developed seven champions for the Phippses as well as Honor Code for William S. Farish and Queena for Emory Hamilton. Five McGaughey charges have gone on to induction in the National Racing Hall of Fame.

In 2013, McGaughey captured the Kentucky Derby for the first time with Orb, who peaked in the Run for the Roses to cap a streak of five consecutive victories. In 2019, McGaughey finished second in the Derby again with Code of Honor, who went on to sweep the Grade 1 Travers Stakes and Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes.

West Point runner Integration winning the 2023 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs: