A multiple graded stakes winner and regally bred, Midcourt (9yo gelding by Champion Midnight Lute and out of the Grade 1-winning mare Mayo on the Side) was one of the best of his generation as a racehorse and is well on his way to being a phenomenal sport horse as well.

Midcourt is a stunning individual – his beautiful conformation helped him bring $450,000 as a yearling at the Keeneland September Sale – and as he matured, he only got bigger and more physically impressive. As a racehorse, he was known for being a bit quirky (which I would describe as emotionally sensitive). Once he got into the barn of trainer John Shirreffs, who took his time developing the horse (including going back to the basics and putting a solid foundation of groundwork on him), he was nearly unstoppable, winning the Native Diver (G3), San Pasqual (G2) and several others, as well as placing in a handful of Grade 1s.

When it came time for Midcourt to retire, John wanted to be sure he went to someone who would give him time to transition to the next phase of life (and deal with his quirks if and when they arise), and I was honored to get the opportunity. As requested, I’ve taken my time to bring Midcourt along, and I’ve been rewarded with a horse that is as fun to ride as he is beautiful to look at. He's turned into such a "yes" horse and curious and eager to learn.

Midcourt is a lovely mover with a swinging walk, big, expressive trot (that is surprisingly comfortable compared to how springy it looks) and a lovely, rhythmic canter. He is light in the bridle, but forward (in a self-propelled way, not a rushy or “take off with you” kind of way). He appreciates a rider who is soft with their hands and communicates effectively with all aids – hands, legs, seat and voice. While he is a horse that “has the look of eagles,” and always taking in his surroundings, he is not spooky or timid.

He has been working on flatwork and pole/cavaletti work to develop suppleness and flexibility, as well as dressage and has developed a lovely shape when in work. He has been started over small fences (trotting up to and cantering out of crossrails and small verticals, as well as small natural obstacles) and is putting together courses with simple changes (and is working on balanced flying changes in his flatwork). He is an extremely smart horse, but appreciates fully understanding what is being asked of him, so initially I tended to take things just a tick slower with him than I would with most others. That helped him develop into a very quick learner. Once he understands a concept, he retains it and only gets better each time we work on it. He’s the kind of horse that picks up right where you left off from one ride to the next, whether it’s from one day to the next or if he gets a few days off.

Midcourt has schooled in indoor and outdoor arenas, as well as open trail and has gone cross-country schooling several times and he’s handled the experiences with ease, tying to the trailer to be tacked/untacked, standing for mounting and walking around unfamiliar properties before and after arena schooling.

Recently, Midcourt also went to his first show, a local hunter/jumper schooling show, and handled it just as well as he has every other outing. He has also been learning to ride bridleless, which has made him even more responsive to leg and seat cues, as well as more laterally supple.

In addition, Midcourt has been used by several students for riding lessons recently and has been the perfect gentleman. Group settings don’t seem to phase him.

Midcourt is athletic enough for a professional, but easy enough for a good riding junior or adult amateur to bring along under the supervision of a trainer. He’s a nice enough mover to be well-suited to dressage, but has no limitations for other equestrian sports that involve jumping.

He is currently priced at $14,000 (trial rides and PPEs welcome). His racing connections would appreciate him going to someone who is willing to send them updates of his progress in off-track life, and were even kind enough to pass on a gift from his racing career for whomever buys him.

First ride: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/T_PEMa7wztI

XC Schooling and Flatting: https://youtu.be/mSCeodSukyw?si=ZMvyVUJPcgPYDlUg

Updated flatwork and bridleless: https://youtu.be/3je3FmOsuoI?si=J83Ode6qdWfEeaa8