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Hi! I'm Clark Shepherd.

I offer my expertise as a bloodstock agent, sales consultant, and pedigree analyst to assist in breeding or purchasing superior thoroughbred racehorses through sound pedigree principles, horsemanship, and consistent implementation of well-designed plans. Check out the resources I offer below and sign up for my newsletter!

Featured Post

Two Winning Thoroughbreds and One Secret Behind Their Success

Hello! It’s been a great past week at Fair Grounds! Two client horses just had big wins. First up: Fine Finish. This two-year-old filly crushed her race, winning by 4 1/2 lengths in a $57,230 Allowance Optional Claiming event. She’s the result of a carefully designed OPTIMAL Mating, blending speed and stamina. Her success proves how the right breeding choices can help make all the difference. Read the full story here: Fine Finish Powers to Victory in Fair Grounds Showcase Next: Gilded Ruler....

Hello! Want to get the best bids on your foals? Breeding thoroughbreds isn’t just about strong bloodlines anymore. Today, it’s all about breeding for what buyers actually want. Buyers at auction are picky. They look for specific traits and/or pedigrees. If your foal doesn’t match what they’re looking for, it could get overlooked. With Keeneland’s November Breeding Stock Sale next week, now is the time to get a clear plan. I’ve put together a guide that shows you how to breed with a...

Hello! Most breeders obsess over sire lines. But here’s the truth no one talks about—focusing solely on the stallion means you’re overlooking 50% of the foal’s genetics. The dam contributes just as much to traits like stamina, soundness, and mental toughness. If you skip her, you’re throwing away half your potential. Ask yourself: Would you make a major investment without reviewing all the data? Probably not. So why are you gambling with your foal’s future by ignoring the dam’s influence?...

Hello! The thoroughbred industry is full of potential – but only if you know where to look. One of the biggest mistakes I see? Relying on flashy pedigrees without digging into the details that truly matter. Many investors are fixated on famous sires while ignoring critical elements, like the dam’s line or stamina bloodlines. They’re betting on half the equation and risking their investment. You’ve seen it happen: the flashy horse with a great name that fizzles out on the track. Without...

Hello! Holding onto a losing horse investment? It’s like trying to bail out a sinking ship—no matter how much time or money you’ve poured in, it just keeps sinking. Many investors hold on too long, hoping for a turnaround that never comes. Sound familiar? Every day you wait, the financial hole gets deeper. Training fees pile up, vet bills increase, and all the while, your horse still isn't delivering. The emotional attachment and fear of loss keep you stuck—pouring more money into a losing...

Hello! Most people dive into thoroughbred racing or breeding with passion, but without a solid budget, that passion quickly turns into a financial mess. Costs you never anticipated—like vet bills, transportation, or training—start piling up, and suddenly, you're bleeding cash. It doesn’t take long before you’re faced with missed opportunities and financial headaches. You can’t afford to play it loose with money here. The best investors aren't the ones with the deepest pockets; they’re the...

Hello! Most new investors make the same costly mistakes at thoroughbred auctions: they show up unprepared, overspend, and let emotions drive their bidding. Sound familiar? Picture this: you’ve set a budget, but in the heat of the auction, you get swept up and end up overpaying for a horse. It’s a mistake that can cost you thousands and leave you regretting your decision. The key to mastering thoroughbred auctions isn’t years of experience—it’s simple preparation and discipline. Research the...

Hello! The world of thoroughbred investment is daunting. Everywhere you turn, you’re met with conflicting advice and complex jargon that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, the fear of overpaying or missing out on golden opportunities is real. Imagine investing in a horse, only to find out you’ve overpaid or that its value plummets before you can act. Or, picture a scenario where you missed the chance to invest in a future winner...

Hello! Investing in thoroughbreds can be a thrilling adventure. But let’s be honest—without the right guidance, that excitement can quickly spiral into confusion and costly mistakes. New investors often feel overwhelmed by the complexities of the industry, leading to poor decisions and financial loss. Imagine walking into a yearling sale, unsure of what makes a horse a good investment. The jargon, the risks, the strategies—it’s easy to get lost and make hasty decisions that could cost you...

Hello! Are you tired of making poor investment choices and losing money in the thoroughbred industry? You're not alone. Many investors, both new and experienced, face these challenges. Think about missing important changes in racing rules or not knowing which horses have winning pedigrees. These mistakes can cost you a lot and hold you back from success. But you can avoid these pitfalls. With years of experience, I've found three simple habits that can make a big difference: Read Industry...