Chelokee

Chelokee
Sire	Cherokee Run
Grandsire	Runaway Groom
Dam	Dixie Ghost
Damsire	Silver Ghost
Sex	Stallion
Foaled	2004
Country	United States
Colour	Black
Breeder	Foley Farms Bloodstock
Owner	Centennial Farms
Trainer	Michael Matz
Record	10: 5-1-2
Earnings	US$386,685
Major wins
American Classic Race wins: Northern Dancer Stakes (2008) Barbaro Stakes (2008)
Horse (Equus ferus caballus)

Chelokee (foaled April 15, 2004 in Florida) is an American Thoroughbred racehorse. Bred by Foley Farms Bloodstock, he was sired by multiple stakes winner Cherokee Run. He was out of the mare Dixie Ghost, who is the daughter of Mississippi Dixie by Dixie Bandland, and traces directly back to Northern Dancer, Nearco, Nashua, and Man o' War.

At three, Chelokee won the Northern Dancer Breeders Cup Stakes (Grade 3) , the inaugural Barbaro Stakes and placed third in the Florida Derby (Grade 1). During the running of the 2008 Alysheba Stakes, Chelokee suffered a career ending injury when he slipped and broke his ankle going down the stretch. Chelokee was rushed to the Equine Hospital were surgeons successfully repaired his shattered ankle.

With his racing career over and now having a deformed ankle, Chelokee was sent to stud at Tom Simon’s Vinery in Lexington, KY. Chelokee successfully covered 24 mares in 2009, but having an injury that prevented him to be put out to pasture and a hoof which required a special glue on shoe and 24 hour care.

Chelokee's owner, Centennial Farms decided to donate him to the University of Arizona's Equine Center in Tucson. At the center, faculty and students could care for him 24 hours a day; there he can get all the love and medical attention he would require. Chelokee will be implemented to the schools Thoroughbred breeding program which is part of the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program (RTIP).

"Everybody was excited about this plan, because we knew it's a great home and that the students would fall in love with him. He's got a great personality and is a beautiful individual" - Centennial President Don Little Jr

References

• Chelokee Pedigree and Picture
• Thoroughbred Times Article