Doug Daniels’ Shelly Island Kicks Off Preakness Card At Pimlico With A Win

Congratulations to Virginia horse owner Douglas Daniels, whose three-year-old gelding Shelly Island kicked off Preakness day festivities at Pimlico with a big win the first race!

Shelly Island (inside) defeats Cyclobomb (outside) in the first race at Pimlico on Preakness Day. Photo by Jim McCue.

The son of Caleb’s Posse was best in a $37,000 maiden claiming event that featured 13 horses. Shelly Island was in eighth at the 3/8ths mark, moved to fifth at the top of the stretch, then came on strong to beat Cyclobomb by 1 1/4 lengths at the finish. The victor completed the five furlong turf race in :58.07.

Richmond area horse owner Doug Daniels is shown in the winners circle at PImlico after Shelly Island kicked off the card with a win.

The Kentucky-bred is out of Whywhywhy mare, Zennin Girl. With the victory, Shelly Island has earned $40,500 in purse monies. John Salzman trains for Daniels, whose stable name is Virginia Equine, PLLC.