Setting the Pace at Teague Stables
Wiggle It JiggleIt
George Teague, Jr. Discusses Life at Teague Stables,
Home of the 2015 Harness Horse of the Year
Wiggle It JiggleIt took harness racing by storm last year and continues to thrill fans every time he runs. The 2015 Harness Horse of the Year, being referred to as perhaps the best Standardbred ever, is continuing to rack up wins and is taking the team at Teague Stables on the ride of their lives.
The man at the middle of Teague Stables is a veteran of the sport often called “the working man’s racing”. Renown for his instincts when it comes to breeding great horses and his talent for conditioning them, his greatest strength may be how he leads the people around him to be better, and that seems to be paying dividends at the track.
“I know that our success depends on our horses and our people. I hire good people.
I just let them do what they do—work hard and take care of the horses!”
— George Teague, Jr., Owner of Teague Stables & Wiggle It JiggleIt
Rainbow Blue
Success occurred periodically early in George’s career, punctuated with a filly he both drove and co-owned named Rainbow Blue. "Even though I’ve had a little success since then, she was the first one that put me on the map," remembers Teague. After winning 20 races in 21 starts and earning more than $1.19 million — (a single season record in earnings by a 3-year-old filly pacer), Rainbow Blue was honored as the 2004 Harness Horse of the Year. She went on to win 30 of 32 starts in her career. Not knowing what the future held with the amazing gelding Wiggle It JiggleIt, he said of Rainbow Blue, "I hope I get another one as great as her someday."
“Our job is to support him and stay out of his way! It’s been fun to be a part of his story.”
— Dr. Denise McNitt, Teague Stables' Veterinarian said about Wiggle It JiggleIt
Harness Racing Jargon
The Crew
Today, George Teague spends his days excited about the next race his 4-year-old pacer is being prepared for. Teague Stables is full of “family” members like Wiggle It’s trainer, Clyde Francis, who has been friends with George since childhood. It was Clyde that first noticed potential in the young gelding.
"Big Mike" Taylor is the groom and has been taking care of Wiggle It JiggleIt since he was born. Mike is also the only person charged with handling him in the winner’s circle, where the gelding is frequently unruly after the excitement of a win.
George’s son, Montrell, is the driver on the team who has stepped up with poise to the responsibility of having a great horse. He’s had success with several other horses as well, but early on some criticized George for putting his son at the reins of his promising gelding. But the elder Teague knew that “greatness comes with opportunity." The younger Teague has responded by handling the pressure with hard work, confidence and humility. According to George, "the best part of having Wiggle It is that I get to share the experience with Montrell. How many fathers get to throw a pass in the Super Bowl to their son at wide receiver?" It’s obvious George is a proud father but not only because of Montrell’s success as a driver. "He’s a good young man, works hard, is quiet by nature and a good listener. I can hand the lines to him and have total confidence. I live for the moment to see him do well," says George.
Dr. Denise McNitt is also a regular presence at Teague Stables and closely monitors all the horses. She’s the person that recommended that Teague Stables supplement the horse with Platinum Performance® Equine Wellness formula to help maintain health and support his immune system. With a long race season that requires a lot of shipping, she knew it would help him maintain health, soundness and recovery after races. As George said, "it made a difference right away. Denise pulled blood on him every 1-2 weeks and his levels were consistently good." McNitt added, "Wiggle It showed so much stamina. He was at peak racing condition from January through November, and that’s a pretty rare thing." When Teague saw the results he got with Platinum, he put the rest of the barn on it. "Now, every horse gets it 7 days a week!"
Wiggle It JiggleIt Team
The Future
The hope is that Wiggle It JiggleIt stays healthy and keeps racing for many years. "He’ll let us know when he gets tired of racing," says the owner. "He’s just so much fun to watch do his thing." Wiggle It JiggleIt also has two full siblings, both fillies. One is a growing 2-year old. The other is a spunky yearling. So, there is even more to be excited about in the future for Teague Stables.
When asked about how he feels about being the first black man to own a Little Brown Jug winner, he says proud, "I envisioned myself succeeding, believed in my gifts, recognized good horses and I think we worked harder. People thought we were crazy! I think we’ve shown them that everyone has a chance to own a Wiggle It JiggleIt. Anyone can be George Teague. That’s what I’m proud of."