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AQHA Superior Race Horse and Sire Royal Shake Em Died in February
Multiple Grade 1 winner and sire Royal Shakem Em died on February 14.

© Don Shugart
AQHA Superior Race Horse and Sire Royal Shake Em Died in February

MERIDAN, TX–MARCH 13, 2024–Adam Conrad of Stone Oak Ranch posted the following tribute to Royal Shake Em on his Facebook page:

"Royal Shake Em passed peacefully on February 14 and was laid to rest at our ranch in Meridian, Texas.  He was 30 years old and leaves behind a legacy few stallions ever dream to match.

"Foaled in March 1994 by the incomparable Walter Merrick, and purchased by the Vallejo family as a yearling, there were high expectations for him from birth.  By Royal Quick Dash and out of Broodmare of the Year Shake Em Six, you could only expect greatness.  And boy, did he deliver!

 "He won or placed in 21 of 26 career starts, earning $257,009 and a speed index of 104.  This includes winning the Sam Houston Futurity (G1) and the Longhorn Futurity (G1) and placing second in the All American Derby (G1). 

"Upon retirement, he entered the breeding barn under the care of Ronnie Stewart for many years.  To anyone who ever visited Double S Farm, the deep connection between horse and man was evident.  Under Ronnie's care and vision, Royal Shake Em would go on to prove himself not only a champion, but a sire of champions.  Countless foals across all disciplines have won over $13,000,000, and his daughters have begun to produce even more.  These offspring and descendants include Royal Sissy Irish (dam of the all-time highest-earning barrel horse, "Sister" DM Sissy Hayday), Dash For Cash Futurity (G1) winner I Make Em Shake ($338,287), and countless others. 

"We were fortunate enough to be able to care for Royal Shake Em the past few years of his life.  Having a living legend reside in our barn was one of the highlights of our career, and we will deeply miss walking up to see this gentle soul peeping out of his stall for attention. 

Thank you Ronnie Stewart, Ricardo Vallejo, Ricardo Alonso Vallejo, Tigh Cowan and Breelyn Cowan for the opportunity to let Royal Shake Em live out his golden years here at Stone Oak Ranch."

Royal Shake Em was a 1994 gray stallion who earned his AQHA Superior Race Horse title in 1997. He sired 1,483 registered foals in 24 crops.