Sensational Shadow: 1971 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse

Sensational Shadow, a striking black stallion, etched his name in Tennessee Walking Horse history by becoming the 1971 World Grand Champion at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. His journey to the championship was marked by perseverance, multiple trainers, and the unwavering determination of his owners, Roy and Bonnie Davis.

Pedigree and Early Life

Sensational Shadow was foaled on April 15, 1963, in Augusta, Georgia. He was bred by J.L. Dye, Jr. and had a unique lineage that combined some of the finest bloodlines in the Tennessee Walking Horse breed:

Sire: Shadow’s Shadow, who tragically passed away shortly after siring Sensational Shadow.
- Shadow’s Shadow was by Go Boy’s Shadow, a notable sire.
- Dam of Shadow’s Shadow: Go Boy Again, by Merry Go Boy, a two-time World Grand Champion (1947 and 1948).
Dam: Go Boy’s Miss Behavin, by Go Boy Again (a son of Merry Go Boy).

Sensational Shadow was described as a big black stallion with distinctive markings: hind and off fore socks, a star, and a snip.

Ownership and Early Training

The ownership of Sensational Shadow was limited to four individuals:

J.L. Dye, Jr., the breeder, was the original owner.
He was sold to L. Frank Roper of Florida.
As a two-year-old, he was purchased by Roy and Bonnie Davis of Calhoun, Georgia.

The Davises moved Sensational Shadow to their Bel Air Stables in Calhoun, where he began his training.

Early Training

Initially trained by Lightning Gregory in Greenville, South Carolina.
As a three-year-old, he was shown only once by Harold Kennedy, winning the blue ribbon at Cartersville, Georgia.
After Harold Kennedy left Bel Air Stables, Sensational Shadow was moved to Wink Groover Stables in Etowah, Tennessee, where he joined Ace’s Sensation, the eventual 1970 World Grand Champion.

Show Career and Challenges

Sensational Shadow’s journey to the top was not without setbacks. Despite his early promise, it took him four attempts to finally claim the World Grand Championship title.

Junior Season

Under Wink Groover, Sensational Shadow had a strong junior season but a disappointing showing at the Celebration.

1968 (Five-Year-Old Season)

Sensational Shadow was moved to Steve Hill Stables in Beech Grove, Tennessee, and had a successful season leading up to the Celebration.
However, shortly before the Celebration, Steve Hill informed the Davises that he would not show the horse, prompting a last-minute move to Wallace Brandon Stables in Franklin, Tennessee.
Despite the late transition, Wallace tied seventh in the Championship Stake.

1969

Sensational Shadow and Wallace Brandon had a stellar season leading into the Celebration.
They won the Aged Stallion Class, but during the rain-soaked Grand Championship Stake, they tied Reserve World Grand Champion.

1970

Sensational Shadow entered the Celebration as one of the favorites after a strong season.
However, he tied fifth in both the Stallion Class and the Grand Championship Stake.

After the 1970 Celebration, Sensational Shadow was moved to the C.A. Bobo Stables in Shelbyville, Tennessee. This change marked a turning point in his career.

1971: The Championship Year

Under the skilled guidance of C.A. Bobo, Sensational Shadow began the 1971 season with a renewed focus and determination.

Early 1971 Season

The team started strong, winning the Montgomery Southern Championship.
They continued their winning streak with blues at Franklin, Eagleville, and Lewisburg, Tennessee.

The 1971 Celebration

In the Aged Stallion Class, Sensational Shadow and Bobo tied third, setting the stage for a challenging Grand Championship Stake.
On the final night, competing against 21 other aged stallions and performing before nearly 25,000 fans, Sensational Shadow delivered a championship-worthy performance.
The duo swept the field to claim the 1971 World Grand Championship, cementing Sensational Shadow’s place in the record books.

Legacy

Sensational Shadow’s journey to the top is a testament to perseverance, skillful training, and the dedication of his owners and trainers. His story highlights the challenges and triumphs that define the Tennessee Walking Horse world.

Key Takeaways

Unique Pedigree: The only colt sired by Shadow’s Shadow, combining the bloodlines of Go Boy’s Shadow and Merry Go Boy.
Resilient Career: Overcame multiple setbacks, including changes in trainers and disappointing performances, to achieve ultimate success.
Historic Victory: His 1971 championship performance against 21 competitors remains one of the most memorable moments in Celebration history.

Sensational Shadow’s rise to greatness is a shining example of determination, teamwork, and the enduring legacy of the Tennessee Walking Horse breed.