Shakamaker was a 1995 colt, sired by Bookmaker (USA) from the mare Shakira.
He was purchased by his owners John and Glenys Wolfe from the APG sale for $3500.
Trained by John Justice, Shakamaker finished second on debut as a two-year-old before winning his next six starts including the Tatlow Stakes at Moonee Valley. Winning the 1998 Australian Pacing Gold 2YO Final at Harold Park earned him an additional $125,000.
After the debut second, his next 24 starts produced 18 wins and six placings.
As a three-year-old, Shakamaker won 12 of his 17 starts including the Western Australian and South Australian Derbies, Vicbred final and APG 3YO Final.
At four, Shakamaker created history by winning the first $1 million harness event in the southern hemisphere, the 2000 Melbourne Inter Dominion at Moonee Valley.
Shakamaker added another Vicbred Final, two Legends Miles, Tasmanian Championship, Victoria Cup and South Australia Cup to his tally.
He was retired to stud early in 2003 after an unsuccessful Inter Dominion campaign in New Zealand with a career record of 46 wins (22 at Moonee Valley) and 22 placings from 81 starts for earnings of $2,229,634, making him at the time Australasia’s richest pacer.
Shakamaker was the 1998 Australian 2YO Pacer of the Year, 2000 Australian 4YO and older Pacer of the Year and 2000 Australian Harness Horse of the Year.
He stood at stud for 10 seasons, but had a modest career siring 33 winners from 139 foals.
Shakamaker passed away at his owner’s Ballarat farm aged 23 in May 2019.
Read more: Vale Shakamaker
WATCH: John Justice accepts the nomination
