George Teague has earned a remarkable reputation in the horse racing industry, known for his ability to develop world-class champions from horses he acquired at a fraction of the market price. His success stems from a combination of keen instinct, a sharp eye for pedigree and overall appearance, and a deep understanding of equine conditioning, as attested by stable veterinarian Dr. Denise McNitt, who states, “there’s nobody better at conditioning a horse than George Teague!” This strategic approach laid the groundwork for the arrival of a dream colt, born and bred at Teague’s own stables.
Teague’s philosophy emphasizes the dam’s lineage, often tracing multiple generations to identify a history of winners and producers. This meticulous process led him to breed his mare, Mozzi Hanover, with his stallion, Mr. Wiggles. The resulting offspring was Wiggle It JiggleIt, a gelding who would go on to achieve extraordinary success, amassing over $3.4 million in earnings and winning 35 out of his 46 starts. Dr. McNitt further describes him as “a very determined horse, with a big, huge respiratory capacity,” highlighting the exceptional physical attributes that contributed to his racing prowess.
A defining moment in Wiggle It JiggleIt’s career, and indeed in harness racing history, was his victory in the 70th Little Brown Jug in 2015. Often hailed as the greatest harness race ever, Wiggle It JiggleIt clinched a dramatic win over rival Lost For Words by a mere nose. In an electrifying display of grit and determination, both horses maintained a blistering pace, visibly tiring as they rounded the final turn. However, Wiggle It JiggleIt dug deep, refusing to yield and ultimately securing the coveted title. This triumph was not only a personal milestone for the horse but also a historic achievement for George Teague, Montrell, and Clyde Francis, marking them as the first Black owner, driver, and trainer to win the prestigious race. The victory solidified Wiggle It JiggleIt’s status as one of the sport’s greatest pacers, earning him the 2015 Harness Horse of the Year title. Teague, reflecting on his exceptional horses, compared Wiggle It JiggleIt to his other standout, Rainbow Blue: “Rainbow Blue and Wiggle It JiggleIt are totally different, but they both know how good they are. She intimidated horses before the race with her size and presence. Wiggle It, however, came up and surprised a lot of people.” Dr. McNitt aptly summarized the team’s role: “our job is to support him and stay out of his way! It’s been fun to be a part of his story.”
George Teague’s ability to secure two Horse of the Year honors, a feat few achieve, is a testament to his unique approach. His success appears to be rooted in cultivating an environment where greatness can flourish, driven by intangibles like humility and an unwavering work ethic. Teague consistently deflects praise, attributing success to his exceptional team. However, his true leadership qualities shine through in his deep care for the horses and the people at Teague Stables. He views his responsibility as extending beyond the racetrack, stating, “You know, I make decisions everyday that impact the horses and the people in our barn, and I feel responsible to do my part to secure the future of the employees and their families. We are all owners. We are all important to the health of these horses and the success of our business.”
Teague’s leadership style is refreshingly straightforward: “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!” This philosophy of empowering his staff, who begin their demanding six-day-a-week schedule at 4 a.m., fosters a rewarding work environment. “I’ve surrounded myself with friends and people who love horses. So, I just want to make it fun and not manage-down to them,” he explains, emphasizing his commitment to a positive and supportive atmosphere at Teague Stables.
