WELCOME TO
Sure Thing Stables
It's a Sure Thing.
From Fans & Friends to Thoroughbred Ownership
Sure Thing Stables, LLC is a thoroughbred racing partnership built on a shared passion for horse racing, competitive spirit and lasting friendships.
With a history of success at some of the nation's premier racetracks, we're proud to bring together the excitement of thoroughbred ownership and the camaraderie that makes this sport so unique and special.
ABOUT US
At Sure Thing Stables, our story began the same way many great racing stories do—as fans of the sport.
What started as a shared love of horse racing among friends quickly grew into something more. We took our first step into thoroughbred ownership through a claiming partnership in the Chicago area, learning the business firsthand and experiencing the unmatched excitement of watching a horse you own step onto the track.
We were hooked.
Before long, we set our sights higher. We wanted to compete beyond the claiming ranks and pursue maiden special weight, allowance, and stakes-level racing. That vision led us to privately acquire horses and reconnect with Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Barclay Tagg and his longtime assistant, Robin Tagg (Smullen).
From there, Sure Thing Stables was born.
Unbelievable Dream - Photo Courtesy Barbara D. Livingston
A History in the Winner's Circle
Our ownership experience dates back to the early 2000s. In 2005, we celebrated our first victory at Saratoga with Dancy's Angel—a moment that confirmed exactly why we fell in love with this sport.
Our first stakes victory followed in 2008 when Groomed for Victory captured the Screenland Stakes.
Then, in 2013, our homebred Unbelievable Dream delivered one of the greatest moments of our racing lives, winning the Grade 3 Appalachian Stakes at Keeneland. It remains a highlight we'll never forget.
After taking a break from ownership following the COVID-19 outbreak, we knew our story in racing wasn't finished.
Now, we're back.
The Next Chapter
Sure Thing Stables has returned to the sport with the same passion, excitement, and competitive spirit that brought us together in the first place.
Our newest chapter begins with First to Engage, a two-year-old colt purchased at the Fasig-Tipton Sale in May 2026. Bred to be a "Sure Thing", he's ready to hit the track and prove it.
With races in New York on the horizon, we're looking forward to the races ahead and to experiencing the thrill of ownership all over again.
Our Founding Owners
Mike McGuire — Managing Member | Illinois
Mike Springer — Texas
Roland Dancy — Arkansas
Patrick Donahue — Pennsylvania
Experience the Excitement of Ownership
At Sure Thing Stables, racing is about more than the winner's circle.
It's about the anticipation before a race. The excitement of seeing your colors on the track. The friendships built along the way. And the unforgettable moments shared with people who love the sport just as much as you do.
Our focus is simple: the excitement of ownership, the thrill of racing, and having a great time with old and new friends.
Interested in thoroughbred ownership and racing?
We'd love to hear from you.
Mike MCGuire
847-207-0202
Get ready for fun. Get ready for excitement. Get ready for racing.
Welcome to Sure Thing Stables.