The 1988 Breeders’ Cup

The Breeders’ Cup came to Kentucky for the first time, and on a rain swept day at Churchill Downs, racing fans witnessed some of the greatest performers and performances in the sport’s history. Among the many standouts was the French filly Miesque, who became the first horse to win two Breeders’ Cup races, capturing the Mile for the second year in a row. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas becoming the first trainer to win three Breeders’ Cup races on a single card and Alysheba, who under dark skies won the Classic, (dubbed the “Midnight Classic”) to capture the Horse of the Year title.  But the day’s most dramatic moment came in the Distaff, where the undefeated Personal Ensign, appearing hopelessly beaten at the top of the stretch, somehow gathered herself and closed stoutly on Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors and prevailed by a head. For years, the 1988 Distaff would remain the signature moment of the Breeders’ Cup.