This past Sunday morning, at age 23, Winning Colors was euthanized after complications from colic surgery. She was one of three fillies to win the Kentucky Derby. Her sisters in pride are Regret and Genuine Risk. This good girl was born on Valentine's Day, 1985.
Here is a photo of Winning Colors defeating 49er for the Derby win back in 1988. Before this race, she had won both the Santa Anita Oaks and Santa Anita Derby, and Gary Stevens, her jockey, rode her to the first derby win for her trainer, Wayne Lukas, after 12 tries.
Secretariat's son, Risen Star, then beat her in both the Preakness and Belmont, but her record still shines! She won the 1988 Eclipse Award for Champion 3 year-old filly.
Lukas said of her, "Of all the horses that we had in our stable, and we've been blessed with some good ones, she was probably the one that was closest to Jeff (Lukas' son)." Jeff assisted his dad in preparing Winning Colors in preparing for her Derby win.
She passed hands a few times when she retired, but was a good broodmare and well beloved. Rest in Peace, you champion girl!