Whimsical and My Girls!

The second filly to ever win the Preakness Stakes was Whimsical in 1906, a few years after the first winner, Flocarline. I think the New York Times captured the spirit of her win with this headline: "Whimsical easily won the Preakness Stake, T.J. Gaynor's Filly Made her Own Pace and Romped in First." The text of the news item said that she was strong through the whole race and took command going in front of the stands, whereupon she "galloped in front at her ease." Another filly was in that race too, Flip Flap, and was also a powerful runner. I love the names of both these girls!

The Whimsical Stakes for older mares at Pimlico Race Course is named after her and raced on Preakness weekend.

Whimsical is listed as having one son, Whimsy out of Burgomaster. My girls are related to her through her sire, Orlando, and from her mother, Kismet, they share Hindoo, Touchstone, and Voltigeur. I couldn't find a picture of her, so you can have one of my darling Rory and Jackie.

Breaking News! Rags to Riches Only Living Triple Crown Filly

Here's a photo by Terence Dulay after Rags won the Belmont Stakes for her family. Here is some important news: Now that Winning Colors has passed, Rags to Riches is the only living filly to have won either the Kentucky Derby, Preakness or Belmont Stakes. She is a precious, precious girl.

Here's some history. Of the 112 fillies to have run in any of the jewels, only 10 have won. Of the 38 fillies to run in the Kentucky Derby since 1875, only three won: Regret (1915), Genuine Risk (1980) and our recently dearly departed Winning Colors (1988).

Of the 52 fillies to run in the Preakness Stakes since 1873, only four have won: Flocarline (1903), Whimsical (1906), Rhine Maiden (1915), and Nellie Morse (1924).

Of the 21 fillies to run in the Belmont Stakes since 1867, only three have won: Ruthless (1867), Tanya (1905), and Rags to Riches (2007).

1915 would have been a fun year -- two girls taking the Kentucky Derby and Preakness!

Bless the strong champion hearts of these good girls and their 102 other big-hearted racing sisters.