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BACK ON TRACK
~ THE STORY OF PERSONAL ENSIGN - AN UNDEFEATED CHAMPION ~
Personal Ensign was foaled in Lexington, Kentucky in 1984. A lanky bay filly, she won her first race in a spectacular 13-length victory. When at age two, she fractured her left rear pastern during training, her promising career was feared over - until veterinarians repaired the broken bone with four stainless-steel screws. Surgical implementation screws were developed through animal research, for use in human orthopedic surgery. Equine vets learned from human surgeries how to implant the screws to help horses. As a result of the research, Personal Ensign was soon back on track.
This remarkable Thoroughbred won multiple prestigious races, including the Shuvee, Hempstead, Maskette, Whitney Handicap, Rare Perfume Stakes, Molly Pitcher Handicap and Beldame. But the defining race of her life was her stunning victory on the muddy track of the 1988 Breeder's Cup. There were nine horses in the running at Churchill Downs that day - only three of which were given any chance to win: Personal Ensign, Winning Colors and Goodbye Halo.
Winning Colors took an early lead and stayed out in front into the final stretch. With only 110 yards to go, Personal Ensign appeared to decide that she would rather retire as an undefeated champion than lose to the reigning Kentucky Derby champion. In an historic display of strength, heart and courage, the filly pushed herself to the limit to win her final race by a nose!
Ten years later, Personal Ensign almost died during a complicated labor. Veterinarians saved her life with surgery to repair a torn uterus, and treatment for a severe abdominal infection. Personal Ensign is living proof that biomedical research plays a vital role in advancing veterinary health.
Photo credit: Cheryl Manista
Personal Ensign was trained by Shug McGaughey. Her regular jockey was Randy Romero and her groom was Terry Cooney. During her racing career she was owned by Ogden Phipps.
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