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The battle for Horse of the Year was full of drama in 1988. Winning Colors stunned the racing world by winning The Kentucky Derby, while Risen Star rallied to impressively win the Preakness and the Belmont (the Belmont in a fashion similar to his legendary sire, SECRETARIAT) but was retired immediately after the latter race's conclusion. Meanwhile, Personal Ensign finished in style with an amazing stretch run in the Distaff to nip Winning Colors (the 2nd time she beat Winning Colors that year after the Maskette) at the wire, completing a stunning career at 13-0. Her 4 year old campaign saw her run 7-0, with 6 grade 1 victories as well as a win against the boys in the slop in the Whitney. Her stiffest competition for Horse of the Year turned out to be Alysheba. The 1987 Kentucky Derby winner and son of Alydar entered the Classic with a record of 6 wins in 8 starts as a 4 year old, including impressive tallies in the Strub, the Big Cap, the Woodward, and the Iselin while battling it out with talented competition like FortyNiner, Slew City Slew, Bet Twice, Gulch, and 1986 Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand. The bottom line was only an Alysheba victory could keep Horse of the Year from Personal Ensign. Watch the drama unfold at Churchill Downs:

This was the last race of his career, and with this dramatic win Alysheba secured 1988 Horse of the Year honors. He also topped John Henry's career earnings mark, establishing a record of $6,679,242.

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