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Background Check: Personal Ensign

In this continuing series, we examine the past winners of significant filly/mare races by the lasting influence they've had on the breed. Up today is Saratoga's GI Personal Ensign S., renamed in 1998 to honor the undefeated Hall of Fame Phipps mare.

Originally known as the Firenze H. and then the John A. Morris H., the Personal Ensign dates to 1948. While members of the Phipps family have won six editions of the race which now holds one of the greatest names associated with the stable, Personal Ensign never actually ran in the contest.

In 1987, when the great mare was three, she had not yet returned to the races from a broken pastern bone in her left rear leg sustained as a juvenile. That year's race was run on Aug. 30; Personal Ensign would not come back until a week later in a Belmont allowance, her first start in nearly 11 months. The race would also miss the champion's dance card in 1988, but for a very different reason. She was fresh off a win over males in the GI Whitney S. just three weeks prior.

The transcendent mare's champion granddaughter, Storm Flag Flying (Storm Cat), did win the Personal Ensign S. in 2004. Like her legendary granddam, she was a Phipps homebred raised at Claiborne Farm and trained by Shug McGaughey.

Not only was Personal Ensign an unblemished champion on the racetrack, she also was named Broodmare of the Year in 1996. She produced one champion, three Grade I winners, and a dynasty through her daughters that is still churning out major winners today, including 2023's GISW Arabian Lion (Justify), who is set to run in Saturday's GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial S., and GSW Major Dude (Bolt d'Oro).

Following are highlights of some of the most important Personal Ensign winners by what impact they've had on the sport through their sons and daughters.

Cavorting (2012, Bernardini–Promenade Girl, by Carson City), bred by Swettenham Stud: A mare this young with two stakes winners to her name wouldn't normally make a list of matriarchs, but one of her foals is Clairiere (Curlin), a four-time GISW and 5-2 morning-line second choice in this year's Personal Ensign.

Heavenly Prize (1991, Seeking the Gold–Oh What a Dance, by Nijinsky II), bred by Ogden Phipps: This Phipps homebred and Hall of Famer produced MGISW Good Reward (Storm Cat), as well as GSW and good sire Pure Prize (Storm Cat). Her descendants include GISW Persistently (Smoke Glacken), a 2010 Personal Ensign winner for Phipps Stable, as well as more recent GISWs Instilled Regard (Arch) and Queen Goddess (Empire Maker).

Number (1979, Nijinsky II–Special, by Forli {Arg}), bred by Claiborne Farm: Japanese champion and MG1SW Gold Dream (Jpn) (Gold Allure {Jpn}), Breeders' Cup and GI Met Mile winner Corinthian (Pulpit), French G1 winner and Japanese sire Jade Robbery (Mr. Prospector), and a 'number' of other graded performers trace to this incredibly well-bred mare from one of the most 'special' families in the stud book.

Relaxing (1976, Buckpasser–Marking Time, by To Market), bred by Ogden Phipps: How fitting that this mare's greatest son would be bred to Personal Ensign, resulting in that mare's greatest daughter, My Flag. This 1989 Broodmare of the Year produced champion and Classic winner Easy Goer (Alydar), as well as GI winners Cadillacing (Alydar) and Easy Now (Danzig). Her descendants include GISW Strolling Along (Danzig), MGSW Cat Cay (Pleasant Colony), and MGSW & MGISP Abaco (Giant's Causeway).

1980 winner Relaxing's son Easy Goer was the sire of Breeders' Cup winner My Flag (outside), a filly out of Personal Ensign who would produce 2004 Personal Ensign winner Storm Flag Flying | Horsephotos

Sugar Plum Time (1972, Bold Ruler–Plum Cake, by Ponder), bred by Calumet Farm: A number of big winners trace to this mare, who was the first Phipps mare to win the then-Firenze, although she wasn't a homebred. Among her descendants are GISWs Grand Slam (Gone West), Christmas Kid (Lemon Drop Kid), and Kudos (Kris S.); MGSW Christmas Gift (Green Desert); and MSW & MGISP Bright Candles (El Gran Senor).

Kittiwake (1968, Sea Bird {Fr}–Ole Liz, by Double Jay), bred by Martin Andersen: This bay Florida-bred produced French G1SW Kitwood (Nureyev), six-time GISW Miss Oceana (Alydar), and MGSW & GISP Larida (Northern Dancer). Among the top horses tracing to her are European champion and MG1SW Dawn Approach (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}), GISW Aruna (Mr. Greeley), and English G1SW Magic of Life (Seattle Slew).

Obeah (1965, Cyane–Book of Verse, by One Count), bred by Bertram N. Linder: There may not be a big placeholder for this mare in the breeding annals as her two best foals to make it to the breeding shed–MGSW/MGISP Dance Spell (Northern Dancer) and GSW/GISP Discorama (Northern Dancer)–weren't able to leave a significant mark. Regardless, this mare will forever command a special place in racing due to her beloved champion daughter Go for Wand (Deputy Minister), who was lost too soon.

Straight Deal (1962, Hail to Reason–No Fiddling, by King Cole), bred by Bieber-Jacobs Stable: Desiree (Raise a Native) was the sole Grade I winner produced by this champion, whose multi-year racing campaigns meant she didn't have her first foal until age 10. However, her daughters certainly gave her an assist, with descendants including MGISW Adored (Seattle Slew); Breeders' Cup winner Dangerous Midge (Lion Heart); GISWs Qualify (Danzig), Scorpion (Seattle Slew), and Alwajeeha (Dixieland Band); MGSW and good sire Belong to Me (Danzig); and popular MGSW and GI Kentucky Derby runner-up Eight Belles (Unbridled's Song).

Blue Banner (1952, War Admiral–Risque Blue, by Blue Larkspur), bred by Mrs. John D. Hertz: This lovely bay produced a Broodmare of the Year in Key Bridge (Princequillo {GB}), who in turn produced Horse of the Year Fort Marcy (Amerigo {GB}), champion and influential sire Key to the Mint (Graustark), additional GISW Key to Content (Forli {Arg}), and GSW Key to the Kingdom (Bold Ruler). Others tracing to the then-Firenze winner include European champion and MG1SW Silver Patriarch (Ire) (Saddlers' Hall {Ire}), English highweight and G1SW Papineau (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}), and Brazilian champion Mensageiro Alado (Brz) (Ghadeer {Fr}).

Rare Treat (1952, Stymie–Rare Perfume, by Eight Thirty), bred by Erdenheim Farms Co: Among her descendants are European champion and G1 Epsom Derby winner Golden Fleece (Nijinsky II); U.S. champion What a Treat (Tudor Minstrel {Ire}); French G1SWs Mandaean (GB) (Manduro {Ger}) and Wavering (Ire) (Refuse To Bend {Ire}); U.S. GISWs Victory Speech (Deputy Minister) and Ida Delta (Graustark); and European MGSW Be My Guest (Northern Dancer), England's leading sire in 1982.

Parlo (1951, Heliopolis {GB}–Fairy Palace, by Pilate), bred by William duPont, Jr.: Horse of the Year Arts and Letters (Ribot {GB}), champion Silverbulletday (Silver Deputy), MGISW Waquoit (Relaunch), and Chilean champion All Glory (Honour and Glory) are among the top horses that trace to this diminutive chestnut, who also produced Broodmare of the Year All Beautiful (Battlefield).

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Background Check: Del Mar Oaks

In this continuing series, we examine the past winners of significant filly/mare races by the lasting influence they've had on the breed. Up today is Del Mar's GI Del Mar Oaks, inaugurated in 1957 on the dirt but a permanent fixture on the grass since the 1965 edition.

As always, when there's racemares of this caliber, many will go on to become excellent producers. A few especially leap off the page for their accomplishments after racing. Following are highlights of some of the most important Del Mar Oaks winners by what impact they've had on the sport through their sons and daughters.

No Matter What (1997, Nureyev–Words of War, by Lord At War {Arg}), bred by Arthur B. Hancock III and Stonerside, Ltd.: Not too many mares produce five graded/group winners, but this one did. Her best was English/Irish highweight and MG1SW Rainbow View (Dynaformer).

Hollywood Wildcat (1990, Kris S.–Miss Wildcatter, by Mr. Prospector), bred by Irving and Marjorie Cowan: One of the few mares to both win a Breeders' Cup and produce a Breeders' Cup winner, she is the dam of GI Mile winner War Chant (Danzig). She would go on to produce three other stakes winners, including GSW Ivan Denisovich (Ire) (Danehill), who also placed in Grade I/Group 1 races in three countries. Japanese G1SW Danon Smash (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) and Canadian Classic winner Danish Dynaformer (Dynaformer) are among the stakes performers produced by her daughters.

Hidden Light (1983, Majestic Light–Tallahto, by Nantallah), bred by Howard B. Keck: Her pièce de résistance was her 11th foal, the tough Breeders' Cup winner Artie Schiller (El Prado {Ire}), who has doubled up on siring Grade I/Group 1 winners in both the U.S. and Australia. His best to date is Australian champion Flying Artie (Aus), in turn the sire of Australian MGISW and English invader Artorius (Aus).

French Charmer (1978, Le Fabuleux {Fr}–Bold Example, by Bold Lad), bred by A. D. D. Rogers: England's 1989 Horse of the Year and nice sire Zilzal (Nureyev) was her top son, while other descendants include Canadian champion and U.S. GISW Negligee (Northern Afleet).

Country Queen (1975, Explodent–Carrie's Rough, by Rough'n Tumble), bred by Ocala Stud, Inc.: This Florida-bred mare produced one minor stakes winner, but a daughter of hers went to France and made a massive splash. Among the latter's sons were MG1SW and sire Slickly (Fr) (Linamix {Fr}) and among her daughters were the dams of European champion Siyouma (Ire) (Medicean {GB}) and G1SW Siyouni (Fr) (Pivotal {GB}). Currently one of the world's leading sires and based in France, Siyouni is responsible for the likes of Sottsass (Fr), St Mark's Basilica (Fr), Laurens (Fr), and Paddington (GB).

Sandy Blue (1970, Windy Sands–Blue Nola, by Limelight {GB}), bred by Mr. & Mrs. Dan Gershon: A long list of stakes winners traces to this California-bred chestnut, most notably the wonderful champion grass mare and six-time GISW Possibly Perfect (Northern Baby). Other GISWs include Eddington (Unbridled), Coil (Point Given), Chiropractor (Kitten's Joy), and Miserden (Private Account), the latter in France.

Desert Trial (1963, Moslem Chief–Scotch Verdict, by Alsab), bred by Joseph M. O'Farrell: Among this mare's four stakes winners were dual champion and six-time GISW Desert Vixen (In Reality), as well as a full-brother to that champion in GSW & GISP Valid Appeal. The latter was an excellent Florida-based sire, known for throwing early runners with an abundance of speed. Desert Vixen, in turn, produced French GSW & MG1SP Real Shadai (Roberto), who would become a leading sire in Japan.

Fun House (1958, The Doge–Recess, by Count Fleet), bred by C. V. Whitney: Before there was a Winchell Broodmare of the Year with the same name, this dark bay produced six black-type winners, including GISW Court Ruling (Traffic Judge) and eventual leading Argentinean sire Good Manners (Nashua). Her descendants include dual Canadian champion and U.S. MGISW Windsharp (Lear Fan), dam of Breeders' Cup winner Johar (Gone West) and 2003 Del Mar Oaks winner Dessert (Storm Cat).

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Background Check: Belmont Oaks

In this continuing series, we examine the past winners of significant filly/mare races by the lasting influence they've had on the breed. Up today is Belmont Park's GI Belmont Oaks Invitational S., now the first leg in New York's Turf Tiara series for 3-year-old fillies on the lawn.

Originally known as the Rare Perfume and then the Garden City, the Belmont Oaks under its current name has only been in existence since 2014, although the race itself dates to 1979. The history may not be long and some of the winners were better racemares than producers, but a trio of particularly illustrious future broodmares stands out.

Following are highlights of some of the most important Belmont Oaks winners by what impact they've had on the sport through their sons and daughters.

Sky Beauty (1990, Blushing Groom {Fr}–Maplejinsky, by Nijinsky II), bred by Sugar Maple Farm: Early in her broodmare career, she sold for $2.85 million at Keeneland and would produce just a handful of more foals, with the best on the track being England's GSW Hurricane Cat (Storm Cat). However, her great-grandson Violence is keeping her name relevant today. He's currently among the top 10 leading sires in the U.S. for 2023 by earnings.

November Snow (1989, Storm Cat–Princess Alydar, by Alydar), bred by D. J. Stable and Overbrook Farm: Although she didn't produce a stakes winner herself, November Snow's daughters have done her proud. Among her descendants are Irish champion and G1 Epsom Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}); New Zealand champion Bounding (Aus) (Lonhro {Aus}); GISWs Morning Line (Tiznow) and Express Train (Union Rags); and a number of other graded performers.

Personal Ensign (1984, Private Account–Grecian Banner, by Hoist the Flag), bred by Ogden Phipps: This grand mare has to be among the sport's best examples of what a top racemare remodeling into a top broodmare can look like. Considered one of the best fillies or mares of the 20th century as an undefeated champion and Breeders' Cup winner, Personal Ensign's foals included GISWs My Flag (Easy Goer), Miner's Mark (Mr. Prospector), and Traditionally (Mr. Prospector), as well as MGISP Our Emblem (Mr. Prospector). Her descendants through her daughters include champion Storm Flag Flying (Storm Cat); Breeders' Cup winner Seeking the Soul (Perfect Soul {Ire}); GISWs Mr Speaker (Pulpit) and Arabian Lion (Justify); and a plethora of other graded winners, including recent MGSW Major Dude (Bolt d'Oro). Four 'TDN Rising Stars', including Arabian Lion and GSW & GISP Ocho Ocho Ocho (Street Sense), have her as a granddam or great-granddam. Personal Ensign was honored as Broodmare of the Year in 1996.

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Background Check: Acorn

In this continuing series, we examine the past winners of significant filly/mare races by the lasting influence they've had on the breed. Up today is Belmont Park's GI Acorn S., the first leg in New York's prestigious summer trio of Grade I events for 3-year-old fillies.

Long a coveted prize, the Acorn has been designated a Grade I from the very beginning when the grading system became official in 1973. A disproportionate amount of its winners are in the Hall of Fame, ranging from Top Flight to Twilight Tear to Cicada to Ruffian, and so many more. The quality of the Acorn winners set the tone for their broodmare careers as well. Not surprisingly, the Acorn boasts a ridiculous number of high-class future broodmares among its winners, including a glorious five-year streak in the 1950s that saw five consecutive winners eventually cultivate champions among their descendants.

Following are highlights of some of the most important Acorn winners by what impact they've had on the sport through their sons and daughters.

Finder's Fee (1997, Storm Cat–Fantastic Find, by Mr. Prospector), bred by Phipps Stable: Granddam of 2022 Horse of the Year and current first-season sire Flightline (Tapit), whose fee of $200,000 at Lane's End is one of the highest introductory fees in history.

Prospectors Delite (1989, Mr. Prospector–Up the Flagpole, by Hoist the Flag), bred by W. S. Farish: The 2003 Broodmare of the Year produced Horse of the Year Mineshaft (A.P. Indy), MGISW Tomisue's Delight (A.P. Indy), and three other graded performers. She is also the granddam of GISW Mr. Sidney (Storm Cat).

Meadow Star (1988, Meadowlake–Inreality Star, by In Reality), bred by Jaime S. Carrion: This memorable ginger was granddam to the dams of champion and gone-too-soon sire Arrogate (Unbridled's Song) and MGISW Belle Gallantey (After Market).

Stella Madrid (1987, Alydar–My Juliet, by Gallant Romeo), bred by Calumet Farm: Japanese champions Lucky Lilac (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), Mikki Isle (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), and Diamond Biko (Jpn) (Sunday Silence), as well as additional Japanese G1SW Aerolithe (Jpn) (Kurofune) and U.S. GISW Lilacs and Lace (Flower Alley) all trace to this classy bay.

Chris Evert (1971, by Swoon's Son–Miss Carmie, by T. V. Lark), bred by Echo Valley Horse Farm: From five daughters, U.S. champion Chief's Crown (Danzig); French champion Special Duty (GB) (Hennessy); GISWs Classic Crown (Mr. Prospector), Sightseek (Distant View), Tates Creek (Rahy), Etoile Montante (Miswaki), Obligatory (Curlin), and Dominican (El Corredor); and many more very useful graded winners hail from this lovely chestnut.

Marking Time (1963, To Market–Allemande, by Counterpoint), bred by Ogden Phipps and Wheatley Stable: Her champion daughter Relaxing (Buckpasser) turned into a Broodmare of the Year responsible for champion Easy Goer (Alydar), as well as additional GISWs Easy Now (Danzig) and Cadillacing (Alydar). Others tracing to her include GISW Strolling Along (Danzig) and several other high-class winners.

Gun Runner is one of several top horses descending from 1945 Acorn winner Gallorette | Sarah Andrew

Quill (1956, Princequillo {GB}–Quick Touch, by Count Fleet), bred by R. N. Webster: Champions Run the Gantlet (Tom Rolfe) and Awesome Feather (Awesome of Course), Japanese champion Maruzensky (Jpn) (Nijinsky II), and GISWs Dance of Life (Nijinsky II), Sumptious (Summing), Caucasus (Nijinsky II), and Vettori (Ire) (Machiavellian) are among those who trace to this grand gal.

Bayou (1954, Hill Prince–Bourtai, by Stimulus), bred by Claiborne Farm: A number of high-class horses descend from this mare, including champions Slew o' Gold (Seattle Slew) and War Pass (Cherokee Run); GI Belmont S. winner Coastal (Majestic Prince); and GISWs Aptitude (A.P. Indy), Sleep Easy (Seattle Slew), Oath (Known Fact), Slew's Exceller (Exceller), River Flyer (Riverman), and Victory Ride (Seeking the Gold).

Princess Turia (1953, Heliopolis {GB}–Blue Delight, by Blue Larkspur), bred by Calumet Farm: Her son Forward Pass (On-and-On) was just 1 1/4 lengths shy of winning the Triple Crown, but took the 1968 sophomore colt championship.

High Voltage (1952, Ambiorix {Fr}–Bynamo, by Menow), bred by Wheatley Stable: This elegant gray's sons and grandsons included U.S. champion Impressive (Court Martial {GB}), MGISW Majestic Light (Majestic Prince), and SW Bold Commander (Bold Ruler), the last two both sires of note.

Happy Mood (1951, Mahmoud {Fr}–La Reigh, by Count Gallahad), bred by Mrs. John D. Hertz: Canadian Horses of the Year With Approval (Caro {Ire}) and Izvestia (Icecapade), Canadian champion Serenading (A.P. Indy), GI Belmont S. winner Touch Gold (Deputy Minister), GI Kentucky Oaks winner Buryyourbelief (Believe It), and other GISWs Haynesfield (Speightstown), Healthy Addiction (Boston Harbor), and Pretty Discreet (Private Account) all descend from this splendid chestnut.

Secret Meeting (1950, Alibhai {GB}–Burgoo Maid, by Burgoo King), bred by James C. Brady: Broodmare of the Year Anne Campbell (Never Bend); champions Sensational (Hoist the Flag) and Rushing Fall (More Than Ready); Epsom Oaks winner Long Look (Ribot {GB}); and GISWs Trumpet's Blare (Vice Regent), Dancealot (Round Table), Albert the Great (Go for Gin), Desert Wine (Damascus), and Menifee (Harlan) all trace to her.

Nothirdchance (1948, Blue Swords–Galla Colors, by Sir Galahad III {Fr}), bred by Bieber-Jacobs Stables: Dam of champion Hail to Reason (Turn-to {Ire}), who later turned leading sire, and ancestress of GISW and sire Meadowlake (Hold Your Peace).

Gallorette (1942, Challenger II {GB}–Gallette, by Sir Gallahad III {Fr}), bred by Preston M. Burch: Not only does stellar young sire and 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}) trace to her, but so do 2005 Horse of the Year Saint Liam (Saint Ballado), Irish champion Minstrella (The Minstrel), Canadian champion Charlie Barley (Affirmed), and GISWs Success Express (Hold Your Peace), Greenwood Lake (Meadowlake), Air Express (Ire) (Salse), Buster's Ready (More Than Ready), Rolling Fog (Posse), Whitmore's Conn (Kris S.), and Funtastic (More Than Ready).

Nellie L. (1940, Blenheim II {GB}–Nellie Flag, by American Flag), bred by Calumet Farm: Granddam of champion and Kentucky Derby/Belmont S. winner Bold Forbes (Irish Castle), this captivating bay has a number of other classy descendants, including GISWs Life At the Top (Seattle Slew), Lakeway (Seattle Slew), Saratoga Six (Alydar), and Jilbab (A.P. Indy), as well as English G1 winner Dunbeath (Grey Dawn II {Fr}).

Proud One (1938, Blenheim II {GB}–Some Pomp, by Pompey), unknown breeder: Her descendants have included 1965 Kentucky Derby winner Lucky Debonair (Vertex), as well as GISWs Lady Love (Dr. Fager) and Tantalizing (Tom Rolfe).

Baba Kenny (1928, Black Servant–Betty Beall, by North Star III {GB}), bred by Idle Hour Stock Farm: This very first winner of the Acorn set the tone with her descendants including daughter Bee Mac (War Admiral), who beat the boys in the Hopeful S.; 1988 Horse of the Year and nine-time GISW Alysheba (Alydar), the second of four consecutive GI Breeders' Cup Classic winners to bring a GI Kentucky Derby win to the year-end championship race; G1SW and good sire Lear Fan (Roberto); multiple back-type winner and good sire Better Self (Bimelech); and another Acorn winner in Riverina (Princequillo {GB}).

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