In what was the final race of her undefeated career, Personal Ensign went to post as the 1-2 favorite in the 1988 Distaff and faced-off against a formidable opponent in 1988 Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors. Running over a muddy track at Churchill Downs, the Derby winner broke on top, grabbed an easy lead, and led the field of fillies and mares through through six furlongs in 1:12 flat. As the field rolled off the turn and onto the top of the stretch, Winning Colors held onto a 1 ½ length lead over second place Goodbye Halo with the odds-on favorite another 2 ½ lengths back. Swinging wide and using every inch of the 1,234 ½ feet of Churchill Downs stretch run, Personal Ensign wore down the leaders and nosed out Winning Colors under the wire to secure her place in history.
Personal Ensign's victory in the 88 Distaff was the eighth Grade 1 win in her career (Beldame (2x), BC Distaff, Whitney, Hempstead, Shuvee, Frizette, and Maskette) to go along with a pair Grade 2s victories (Molly Pitcher and Rare Perfume). She was the odds-on favorite in every race of her career except one, the 1987 Beldame.
During her post-race career as a broodmare, Personal Ensign produced such notable foals as Miner's Mark, Our Emblem, Traditionally, and My Flag. She was named Broodmare of the Year in 1996.
Personal Ensign died last April at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky at the age of 16.
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