On the first Saturday in May of 1988, Winning Colors became
the third filly to win the Kentucky Derby and gave Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne
Lukas his first win in the Run for the Roses. On Monday, Churchill Downs will
honor the Hall of Fame filly with the Grade 3, $100,000 Winning Colors going six furlongs on the main track.
“That’s probably the most confident I’ve ever been about
winning one of those,” Lukas said. “She was so exceptional. When she beat the
boys so easily in the Santa Anita Derby, we felt she could be the best
three-year-old in the country, regardless of sex. We felt we were in a really
good position and it turned out just right.”
Lukas remembers Winning Colors for her talent, size and
speed.
“She had that tactical speed and strength and she actually was bigger
than any colt in the race,” he noted.
Winning Colors, who died in February 2008 at the age of 23,
gave Lukas his first of four Kentucky Derby victories.
“It was good to get that
first one and get it out of the way,” the horseman admitted. “It was a great and
fun day for everybody and for (owner) Gene Klein, who was so supportive of our
program. It was a good one.”
Lukas added that Preakness winner Oxbow and Will Take Charge, seventh the in Preakness
following an eighth-placing in the Kentucky Derby, will work at Churchill Downs
on Thursday as part of his first and second sets prior to the morning renovation
break. The duo are expected to line up in the Belmont Stakes on June 8.
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