Alysheba (Alydar-Bel Sheba by Lt. Stevens)
Voted 1988 Horse of the Year, Alysheba's most incredible race was run the year before in the 1987 Kentucky Derby. In his typical come from behind stretch drive, Alysheba clipped heels with Bet Twice and nearly fell to his knees. Amazingly, Alysheba and rider, Chris McCarron, recovered and regained their momentum to defeat Bet Twice in the final strides. Alysheba had a shot at the Triple Crown, however, he was defeated by his nemesis Bet Twice by a 14-length margin in the Belmont Stakes. Later that year, Alysheba met up with the 1986 Kentucky Derby winner, Ferdinand, in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Hollywood Park. Ferdinand prevailed by the shortest of margins as the wire came too soon for Sheba. He was voted 3-Year-Old Champion that year.
Alysheba's 4-Year-Old campaign was more impressive as he dominated from start to finish. Starting off the year with a bang, Alysheba won the Strub Stakes at Santa Anita in yet another heart stopping stretch drive over Candi's Gold. A month later, he defeated Ferdinand in the Santa Anita Handicap and again a few weeks later in the San Bernadino. The grueling stretch drives took their toll on both horses and neither of them performed to their expected potential in their next few outings. After Hall of Fame trainer, Jack Van Berg, gave Sheba a much deserved rest, he would never be defeated again. Sheba won the Iselin Handicap, the Woodward Stakes and the Meadowlands Cup against highly competitive fields on his way to the ultimate prize--the $3 Million Breeders' Cup Classic.
Churchill Downs, the site of Sheba's incredible Derby win, was the home of the 1988 Breeders' Cup. It was a cold and rainy day, and by the time the talented field of horses entered the starting gate, it was nearly dark. The setting was dramatic. The race was not a let down for the fans of Alysheba. Overcoming a sloppy track and a host of talented rivals such as Seeking the Gold, Personal Flag, Waquoit, Slew City Slew and Cutlass Reality; Alysheba hit the dimly lit wire in front and in dramatic fashion as always.