This Week in Horse History - April 19th Through April 25th

April 19, 1969 - The Lady Godiva Stakes was originally run today. Bill Veek, the President of Suffolk Downs, created the race to feature all female jockeys. The race offered a $10,000 purse, and was won by Penny Ann Early.

Information courtesy of Equine Kingdom

Photo of Penny Ann Early courtesy of Penny Ann Early

April 22, 2002 - Ogden Phipps, a well-known Thoroughbred racehorse owner and breeder, died at the age of 93. Phipps owned famous racehorses such as Easy Goer, Bold Ruler, Buckpasser, and Personal Ensign. Phipps was passionate about racing and breeding his horses, and was highly successful: in 1988, his horses won 35 times out of 87 starts, and their earnings reached $5.8 million. That year the Phipps racing operation would take home five Eclipse Awards, including those for the outstanding owner and outstanding breeder, which Ogden Phipps won himself.

Information courtesy of Ogden Phipps, Racer of Horses, Dies at 93

Photo of Personal Ensign, one of Phipps’ favorite horses, courtesy of

Eclipse Award for Champion Fillies - 1988

April 23, 2006 - Sixteen year-old Jessica DiGenova won the debut Florida International CCI*/CCI** held at Florida Horse Park. The three-day event took place from April 20th to 23rd and was known as "The Festival of the Horse." DiGenova competed alongside top riders such as Karen O'Connor, Buck Davidson, and Darren Chiacchia. She rode her 16 year-old Dutch Warmblood/Thoroughbred mare, Upolu. DiGenova placed first in the event, followed by Stephanie Butts in second place and Karen O'Connor in third.