Genuine Risk died in her paddock this morning at Newstead in Upperville, VA. Owned by Mrs. Diana Firestone, she was the winner of the 1980 Kentucky Derby (becoming only the second filly EVER and the first in 65 years to win the historic race) and placed second in both the Preakness and the Belmont that same year. There was controversy surrounding her Preakiness race as she was reported to have been whipped in the face by the rider of Codex, who won the race. Genuine Risk had only two foals in her lifetime (Genuine Reward, by Rahy, and Count Our Blessing, by Chief Honcho), neither of whom raced. She was the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner at the time of her death at age 32.
R.I.P. beautiful girl, I’m sure you’re kicking some boys’ hineys up in heaven with Eight Belles right now…