won three straight Grade I races, and Clabber Girl. It was the only time in her career that she was not the favorite. In a change from her normal running style, she stayed close to the pace and took the lead after six furlongs, opening the lead to four lengths in mid-stretch. She won by lengths despite tiring late. "I thought she would go a distance, but you don't know until you try it," said McGaughey. "I had no idea how she would run, coming back eight days after the other race. She has never run against this kind." "Riding her is like pushing a button," said Romero. "She is the fastest filly I ever rode. If she gets in trouble, she is so fast she can get out of it." Her connections considered sending her to the 1987 Breeders' Cup, but ultimately decided against it because the event was held that year on November 21, much later than the usual date at the beginning of November. The decision possibly cost Personal Ensign the title of three-year-old champion filly: she finished second in the Eclipse Award voting to Sacahuista, who won the Distaff. 1988: four-year-old campaign In 1988, Personal Ensign won all seven of her starts, including the Shuvee Handicap, the Hempstead Stakes, the Maskette Stakes, and the Beldame Stakes —all prestigious Grade I races against fillies and mares. At Saratoga, she defeated males in the historic Whitney Handicap. Her swan song was a nose victory over Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors in the Breeders' Cup Distaff, a race that is often referred to as the most exciting finish in Breeders' Cup history. Personal Ensign made her four-year-old debut on May 15, 1988 in the Shuvee Handicap at Belmont Park. She went off as the 7-10 favorite in a field of six despite the seven-month layoff and carrying top weight of 121 pounds. She broke slowly, then moved into third along the backstretch. She took the lead turning into the stretch then drew off to win by lengths. Personal Ensign's next start was on June 11 at Belmont Park in the Hempstead Handicap, a race subsequently renamed in her owner's honor. She stalked the early pace then made a strong run down the stretch to win by seven lengths. Her time for miles was an excellent 1:47. She then made the first start of her career away from Belmont Park