Dark Mirage (KY)

Biography

Regarded as small and scrawny, Dark Mirage overcame humble beginnings to become the first New York Filly Triple Crown winner during her brilliant 1968 campaign.

Standing barely 14 hands and weighing around 700 pounds when Lloyd I. Miller purchased her for $6,000 at the Keeneland yearling sale, Dark Mirage's trainer Everett W. King later said he “had a feeling about her.”

As a 2-year-old in 1967, Dark Mirage did not enjoy much success, winning only twice in 15 starts. After finishing fourth in her 3-year-old debut, Dark Mirage found her form and became a sensation, winning nine consecutive races, including eight stakes. Along with the New York Filly Triple Crown — the Acorn Stakes (by six lengths), Mother Goose Stakes (by 10 lengths), and Coaching Club American Oaks (by 12 lengths) — Dark Mirage won the Kentucky Oaks, Prioress Stakes, La Troienne Stakes, Monmouth Oaks, and Delaware Oaks.

Dark Mirage suffered a foot injury in the Delaware Oaks and missed the remainder of the year. She finished her season with a record of 9-0-0 from 10 starts and earnings of $322,432.

Returning as a 4-year-old in 1969, Dark Mirage stretched her win streak to 10 with a victory in the Santa Maria Handicap. In her next start, the Santa Margarita Handicap, Dark Mirage dislocated her sesamoid in her right front ankle and was retired with a career mark of 12-3-2 from 27 starts and earnings of $362,788.

The ankle injury never healed properly and Dark Mirage had emergency surgery in July 1969 in an attempt to correct the problem. However, the surgery was unsuccessful and Dark Mirage was euthanized later in the year when she could no longer stand without severe pain. 

Achievements

Champion 3-Year-Old Filly — 1968