Highs and Lows

During the period of 1992-1997, the Kentucky Oaks enjoyed ever-increasing attendance and interest while going through a roller-coaster ride that saw several major upsets. While several champions failed to deliver on expectations in the Oaks, there were several triumphs that brought joy to small racing outfits, but there were also the tragedies of Oaks heroines Sardula and Blushing K. D., both of whom had to be euthanized following lengthy battles to overcome injuries. The Oaks races of the mid-1990s also saw human highs and lows ranging from the fall of Fabio Arguello Jr., who rode Luv Me Luv Me Not to victory in 1992, to the rise of future Hall of Fame jockey Julie Krone, who became the first female jockey to ride in the Oaks in 1993.