Bayakoa "The Iron Mare"

Bayaakoa winning the Spinster in 1989- photo by Ann M. Eberhardt

Next on the list of my all time favorite racehorses is "Bayakoa". Who hailed from Argentina and started her amazing racing career in her native country. After establishing herself as a grade one caliber racehorse. Bayakoa interests in Argentina sold her to Americans Janis and Frank Whitham. Bayakoa's trainer in the U.S.would be Hall of Fame Trainer Ron McAnally. 
Bayakoa would prove to be one of the most prolific and consistent females racehorses to ever race in North America. Being ranked with the great race mares; Shuvee, Gamely, Affectionately, Azeri and Zenyatta! I did get to watch Bayaka race and win many times. I also enjoyed a major thrill. As when we shipped "Dance for Lucy" to Keeneland Racecourse in the Fall of 1989. We got to be neighbors with the great Bayakoa! Lucy responded by winning the prep race for Queen Elizabeth II Invitational, beating the D.Wayne Lucas trained "Darby Shuffle". That was a major thrill! Also watching Bayakoa win the prestigious "Spinster Stakes" race by 11 1/2 lengths was also very special. Bayakoa was famous for being very fast and aggressive while she raced. 
Bayakoa would intimate and overwhelm her combatants into submission for a lot of her convincing victories. During Bayakoa's win in the 1990 Breeders Cup Female Championship Race. Bayakoa engaged "Go For Wand" turning into the strength! They battled head and head to the 1/16th pole from the finish line. Very sadly at that critical point in the race. Go For Wand suddenly broke a leg in the ensuing battle and had to be euthanized! Bayakoa went on to a 5 length victory. Horse racing is a great sport. But it is also an aggressive war between combatants. It was a very sad moment in horse racing history. That the great racehorse "Go For Wand" in her own right. Life had  to come to an abrupt end in such a great physical contest!

Bayakoa
Sire	Consultants Bid
Grandsire	Bold Bidder
Dam	Arlucea
Damsire	Good Manners
Sex	Mare
Foaled	1984
Country	Argentina
Colour	Bay
Breeder	Haras Principal
Owner	Janis & Frank Whitham
Trainer	Ron McAnally
Record	39: 29-1-0
Earnings	$2,861,701

Major wins
Grand Prix Palermo (1987) Ruffian Handicap (1989) Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap (1989, 1990) The Spinster Handicap (1989) Apple Blossom Handicap (1989) Santa Maria Handicap (1990) Milady Handicap (1989, 1990) Vanity Invitational Handicap (1989) Breeders' Cup wins: Breeders' Cup Distaff (1989, 1990)

Awards
U.S. Champion Older Female Horse (1989 & 1990)
Honours
United States' Racing Hall of Fame (1998) #95 - Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20th Century Bayakoa Handicap at Hollywood Park Racetrack Bayakoa Stakes at Oaklawn Park
Last updated on April, 2010

The life and death battle between "Bayakoa and "Go For Wand" in the 1990 Breeders Cup Distaff.

A picture I took of "Bayakoa" and her groom "Ricardo" who worked for Ron McAnally in 1989 at Keeneland. (photo property of DRW Media)

videos; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3rSk2NC2jU 1990 Milady Handicap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECf61Nor5fg 1989 Breeders Cup Distaff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHDVe7Wx-aA 1990 Santa Maria Stakes