One of the great ironies tied into horse racing involves how triumph and tragedy can be woven together.

Even at its most distressing moments, racing can sometimes offer a measure of joy, as muted as it might be.

The 1990 Breeders’ Cup Distaff will always be remembered for the heartbreaking tragedy of the fatal injury of Go for Wand. Yet on that fateful October afternoon at Belmont Park, what is often overlooked was the triumph that belonged to the gallant mare Bayakoa.