Nostalgic Horse

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas always had the magic touch with fillies. Lukas, after all, had Landaluce, Lady’s Secret, Althea, and Serena’s Song in his barn. So it was no surprise that he won his first Derby with a filly, Winning Colors in 1988. Perhaps, that is why often Life’s Magic gets lost in the shuffle. Lady’s Secret was the Horse of the Year in 1986, but it was Life’s Magic the year before that also had a real shot at Horse of the Year.

As a two year old Life’s Magic was overshadowed by Champion Two Year Old Filly, and stable-mate, Althea. In their three meetings as two year olds Life’s Magic actually finished ahead of Althea twice, but Althea began her career earlier and had nine races to her credit, thus securing year end honors.

As three year olds, the pair of tough fillies went off as the favorites for the 1984 Kentucky Derby. Life’s Magic finished a disappointing 8th but Althea ran last and retired shortly after another poor showing against fillies. Life’s Magic went on to win the Mother Goose, Monmouth Oaks, Alabama and Beldame before finishing second to the great filly, Princess Rooney in the Breeders Cup Distaff. She was named Three Year Old Filly Champion.

She was just as tough as a four year old winning the Shuvee Handicap and Breeders Cup Distaff. She was at her very best in the Distaff, carrying high weight and soundly defeating a three year old Lady’s Secret by 6 1/4 lengths. She also finished a game second in the Spinster and the Brooklyn Handicap in one of her meetings with the boys. She was in contention for Horse of the Year title, but could not dethrone Derby winner, Spend a Buck. He, however, had a much softer schedule than the great filly. As a consolation prize Life’s Magic was awarded Handicap Mare.

As a broodmare, she produced fourteen foals including Simon Pure. He is perhaps her best offspring, finishing third in the Grade 2 Alfred G. Vanderbilt and fourth in Lawyer Ron’s Arkansas Derby.

Maybe there will never be a Hall of Fame for Life’s Magic, but it will be tough seeing lightly raced horses like Ghostzapper, Smarty Jones, and Afleet Alex get in before she does. In 36 starts, Life’s Magic finished in the money 25 times facing a grueling schedule and the very best of her generation.