1988 Breeders' Cup Turf - Great Communicator

[pearlofprice]

My name is Keary Sibille my pops Ray rode Great Communicator. I was 15 when they won this race. My pops was riding in California at the time he had flown all over the country for years to ride stakes and I never thought of tagging along but for some reason I asked him if I could go with him to Churchill that year. I spent the whole day in the Jocks room when it was time for the turf we walked down the stairs together I remember telling him see ya in the winners circle.. @afleetalex Miesque 88mi

[afleetalex05]

RIP Great Communicator...

[kelso1958]

People always talk about Michael Roberts ride..Tony Cruz's ride wasn't fantastic either!!!

[mattstein70]

I will never forget watching this race at hollywood park.The whole place had Great Communicator. 10 to win on a 9-2..pretty good for a snotnosed kid.

[kelso1958]

My doggy could have given a better ride than Michael Roberts did. If you ask 100 writers what's the worst ride in BC History.90 would say "it's Roberts on Indian Skimmer".

[1958jag]

What a display of controling a race from in front. Damn "post to post" Fantastic performance this must have been one of the all time great races. I get goose bumps everytime I watch this race and i've watched it many times.

[BE109]

I thought GC got screwed by not being named at the very least Co-Champion Grass Horse,I mean look at who he beat in just this one alone,and HE DID BEAT THEM!!

[BE109]

I was watching this race on TV,and a wide range of emotions surged thru me when GC made that determined bid for victory. I freely admit I had tears in my eyes when he fought off Sunshine Forever,Indian Skimmer,Tryptich. GC showed what a tough racehorse was. I was filled with admiration after witnessing his grit. I mean they came after him with a rush,and at first it looked like he would be swallowed up! He said "NOT TODAY" absolutely beautiful

[mrleroy1966]

Great Communicator was my favorite turf horse. Great run. Rest in Peace.

[pel1can]

michael roberts on indian skimmer, oh dear. terrible effort.

[yahuzs]

Yes. It may have been a different finish if he didn't hit her right-handed so that she ran onto Sunshine Forever.

[cfbsolon]

Thanks for adding this yahuzs, I have been wanting to see this for a long time.

Great Communicator was one of my favorite horses, he should have been named turf champion after his performance in this race. RIP.

[yahuzs]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[calcoltman1]

one of the best efforts i have ever seen in B.C.

[afleetalex05]

@calcoltman1 It's up there with Da Hoss's '88 BC Mile.

[jhordanian]

Absolutely agree. Sunshine Forever had a good year, particularly for a 3 year old, but Great Communicator was an iron horse in 1988, running all year, across the US. Usually, when the resume of two horses are so equal, the Breeders Cup, as the championship day, is the decisive factor. Great Communicator won, he beat Sunshine Forever head-to-head, and deserved the Eclipse. But Sunshine Forever was trained by John Veitch and owned by John Galbreath of Darby Dan, and these men were very popular.