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Landaluce

Landaluce was an American Thoroughbred racehorse who became a champion juvenile filly in 1982.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated October 25, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Landaluce was an American Thoroughbred racehorse who became a champion juvenile filly in 1982. She was unbeaten in five starts before dying later that year at age two, and was named the American Champion Two-Year-Old Filly posthumously. She is also remembered through the Landaluce Stakes, a race named in her honour.

Racing career

Landaluce debuted in 1982 and quickly became one of the leading juvenile fillies in the United States. She remained undefeated through five starts, including major victories in California.

Death and championship

Landaluce died on November 28, 1982, at age two, after a brief illness reported in later accounts as colitis X or a related severe viral/colon disease. She was then named the American Champion Two-Year-Old Filly for 1982.

Legacy

Landaluce became a lasting symbol in California horse racing because of her brilliance and short career. The Landaluce Stakes at Santa Anita Park honors her name and memory.

Key facts

  • Landaluce won all five of her career starts.
  • She won the Hollywood Lassie Stakes by 21 lengths, one of her most notable victories.
  • She was the first champion trained by D. Wayne Lukas.
  • Her 1982 championship was awarded posthumously after her death.
  • She was a daughter of Seattle Slew, a 1977 Triple Crown winner.

Frequently asked questions

What was Landaluce known for?
She was known for being an unbeaten champion two-year-old filly in 1982.
How many races did Landaluce win?
She won all five of her career starts.
Who trained Landaluce?
She was trained by D. Wayne Lukas.
Who were Landaluce’s parents?
Her sire was Seattle Slew and her dam was Strip Poker.
Why is there a Landaluce Stakes?
The race was named in her honour after her brief but celebrated career.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landaluce
    Supports: Birth and death dates, racing identity, posthumous Eclipse/American championship, sire information.
  2. America's Best Racing — https://www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/2025-landaluce-unforgettable-brilliance-unimaginable-heartbreak
    Supports: Five wins, dominant margins, trainer D. Wayne Lukas, posthumous championship, brief career ending in death.
  3. 1/ST BET News — https://news.1st.com/post/jon-white-remembering-landaluce
    Supports: Posthumous 1982 Eclipse Award, California-only racing distinction, and key race context.
  4. California Horse Racing History — https://californiahorseracinghistory.neocities.org/Horses/L/Landaluce
    Supports: Pronunciation, death after illness, and naming of the Landaluce Stakes.
  5. American Classic Pedigrees — https://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/landaluce.html
    Supports: Pedigree and foaling/death dates.