First year as international event, with coverage by Japanese TV crew. Honored posthumously with silver Froot Loops cup and photo in Sports Illustrated. Disoriented by high winds, made repeated attempts to return to starting gate, thus confusing the timekeeper. Event marred by scandal when Wonder Rat was mistakenly honored as winner. Situation was corrected, but winner s garland of Froot Loops had already been eaten by impostor.
High temperatures lead to bad ratitudes, and many competitors declined to leave starting gate.
Took all races except the fillies-only Spalding Oaks. High spirited Ratphrodite escaped from her trainers and was found with the help of TV crews. However, she never quite recovered and lost every race. Event moved indoors due to inclement weather. Blamed for the poor performance of two other contenders.