Lemons Forever (foaled May 24, 2003 in Kentucky) is an American Thoroughbred racehorse best known for winning the Grade I Kentucky Oaks on May 5, 2006. Her win was the biggest upset in the history of the Oaks.
The Kentucky Oaks had a full field of fourteen fillies, with Lemons Forever posting the highest odds, at 47–1. She trailed throughout the race, only to rally late and win by 1½ lengths.
A $2 bet on Lemons Forever paid $96.20, and a $2 trifecta paid $12,186.60.
Lemons Forever did not make a run for the Triple Tiara of Thoroughbred Racing, the filly equivalent of the Triple Crown, as she did not compete in the second leg of the competition, the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, on May 19.
After winning the Oaks, Lemons Forever raced ten more times (eight Grade 1 and Grade 2 races), only winning once in an optional claimer and running 3rd in the Grade 1 Alabama Stakes at Saratoga. She was retired in 2007.
Retirement
Lemons Forever sold for $2.5 million at the 2007 Keeneland broodmare sale to geologist Charles Fipke. As of 2017, she produced five named foals, four of them winners:
Lemons Forever was named 2017 Kentucky Broodmare of the Year for her foals Forever Unbridled and Unbridled Forever.
Forever Unbridled: Bay filly foaled in 2012, by Unbridled's Song. Multiple graded stakes winner including Grade I wins in the 2017 Breeders' Cup Distaff, Apple Blossom Handicap, Beldame Stakes, and Personal Ensign Stakes. Earnings of over $2 million and named 2017 American Champion Older Dirt Female Horse.
Unbridled Forever: Bay filly foaled in 2011, by Unbridled's Song. Ran 3rd in the 2014 Kentucky Oaks and as a 4-year-old won the Grade I Ballerina Stakes, earning over $800,000 in her career.
Perfect Forever: Chestnut filly foaled in 2009 by Perfect Soul, winless in twelve starts.
Forever Perfect: Chestnut colt foaled in 2009 by Perfect Soul, two wins in eighteen starts. Stallion in Houston, Ohio.
Forever d'Oro: Bay colt foaled in 2013 by top sire Medaglia d'Oro, one win from six starts (as of November 2017). Stakes placed. Competed in 2016 Belmont Stakes.
Lemons Medaglia: Bay filly foaled in 2016, by Medaglia d'Oro.