What happened: Midland’s own Douglas Scharbauer celebrated a major victory on May 2 when his undefeated filly, Always a Runner, won the 152nd running of the Kentucky Oaks at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. , co-owned with Three Chimneys Farm,

The big picture: Horse racing has been a passion for the Scharbauer family for decades. Dorothy Scharbauer, Douglas’s mother, and her daughter Pam owned the legendary colt Alysheba, who won both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 1987. Earlier, Dorothy’s father, Fred Turner Jr., won the 1959 Kentucky Derby with colt Tomy Lee.

The Scharbauer family has been part of Midland since the late 1880s. Over multiple generations, they have played a major role in the city’s growth through ranching, oil, banking, and philanthropy. Their contributions include helping establish the First National Bank of Midland, donating land for Midland International Airport, and supporting Midland Memorial Hospital. The Scharbauer Foundation continues that tradition of giving back to Midland today.

Go deeper: The Kentucky Oaks, often called the “sister race” to the Derby, serves as the top event for three-year-old fillies, young female Thoroughbreds. The Kentucky Oaks, traditionally run the day before the Derby, is affectionately known as the “Ladies’ Derby,” and is one of the biggest events on the American racing calendar.