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Rachel Alexandra has been retired to be a broodmare.
Looks like connections are going to try to get Curlin to cover her.
Now that, in theory, would make a very attractive foal.
Bit of a let down. Connections made such uproar about not running in the BC because of the artificial surface. Well, this year they got the track they wanted to take on Zenyatta, but guess what, they don’t got no horse.
What a tremendously talented filly.
Her exploits in 2009 raised the bar to another level and it will be a very long time before another 3YO filly equals her achievements.
She became the first filly since 1924 to win the Preakness, beating Kentucky Derby winner, Mine That Bird, in the process. She later went on to win the Haskell Invitational from Summer Bird, winner of the Belmont Stakes.
Sadly, whilst the partnership of Calvin Borel coincided with her rise to prominence, it was arguably his brutality in the Woodward Stakes – Rachel’s final race in 2009 and last top level success – that contributed to her decline.
It was an ugly, soul destroying piece of jockeyship and she was never the same after that.
A more sympathetic ride may have increased the chances of Rachel meeting her West Coast rival, Zenyatta, in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, although connections voiced concerns over the surface.
It is always a special moment, in todays political sporting arena, when two rivals collide at the top of their game. What was a much anticipated meeting of two legendary fillies, has become yet another case of ‘what might have been’.
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What was a much anticipated meeting of two legendary fillies, has become yet another case of ‘what might have been’.
I think everyone knows what would’ve happened. Zenyatta would’ve been settling down for tea when Rachel crossed the line.
All I will forever remember (sadly) with Rachel Alexandra is the battering she took in the Woodward off Borel. A battering which she probably/possibly never recovered from. Many commented this year on how she lugged out in the straight and looked uneasy. I would also look pretty uncomfortable if subjected to that treatment and thinking I was going to go through it again.
There are 4 races I think she should best be remembered by and the Woodward’s not one of them.
Winning the Kentucky Oaks by 20l, backing up to win the Preakness, winning the Mother Goose Stakes by nearly 20l running 1:46 for 9f, and then beating Summer Bird by 5l in the Haskell. Up to 9f on Dirt at that time, who would have been able to beat her?
This year was also disappointing because of the role her egotistical owner played. Who knows if she recovered from the battering, but her whole race campaign and preparation was ridiculous. To retire her at this time just fits in with how strange this man is. Who can forget his idea to run Curlin in the Arc? Abandons that (sensibly) and then doesn’t like the "plastic turf" track Curlin lost over in the BC Classic?
The tender ride given SeaTheStars by Kinane in all his races kept him in top form for the whole year.You don’t have to win by as much as you can only by as much as you need.Young jockeys should study those rides every once in a while to get and remember the lessons there.
I have never had much respect for Calvin Borel. The attention he’s been getting for "riding the rail" just makes you shake your head, doesn’t it… don’t how he lost the Belmont by going for home a ridiculous 700m out 4-5 wide on Mine That Bird.
And his win on Super Saver was reckless too. He had the race wrapped up well before the wire but was still lashing the horse as if he was in a competitive finish. Why he chose to, in between smacks down the back, give Super Saver a hard crack down the shoulder I will never know.
I also always found it strange that Ryan Moore fully extended Workforce in the Derby. I mean, you’ll get the rating but if its been a tough race…
Even the Australians, with their extravagant windmill whip action have the sense to give their mounts an easy time if the race is wrapped up.This is almost certainly due to Jess Jackson’s failing health. He’s had cancer for a while now. He wasn’t at Rachel’s Personal Ensign, and it’s absolutely unheard of for him to miss any of her races. I think he wants to ensure that he has control over Rachel’s career, and gives him the Rachel-Curlin foal he’s been wanting. I don’t blame him.
All I will forever remember (sadly) with Rachel Alexandra is the battering she took in the Woodward off Borel. A battering which she probably/possibly never recovered from. Many commented this year on how she lugged out in the straight and looked uneasy. I would also look pretty uncomfortable if subjected to that treatment and thinking I was going to go through it again.
There are 4 races I think she should best be remembered by and the Woodward’s not one of them.
Yeah, hitting a game mare like RA 20 times in the stretch is just going to sour the animal. Such a shame that some jocks see the need to ever be that uncaring.
It was horrible to watch.Interesting interview with Hal Wiggins (RA’s original trainer) JJ bought RA after Kentucky Oaks and sent her to
Steve Asmussen but most believed it was always Jess Jackson calling the shots about when and where Rachel raced.
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