Horse Racing: Rachel Alexandra, the legendary Thoroughbred filly (Part 3)
The former Thoroughbred filly, Rachel Alexandra has the honour to be the 2009 Horse of the Year. She has always proved her talent and showcased brilliant performances in all her career meets, even those which she ran against male horses of older age than
her. She won the Eclipse Award in the year 2009. This particular Award is considered to be the most prestigious one in American Horse Racing. Rachel’s retirement was announced on the 28th of September 2010. Some of her last few performances the
same year are elaborated as you read ahead.
The first race that was contended by Rachel this racing season was the New Orleans Ladies Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course on 13th of March 2010. This was her first meet at the age of four. The race was to be run over a distance of 1 1/6 miles
and carried a purse of $ 200,000. Rachel could not finish this race in the first position and was held off by the six year old mare Zardana by 3/4th of length. Even though, Rachel lost to Zardana, the difference between the Beyer Speed figure of
both the female racehorses was just one point. Rachel carried of 123 pounds, while Zardana stepped into the field with 121 pounds. All the other competitors weighed 117 pounds.
Then on 30th April 2010, Rachel once again settled in the second spot behind the winner of Rampart Stakes, Unrivaled Belle in the Grade II La Troienne Stakes that took place at Churchill Downs. This was a very marginal victory for Unrivaled Belle
since there was not much difference in the Beyer Speed figure of the two racehorses. However, for Unrivaled Belle this was his career best (103).
Rachel then went on to win the 1 1/8 miles Grade II Fleur de Lis Handicap at Churchill Downs on the 12th of June 2010 against 4 other horses. The race carried a purse of $ 214,000. The legendary filly finished the race in a time of 1 minute and
48.78 second and finished 10 ½ lengths ahead of the runner up. Her Beyer Speed Figure in this race was 109, which is the maximum for any female race horse this racing season.
Lady’s Secret Stakes on the 1st of July was the Rachel’s fourth meet of the season. This was not the held at the Santa Anita Race Track, but the one at the Monmouth Park. The 1 1/8 miles ungraded race carried a purse of $ 400,000. Initially it
was $ 150,000 but then was increased to the aforementioned figure. Lady’s Secret was won by Rachel as she finished the meet three lengths ahead of the seconds place finisher.
Her last start of the year was the Personal Ensign Stakes that took place on the 29th of August 2010. Rachel Alexandra was ridden by Calvin Borel. It was a 1 ¼ miles race and carried a purse of $ 300,000. The race was held at the ever famous Saratoga
Race Course. Rachel made it to the second place behind Persistently in this race.
After winning the Horse of the Year Award in 2009, Rachel could not perform according to the bench mark that she set in all her starts in 2009. Her performances were a little disappointing for her trainer and fans. She was thus retired and bred with Curlin.
Curlin has been the Horse of the Year 2007 and 2009 and is also owned by Jess Jackson.
On the basis of her great performances and contributions to American Horse Racing, it was announced in the 29th of September 2010 that the Silverbulletday Stakes at The Fair Grounds Race Course will now be known as the Rachel Alexandra Stakes.
Most of her major wins have been on the race track and other the jockey Calvin Borel, and will always be remembered as one of the best fillies in the history of the sport.
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