Horse Racing – 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra retired
Rachel Alexandra, the 2009 Horse of the Year in thoroughbred racing, has been retired from racing, her owners announced Tuesday.
Rachel started turning heads with a win in the 2009 Kentucky Oaks, and went on to win all eight of her starts as a 3-year-old filly in 2009. But Rachel Alexandra won only two of five starts in 2010.
Her last loss was in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign at Saratoga on Aug. 29, when she was bested by a length. She had been working out at Saratoga to run in Saturday’s Grade 1 Beldame Invitational at Belmont Park, but owner Jess Jackson decided to retire the filly on Tuesday.
“As you know, despite top training and a patient campaign, Rachel Alexandra did not return to her 2009 form,” Jackson said in a news release. “I believe it’s time to retire our champion and reward her with a less stressful life. We are delighted that she will retire healthy and happy to our beautiful farm in Kentucky.”
Jackson said he would breed Rachel Alexandra to his two-time Horse of the Year Curlin next year for betting on horses.
Jackson, and business partner Harold McCormick, purchased Rachel Alexandra privately from owner/breeder Dolphus Morrison, his partner Mike Lauffer, and trainer Hal Wiggins following her 20 1/4-length victory in the 2009 Kentucky Oaks.
Fifteen days later, Rachel Alexandra won the Preakness Stakes, holding off Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird by one length.
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