Photo Essay: Rachel Alexandra Romps At Saratoga

Rachel Alexandra entered the racing hall of fame on Saturday September 5th, 2009. It just won't be announced until after her career is over. By persevering to win the Woodward in a heart-stopping photo finish over Macho Again, the super filly proved that not only does she have class, speed and stamina, but that she also has heart and grit to match. Even if she never races again, or if she were to race and lose, Rachel Alexandra's racing legacy is now secure.

Rachel Alexandra was pumped up as she walked onto the track Saturday at Saratoga. Teetering sideways as the horses paraded towards the starting gate, the filly dumped jockey Calvin Borel in an unfamiliar show of nervousness. However, Borel was quickly back aboard and Rachel Alexandra not only loaded easily into the gate, she bounded out bravely and assumed the lead. Setting quick fractions to the quarter while pressed by Da' Tara and Past The Point, even track announcer Tom Durkin seemed concerned about the pace booming, "There will be no free ride for Rachel Alexandra, they're making her work for every step today."

As the field turned for home, a 30,000 strong crowd of supporters roared the daughter of Medaglia d'Oro down the lane only to fall into a hushed silence when Macho Again and jockey Robby Albarado drew along side just yards from the wire. In the final strides, Rachel Alexandra dug in and pushed her neck past the post first under heavy urging from Borel. After a split-second collective sigh of relief from the grandstand, the crowd erupted in an overwhelming scream of approval in support of the best filly on the planet.

Call it hyperbole if you like, but the Woodward marked a ninth consecutive victory and a fifth Grade One scalp on the trot. Rachel Alexandra has earned her accolades.

Rachel Alexandra awash in glory following victory in the Woodward


Rachel Alexandra's resume is so impressive that it's easy to take for granted what the three-year-old has accomplished. The filly dominated in the Kentucky Oaks winning by more than 20 lengths over her sophomore colleagues. In a shocking move, Jockey Calvin Borel hopped off Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird to win the Preakness aboard Jess Jackson's latest investment to take the only triple crown race she entered. A month after the Preakness victory, Rachel Alexandra walked the Mother Goose at Belmont by 19 lengths and then followed it up by defeating Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird in the Haskell at Monmouth Park to complete her sweep of Triple Crown race winners.

The Woodward field presented a new challenge for the latest racing sensation - older males. While some wanted Rachel Alexandra to contest the Travers, it was far more impressive to see her defeat proven Grade One horses such as five-year-old Whitney winner Bullsbay and his four-year-old rival Macho Again who triumphed in the Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs over Einstein.

Calvin Borel takes a peak at a closing Macho Again


From May to September, this amazing filly has thrilled racing fans and added a new chapter to the book of racing champions in five fantastic starts. Trainer Steve Asmussen was humble following the race. “I can’t say enough about the race she put in today under the circumstances," said Asmussen. "It means so much to me and everyone involved with her. For Jess and Barbara to allow us the opportunity to run her in these races, I can’t say enough. She came through today like a true champion. At 22 and change, I started worrying . I worried until they put her number up. I can’t say how proud of her I am. Her performance, under the pressure that she always is, stepping up and raising her game … what a tremendous victory today. She didn’t lope along on the lead or anything today. She’s a spectacular athlete.”

Rachel Alexandra prevails by a head


For those who might believe Asmussen's words are biased, consider the post-race statements from jockey Robby Albarado who nearly spoiled the party with Macho Again.

“She’s a champion. Champions do that. Champions find ways to win," stated Albarado. “I never thought I had her. You never think you have champions. She’s a great filly. The only thing I was hoping was that at some point she would tire or do something. She’s great. What can I say. Nothing much I can say. She’s great.

A truly classy show of sportsmanship from Albarado who ended his tribute with one final, definitive, statement. “Champions show different dimension. She is in a league of her own. She has beaten every top division we have in racing. Older horses, her age, it doesn’t matter. No matter what they throw at her, she’ll beat them.”

All that is left is to define her place in history. It is a debate that cannot truly be settled until long after Rachel Alexandra leaves the racetrack. So many questions are left unanswered at this point. How many more races will she win? Who else can she beat? What about career longevity? In the long term, there is also the question of what she might accomplish in the breeding side of the game.

Calvin Borel and Jess Jackson embrace after a thrilling victory


There will be countless articles wrapped around the mystery of whether or not Rachel Alexandra is better than Ruffian. Many fans still want to see Rachel Alexandra take on Zenyatta. But what about the European greats? Could Rachel Alexandra have triumphed over the great, now retired, filly Zarkava? How does Rachel Alexandra compare to hot European colt, Sea The Stars?

Until this past Saturday, the best filly I had the pleasure to see race live was French champion All Along who won the 1983 Rothmans International at Woodbine Racetrack. I would rather not detract from that childhood memory by stating Rachel Alexandra is better than an Arc de Triomphe winner. I much prefer to count the number of racing greats I've witnessed than attempt to rank them. Why tear others down for the greatness of one? This is a time for racing fans to acknowledge that we are in the presence of greatness and enjoy the ride for as long as it lasts.

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I had a fantastic weekend at Saratoga and enjoyed every second of the experience. From 6AM visits to the backstretch to post-track drinks at Siros, I can attest that breaking my Saratoga maiden was much like attending a fantasy camp for racing fans. A big thank you to my host, Brooklyn Backstretch and to everyone in the New York Racing Association Media Department.

What follows is a photo essay of the trip. For those that care, these photos are 72dpi for Internet publishing. If you would like raw or 300DPI versions of these photographs, or plan to re-use the material in any way, please contact me via email. You will find my email address in the top left corner of this blog in my bio.


A spectacular sunrise at the Spa


Out of the sun, into the fog


Morning workouts are one big ball of fun


Everyone in town was very welcoming


At 6:59AM on Saturday morning all was peaceful in the backyard...


One minute later bedlam ensued as racing fans surged into the grounds


An hour later the backyard was transformed into tent city


There's plenty to see on the grounds of Saratoga


Rick Astley's favourite horse


A sign of things to come


Just a man and his horse


Backstretch sprint


McSteamy?


This guy is a big fan of the White Stripes


The backstretch is always PEACEful


Who do you like in the tenth?


Gold d'Oro sprints to victory


Meet me at the Big Red Spring


Future fans enjoyed a day at the track


Neck and Neck between Hamazing Destiny (#14) and Mesa Sunrise (#12)


Down the stretch in front of a crowded grandstand


Kodiak Kowboy was favoured in the 30th running of the G1 Forego...


But Pyro was en fuego down the lane for jockey John Velazquez


Rachel Alexndra's fans waited nervously for their champ to arrive


The champ is here!


And they're off in the 56th running of the G1 Woodward Stakes


Yards after the finish line, Rachel Alexandra is STILL IN FRONT!


A relieved crowd goes wild for their heroine


All eyes on Rachel Alexandra in the winners circle


Dominic Terry, exercise rider of Rachel Alexandra, celebrates a monumental victory


The undisputed queen of thoroughbred racing shows off her killer crossover


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I will have more photos, as well as video, from Saratoga posted later this week. For now, why not take one last look at the Woodward

Rachel Alexandra wins the 56th running of the Woodward at Saratoga