Reigning Horse of the Year to Be Bred to Twice HOY Curlin

Rachel Alexandra, the filly who shocked the racing world in 2009 by winning the Preakness and defeating the colts and male horses in two other G1 races en route to an 8-0 campaign and a Horse of the Year title, has retired, majority owner Jess Jackson announced today.

“As you know, despite top training and a patient campaign, Rachel Alexandra did not return to her 2009 form.  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.

Rachel Alexandra owes us nothing.  As a 3-year-old, she set standards and records that no filly before her ever achieved.  And I suspect it will be quite a while before a three year old filly ever equals or surpasses her achievements.  Although her fans were thrilled by a series of spectacular victories, I believe they, as we, were simply awed time and again by her sheer beauty, courage and athleticism,” said Jess Jackson.

Rachel Alexandra’s 2009 campaign was one for the ages – one that racing fans will remember throughout time.  She not only beat the fillies by 20 lengths in the Kentucky Oaks and 19 lengths in the Mother Goose Stakes, she beat the colts in the Preakness, the Haskell, and the Woodward.  She beat the winners of the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont.  Off the track, she helped raise money for cancer research, education and other charitable causes.

“I have been blessed to have been part of history.  We are all very fortunate that Rachel carried the banner following Curlin’s amazing success story.  The fans adored her, we all did, “said Steve Asmussen. “She had the most fluid and beautiful stride of any horse I have every seen.  It’s been quite a ride,” he added.

“On behalf of my partner Hal McCormick, I want to thank Steve Asmussen, Scott Blasi and the entire Asmussen Racing team for their immense contributions to Rachel’s success story.  And last but far from least let me thank the great Calvin Borel.

Now we are looking to the future.  We are eager to introduce Rachel to Curlin.  Imagine what possibilities those two super horses might produce,” Jackson concluded.

Click here for lifetime past performances of Rachel Alexandra courtesy of Equineline.

The following statement was released by Alex Waldrop of the NTRA:

“Rachel Alexandra waged a three-year-old campaign that was nothing short of historic — both for its flawlessness and its ambition. We commend all those who played such a large part in her greatness, most notably co-owners Jess Jackson and Harold McCormick, trainer Steve Asmussen and jockey Calvin Borel.  Rachel Alexandra provided countless thrills to fans all around the world, and all of us now undoubtedly look forward to the racing exploits of her offspring.”  – Alex Waldrop, President and CEO, National Thoroughbred Racing Association

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