'Rags' Filly Taking After Her Mother

Although she is little more than a week old, Rags to Riches’ first foal is already showing she's inherited her mother's strong independence.

The Giant's Causeway filly, who was born March 9 at Ashford Stud near Versailles, Ky., is a curious and friendly foal that shares more than just an independent attitude with her dam. Rags to Riches has passed on her distinctive white blaze and bright chestnut color to her daughter.

Rags to Riches is booked to first-year Ashford stallion Henrythenavigator, a multiple group I-winning son of Kingmambo. Henrythenavigagtor finished second in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) in his only North American start.

Ashford has had several notable births in the past week. Rags to Riches’ paddock mate, grade III winner La Traviata, delivered a colt by Mr. Greeley, while Henrythenavigator’s dam, Sequoyah, delivered a full sister to the group I winner.

Rags to Riches, who raced for Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor, was the champion 3-year-old filly in 2007. She won four grade I races that year, but is best known for defeating eventual two-time Horse of the Year Curlin in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I). She was the first filly to win the last leg of the Triple Crown in 102 years.