Rachel Alexandra in 4F Move at Fair Grounds

In her second work of the week, reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra breezes four furlongs in :50 3/5 Feb. 6 in New Orleans.

$5 Million Lure to Get Rachel, Zenyatta

Oaklawn Park president Charles J. Cella has upped the purse of the April 3 Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. I) to $5 million provided champions Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta both start.

Hangin' With Haskin: Apple Blossom Time

Oaklawn Park made all the right moves with their big Apple Blossom announcement. They put up the money, the changed the distance, and in short they dangled one heckuva carrot in front of Jess Jackson and Jerry and Ann Moss.

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And They're Off: Feb. 3 Edition

Lenny and Steve propose a racing schedule for Rachel Alexandra, take a look at what the entrants in the 2009 Kentucky Derby have done since that race, weigh-in on the Michael Gill situation, and more.

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Oaklawn Park to Announce 'Race for the Ages'

Fueling speculation that it is setting the stage for a first-ever matchup between Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra and champion older mare Zenyatta, Oaklawn Park will announce "A Race for the Ages."

Rachel Alexandra Has First Breeze at FG

Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra recorded her first work since winning the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) Sept. 5.

Eclipse Voting Made Unanimous for Zenyatta

Voting for the 2009 older female category has been revised to reverse an error made by a voter who mistakenly voted for Icon Project instead of Zenyatta.

Could Christine be the Next Rachel?

A filly like Rachel Alexandra comes around once in a blue moon. It is not reasonable to think that another 3-year-old filly will surface any time soon and do the things she did. But we can still hope, can't we?

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And They're Off: Eclipse Awards Recap

Lenny and Steve review the Eclipse Awards and present the top 10 real reasons that Zenyatta is returning to the races.

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Poll: Will Rachel Alexandra & Zenyatta Meet?

With both superstars returning to the track in 2010, will the dream race finally come about?

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Eclipse Awards: Event Full of Grace, History

Rachel Alexandra gets the main prize, but partisan crowd shows admiration for both at the 2009 Eclipse Awards.

Rachel Alexandra Named Horse of the Year

Super filly Rachel Alexandra tops Zenyatta in Horse of the Year balloting.

Rachel Alexandra, 2009 HOY

Relive Rachel Alexandra's historic year, from her first major win to being crowned 2009 Horse of the Year.

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2009 Eclipse Awards

Recap all of the Eclipse Award winners with this photo slideshow featuring photos from throughout the 2009 racing season.

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Champion Trainer: Steve Asmussen

Back-to-back Eclipse Awards for trainer of Rachel Alexandra and grade I winner Kodiak Kowboy, Hot Dixie Chick; led nation with $21.8 million in earnings

Champion Owner: Godolphin Racing

Maktoum family stable owner of seven U.S. grade I winners in 2009 including Flashing, Gayego, Music Note, Pyro, Seventh Street, and Vale of York

Champion 3YO Female: Rachel Alexandra

After trouncing her own division, filly stepped out to beat the boys in the grade I BlackBerry Preakness, Haskell, and Woodward Stakes.

Horse of the Year, Eclipse Awards Tonight

One of the most competitive races for Horse of the Year honors in recent memory will conclude tonight, Monday, Jan. 18, with announcement of whether it is Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta.

Zenyatta's Back; Now, the Envelope, Please

After looking at Rachel Alexandra's and Zenyatta's accomplishments it is a shame one will be denied Horse of the Year.

Zenyatta to Run in 2010

After conferring with owners Jerry and Ann Moss, a decision to run the champion mare Zenyatta will run in 2010, trainer John Shirreffs confirmed Jan. 16.

Rachel Wins NYRA 'Story of the Year'

Rachel Alexandra's extraordinary victory in the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga has been voted by fans as NYRA's 2009 "Story of the Year."

Churchill Shortens Period for Future Wagers

Churchill Downs will offer three Future Wager Pools for the May 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and one Future Wager Pool for the April 30 Kentucky Oaks (gr. I). Each wagering period will be for three days.

Zenyatta Wins NTRA 'Moment of the Year'

The historic victory by the undefeated Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) -- the first in the race by a female -- has been voted the 2009 National Thoroughbred Racing Association Moment of the Year.

Saratoga Welcomes Old Friends

On Jan. 31, ThoroFan is partnering with the Union Grille at the Saratoga Hilton to conduct a fundraiser for the retired racehorses at Saratoga County's Bobby Frankel division of Old Friends.

WTR Results Changed; Zenyatta Still Gets Nod

Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra, instead of being joint fourth and fifth, respectively, in the final global standings for 2009, should be third and fourth.

Horse of the Year - Final Arguments

With less than a week away before the winner is crowned, we're giving Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta fans a final opportunity to state their case.

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TVG to Air Exclusive Eclipse Awards Coverage

TVG will broadcast exclusive live coverage of the 39th annual Eclipse Awards from the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on January 18.

The Race for Horse of the Year

Female superstars Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta lead the list of finalists for the 2009 Horse of the Year, which will be announced on January 18th during the 2010 Eclipse Awards.

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It's Zenyatta Over Rachel in World Rankings

Zenyatta has received another boost, with the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) winner rated one pound ahead of Rachel Alexandra in the World Thoroughbred Rankings.

Eclipse Awards Finalists Announced

Female superstars Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta lead an all-star cast of finalists for the 2009 Eclipse Awards, recognizing excellence in Thoroughbred racing.

Leading Sires of 2009: Medaglia d'Oro

Medaglia d'Oro, leading second-crop sire of 2009, at Darley with commentary by Darley COO Oliver Tait. Sire of superstar Rachel Alexandra and nine other stakes winners for the year.

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Girl Power: Females Rule 2009 Earnings List

For the first time, female Thoroughbreds occupy the top two spots on the list of leading North American earners in 2009, according to final statistics released today by Equibase Company.

2009 - Year in Review

Lenny Shulman takes a look back at an exciting 2009, which can be identified as the year of the female.

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Sweet Repent, Jessica Is Back Clash Again

Sweet Repent rallied past Jessica Is Back in the stretch to win the Elmer Heubeck Distaff on Florida Million day Nov. 14, and the two face off again in the $100,000 Stage Door Betty Handicap (gr. III) Dec. 26 at Calder.

Zenyatta Second in AP Female Athlete Vote

Zenyatta, who became the first female to win the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) last month at Santa Anita, finished second to tennis star Serena Williams as Associated Press' Female Athlete of the Year in 2009.

Most Memorable Triple Crown Performances

Best of the Decade: Steve Haskin ranks the most memorable Triple Crown performances.

Who's #1?

Five Questions: Olly Tait

Tait, COO of Sheikh Mohammed's Darley operation, has been based in Central Kentucky now for just more than a year.

Bramlage: Resting Rachel Right Thing to Do

Filly needed a break following the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) more than she needed to face Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup.

NYRA 'Story of the Year' Voting Now Underway

Beginning Dec. 11 and through Jan. 15, 2010, fans can choose from among five compelling storylines some human, some equine and cast their ballots for NYRA "Story of the Year."

Rachel Alexandra Online Auction Nets $20,000

Kendall-Jackson Winery announced Dec. 9 it has sent a check for $20,000 to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, reflecting the results of an online auction of items from Rachel Alexandra's 2009 racing season.

Santa Anita George Woolf Finalists Announced

Santa Anita Park announced Dec. 9 a list of five finalists for the 61st annual Santa Anita George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, with the winner to be announced in January.

FG Creates Race to Lure Rachel Alexandra

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots has put together a $200,000 stakes race for older fillies and mares in hopes of luring Horse of the Year candidate Rachel Alexandra for her 2010 debut.

Rachel, Zenyatta Featured in Digital Magazine

In celebration of the historic year by two of racing's great females, The Blood-Horse and ExclusivelyEquine.com will offer a digital edition Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta commemorative magazine titled "Queens of the Turf: Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta's Race for 2009 Horse of the Year."

Rachel Alexandra Pointed to Spring Return

Stonestreet Stables and Harold McCormick's Rachel Alexandra arrived in Louisiana Nov. 27 but probably won't race until March or April.

Flashing Shows Her Heels in Sharp Gazelle Win

Flashing, thought to be making the final start of her career, popped the gate in front and never looked back, drawing away from Unrivaled Belle through the stretch drive to easily win the $300,000 Gazelle Stakes (gr. I) by 4 1/4 lengths at Aqueduct Nov. 28.

Trainer Wiggins Goes Out a Winner at 26-1

With his final starter as a trainer Nov. 27, Hal Wiggins watched as Robert V. Hovelson's High Spirit closed from far back to win Churchill Downs' 10th race by a nose and pay $55.60 under Terry Thompson.

Stardom Bound Returns in Gazelle

The flashy gray 3-year-old daughter of Tapit returns to action in the $300,000 Gazelle (gr. I) for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles at Aqueduct.

Queens of the Turf: Rachel and Zenyatta

Queens of the Turf: Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta's Race for 2009 Horse of the Year

Juveniles Headline Closing Day at Churchill

It is doubtful another horse of Rachel Alexandra's caliber will come out of the 2009 "Stars of Tomorrow II" program, but one never knows, and that is good enough reason to watch the $150,000 Golden Rod and $150,000 Kentucky Jockey Club, for 2-year-old fillies and 2-year-old males, respectively.

Change in Horse of the Year Voting Rejected

Two of the three voting groups for Eclipse Awards have rejected a proposal to change this year's Eclipse Awards voting procedures to allow for a vote for co-Horse of the Year, a move that could have led to Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra sharing that top honor.

Rachel Alexandra Returns to the Track

Superstar filly Rachel Alexandra jogged lightly once around the track at Churchill Downs at the end of training hours Nov. 23 with regular exercise rider Dominic Terry up accompanied by assistant trainer Scott Blasi on a pony.

Wiggins Named KY 'Horseman of the Year'

Trainer Hal Wiggins, who plans to retire at the end of November, is the recipient of the 2009 Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award given by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners.

Churchill Dedicates Weekend to Borel

Popular Churchill Downs-based jockey Calvin Borel, who swept this year's Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) and Kentucky Derby (gr. I) aboard Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird, respectively, will be honored at Churchill Downs Nov. 21-22 with a bobblehead giveaway, autograph session, roast and his very own drink special.

Haskin on Horse of the Year: Stalemate

These are the final words from here on the Horse of the Year debate between racing's two monarchs, Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. Unfortunately, only one likely will be crowned, but you can be sure both will rule in the hearts and minds of most racing fans.

Haskin's Breeders' Cup Wrap: Final Thoughts

All the comments made about Quality Road being a rogue or crazy are way off base. Dr. Larry Bramlage called him a juvenile delinquent following his meltdown prior to the Breeders' Cup Classic. A juvenile, yes, in many ways, but being scared out of your wits does not make you a delinquent.

Sam Houston Offers Race for Zenyatta, Rachel

Sam Houston Race Park and Gallery Furniture continue to step up efforts to bring super star females Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra together in a stakes race slated for Jan. 30.

Shirreffs: Classic Winner Zenyatta is HOY

A day after undefeated Zenyatta became a giant of the racing world with a spine-tingling victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), trainer John Shirreffs said she should be Horse of the Year over favored Rachel Alexandra.

Gulfstream Reissues Offer to Zenyatta, Rachel

Whether Zenyatta or Rachel Alexandra is the better horse is a question Gulfstream Park president and general manager Ken Dunn believes best answered in the Feb. 6 Donn Handicap (gr. I). The race will be run the day before the Super Bowl in nearby Miami Gardens.

Zenyatta Reclaims Top Spot in Poll by a Nose

Zenyatta reclaimed the top spot in the final National Thoroughbred Racing Association poll of 2009.

The Morning After: All Zenyatta, All the Time

Although she was back in her barn at Hollywood Park after her historic Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) win, Zenyatta was the hot topic the morning of Nov. 8 among those gathered at Clocker's Corner at Santa Anita, one day after they witnessed history.

Visit With Rachel Alexandra to be Auctioned

A personal visit with superstar filly Rachel Alexandra goes on the auction block tomorrow as the grand final item in Kendall-Jackson's "Rachel Alexandra Running Auction," benefiting The V Foundation for Cancer Research. The auction will end after seven days at noon, Nov. 4.

Satans Quick Chick (23-1) Lights Up Raven Run

Satans Quick Chick slid through the inside under Leandro Goncalves and caught Slides Choice and Don'ttalktome in the final strides to pull a 23-1 upset in the $300,000 Lexus Raven Run (gr. II) for 3-year-old fillies Oct. 24 at Keeneland.

Flashing Leads Full Field in Raven Run

Godolphin Racing's Flashing, a winner of four of six starts this season including the grade I Test Stakes, has a clear edge over a full field of 3-year-old fillies in the $300,000 Lexus Raven Run (gr. II) Oct. 24 at Keeneland.

Athenia: Belle Allure Due for U.S. Stakes Win

Ronchalon Stable's Irish-bred Belle Allure looks for her first U.S. stakes win in the $100,000 Athenia (gr. IIIT) Oct. 21 going 1 1/16 miles over the Belmont Park turf course. Originally carded for Oct. 17, the race was moved when inclement weather forced racing off the grass in New York this weekend.

It's Official: Rachel Done Until 2010

Star filly Rachel Alexandra is finished racing for the year, co-owner Jess Jackson announced Oct. 9.

Rachel Alexandra Back at Churchill Downs

Leading Horse of the Year candidate Rachel Alexandra returned to her home base at Churchill Downs Oct. 7 and settled into familiar surroundings in trainer Steve Asmussen's Barn 38 following a long van ride from Saratoga, where she spent much of the summer and the early days of fall.

Rachel 'Doing Great,' Ships to Ky. Tuesday

Rachel Alexandra is enjoying her well-deserved vacation at Saratoga following an arduous and ambitious campaign that culminated with a memorable victory over older males in the Woodward Stakes (gr. I). The daughter of Medaglia d'Oro will ship back to Churchill Downs on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Monmouth Meeting Shows Attendance Gains

Monmouth Park concluded its 2009 meeting Sept. 27 showing a significant gain in average attendance, even as wagering followed what has become this year's national downward trend.

Countdown to the Cup: Pray for Rain

Circle the date Oct. 4 on your calendar. Your assignment is to pray for rain in France - enough to turn the Longchamp turf course soft. The softer the better.

Informed Decision Right Choice in PID Masters

Odds-on choice Informed Decision improved to five-for-five on synthetic tracks and cemented her position as a leading candidate for the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint when she sailed to a 2 1/2-length victory in the $398,000 Presque Isle Downs Masters (gr. III) in Erie, Pa., on the evening of Sept. 12.

Countdown to the Cup: Big Chasm between A-Z

It's time to accept the fact that Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta are not going to meet. As the cliche goes, that ship has sailed.

Jackson Reaffirms No Breeders' Cup for Rachel

The Breeders' Cup board of directors Sept. 11 said the organization will increase the purse of the $5-million Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) by $1 million if Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta start in the 1 1/4-mile event Nov. 7 at Santa Anita Park.

THS: Presque Isle Masters Stakes (Video)

Jason, Tom, and Tim Holland from twinspires preview the Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes (gr. III), which features 4 grade I winners.

Gozzip Girl Battles Maram in Garden City

Gozzip Girl, freshened since her smashing win in the American Oaks (gr. IT) at Hollywood Park more than two months ago, returns to Belmont Park Sept. 12 as the filly to beat in the $300,000 Garden City Stakes (gr. IT).

And They're Off: September 9, 2009 (Video)

Lenny and Steve talk about Rachel Alexandra, Tim Ice, Chip Woolley, Linda Rice, and more. Plus, feedback from viewers!

Grade I-Winning Quartet Heads Masters' Field

Four grade I winners -- Diamondrella, Flashing, Game Face, and Informed Decision -- are part of an overflow field entered for the $400,000 Presque Isle Downs Masters (gr. III) on tap Sept. 12 in Erie, Pa.

Countdown to the Cup: Rachel Rocks the Spa

Rachel Alexandra provided one of the great moments in the history of Saratoga when she scored a courageous head victory over older male rivals in the $750,000 Woodward Stakes Sept. 5.

Rachel Doing Well Day After Woodward

Standing outside his barn at Saratoga the morning of Sept. 6, trainer Steve Asmussen was still basking in the glow of Rachel Alexandra's historic victory in the $750,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) as he reported the filly came out of the race in good shape.

Rachel Holds Off Macho Again in Woodward

Rachel Alexandra cemented herself as one of the best fillies of all-time in a race for the ages, as she set a suicidal pace and then was all out under Calvin Borel to hold off a bold charge from Macho Again to win the $750,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) by a head in electrifying fashion Sept. 5 at Saratoga.

That Handicapping Show: The Woodward (Video)

Jason, Tom, and Rich Nilsen of twinspires.com preview the Woodward Stakes (gr. I). Plus picks for the Forego (gr. I).

Woodward Analysis: Target Rachel?

Please note the following analysis was written by someone with a glass-is-half-empty mentality and is not meant to frighten, upset, or antagonize Rachel Alexandra fans and zealots. So, read at your own risk.

Icon Project: Yet Another Filly Standout

PORTER ON PEDIGREES, by Alan Porter

It seems 2009 would be a year for filly phenoms, and they're all the result of young, distance-loving sires.

Rachel to Face 7 Males in Historic Woodward

On Sept. 5 at Saratoga, Rachel Alexandra will seek history when trying to become the first female to win the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) -- a feat that would almost certainly lock up Horse of the Year honors and stamp the 3-year-old as one of the best fillies of all time.

Rachel's Options Open After Woodward

Majority owner Jess Jackson said on a national teleconference Sept. 1 that plans for Rachel Alexandra following Saturday's $750,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) are up in the air, and he did not dismiss the idea of putting her away for the year.

'Rachel' Poised to Make History in Woodward

With her scheduled start against older males in the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) Saturday, Sept. 5, Rachel Alexandra is taking a path seldom traveled by 3-year-old fillies.

NYRA Makes Special Plans for 'Rachel' Show

The New York Racing Association is making special plans as "The Rachel Alexandra Show" comes to Saratoga Race Course for Saturday's grade I, $750,000 Woodward Stakes.

Rachel Alexandra in Final Woodward Tuneup

Rachel Alexandra, whose eight-race win streak includes four grade I stakes, turned in her final preparation for the Sept. 5 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) when she breezed four furlongs at Saratoga on the morning of Aug. 31.

Victory Ride: Sara Louise Returns With a Bang

Sara Louise, the last horse to defeat superstar filly Rachel Alexandra, returned from a nine-month layoff in sparkling fashion, coming from off the pace to score the $110,000 Victory Ride (gr. III) Aug. 29 at Saratoga.

And They're Off: August 26, 2009 (Video)

Topics include Rachel Alexandra and Jess Jackson, the continued breakdowns at Del Mar, plus a look at the second season of Animal Planet's hit reality program, JOCKEYS.

Sara Louise Returns to Action in Victory Ride

Sara Louise will race for the first time since November in the $100,000 Victory Ride (gr. III) Aug. 29 at Saratoga. She is the last horse to defeat Rachel Alexandra.

Rachel May Send Asiatic Boy to Del Mar

As soon as trainer Kiaran McLaughlin found out Rachel Alexandra would be running in the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) Sept. 5 he quickly contacted the owner of his Woodward hopeful Asiatic Boy, about the possibility of heading to California.

Super Filly Rachel Alexandra to Woodward

Trainer Steve Asmussen said Aug. 24 that top 3-year-old filly Rachel Alexandra will run in the Sept. 5 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) and that stablemate Kensei would contest the Aug. 29 Shadwell Travers Stakes (gr. I).

Medaglia d'Oro Filly Tops OBS Select Session

The Ocala Breeders' Sales Co.'s August yearling sale broke slowly from the starting gate Aug. 24 in Central Florida, suffering downturns of more than 30% from 2008 in its gross revenue, average price, and median price. But a powerful-looking Medaglia d'Oro filly topped the select session by attracting a $275,000 final bid from Charlotte Weber's Live Oak Plantation that surpassed last year's peak price for an individual horse of $200,000.

NYRA Joins Rachel Alexandra-Zenyatta Bidding

Online wagering companies TVG and Betfair have pledged an additional $400,000 to the New York Racing Association to invite Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta to participate in the Beldame Stakes (gr. I) at Belmont Park Oct. 3.

Medaglia d'Oro on Southern Hemisphere Time

Medaglia d'Oro, the leading sire this year by North American earnings and leading second crop sire, will be available to be bred on Southern Hemisphere time, beginning Sept. 1 at Sheikh Mohammed's Darley near Lexington.

THS: Del Mar Oaks (Video)

Jason, Evan, and James Scully of twinspires.com preview the Del Mar Oaks (gr. IT). Plus picks for the Alabama (gr. I).

Alabama: No 'Rachel,' But Still a Solid Field

There are two ways to look at the field for the $600,000 Alabama (gr. I): It could be a disappointment that the nation's top 3-year-old filly, Rachel Alexandra, is not included in the field. Or, a more optimistic view would be that many of the talented fillies entered for the prestigious race are only there because Rachel Alexandra is not in the field.

Wiggins to Retire After Churchill Meet

After training horses for more three decades and having his career peak this year with the success of the sensational filly Rachel Alexandra, Hal Wiggins will ride off into the sunset of retirement at the end of Churchill Downs' fall meet in November.

'Earnest' Discussions on Rachel's Next Start

Rachel Alexandra breezed five furlongs in a bullet 1:00.37 on a foggy Monday morning on the Oklahoma training track at Saratoga Race Course, after which trainer Steve Asmussen said discussions would begin "in earnest" on where the filly would make her next start.

Quality Road Works, On Schedule For Travers

Quality Road, expected to be among the favorites for the $1 million Shadwell Travers (gr. I), turned in his first work since his record-setting victory in the Amsterdam (gr. II) Aug. 16 at Saratoga, covering six furlongs in 1:13.19.