Haskin Series Part 1: Rachel Rocks the Spa

Through the remainder of the year, I am going to recount some of my most memorable experiences/moments in racing over the past 40 years. We begin with Rachel Alexandra's victory in the 2009 Woodward Stakes.

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Verrazano Flies Home Alone in Pegasus Romp

In the first major stakes for 3-year-olds following the Triple Crown, favored Verrazano was an easy winner of the $148,500 Pegasus Stakes (gr. III) June 16 after his main challenger, Itsmyluckyday, was pulled up at Monmouth.

Sires Who Showed Stamina Deliver in Belmont

Just looking at recent history, eight of the previous dozen Belmont Stakes winners were by sires who won grade I races at 1 1/4 miles or longer, including three winners by previous Belmont Stakes winners.

R.A.C.E. Fund Online Auction Begins May 25

The Retirement Assistance and Care for Equine Fund (R.A.C.E. Fund), a 501 C 3 non-profit organization, launches its spring fund drive with an online auction on eBay May 25 at 8 p.m. The auction ends June 1.

Analysis: Finding a Match for Black Caviar

by Anne Peters
Black Caviar raced from ages 2 to 6 with 25 starts, and was never beaten. She's just been retired, and thoughts now turn to which stallion her owners will send her to in the upcoming breeding season.

Normandy Invasion Will Skip Preakness

Rick Porter, owner of Normandy Invasion, said May 12 the Tapit colt will not compete in the upcoming Preakness Stakes (gr. I) in favor of a summer campaign instead.

Bejarano Rolls to 3,000th North American Win

Jockey Rafael Bejarano earned the 3,000th North American victory of his career when 1-2 favorite Ondine rolled to an easy victory in the first race May 11 at Betfair Hollywood Park.

William Hill to Sponsor Haskell Invitational

The sports betting company William Hill has teamed with Monmouth Park in a long-term agreement to become the Oceanport, N.J., racetrack's exclusive sports betting provider.

Oaks Owners Weigh In on Derby Points System

A few days out from the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I), it's interesting to ponder what might have been if the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) field was still based on earnings rather than points.

Pedigree: Another Gold Medallion for Whiteley

by John P. Sparkman
Whiteley's arrangement with Richard and Audrey Haisfield's Stonewall Farm to support their young stallion Medaglia d'Oro resulted indirectly in the recent Palm Beach S. (gr. IIIT) winner Rydilluc.

Rachel Alexandra Returns to Stonestreet

Rachel Alexandra returned to Stonestreet Farm March 26, beginning the next stage of her remarkable recuperation following abdominal surgery performed mid-February at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital near Lexington.

Rachel Alexandra Continues Recovery

Veterinarians monitoring the recovery of classic winner Rachel Alexandra at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital report the abscess drained March 7 continues to respond well to treatment.

Rachel Alexandra Recovering from Surgery

Classic winner Rachel Alexandra is healing well following a surgical procedure performed March 7 to drain an abscess that developed adjacent to her reproductive tract and rectum.

Rachel Doing Well After Doctors Drain Abscess

Rachel Alexandra was described as "bright and alert with a good appetite" on the evening of March 7 after undergoing a surgical procedure at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital to drain an abscess discovered in the morning.

Slideshow: Calvin Borel: 5000 Wins & Counting

A look back at the career of Calvin Borel after his 5,000th win.

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Paynter Progresses with Half-Mile Work

Haskell Invitational (gr. I) winner Paynter turned in his second work since making a comeback from severe illness and the subsequent surgery he underwent last year, breezing four furlongs in :50 1/5 at Santa Anita Park.

Rachel Alexandra Doing 'Better Than Expected'

Veterinarians at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital near Lexington remain pleased with the progress of 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra following her abdominal surgery resulting from foaling complications Feb. 13.

Rachel Alexandra Off IV Fluids, Nutrition

Rachel Alexandra, the 2009 Horse of the Year, was able to be taken off IV fluids and nutrition Feb. 23 as she continues to recover from foaling complications at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital near Lexington.

Rachel Alexandra Stable a Week After Surgery

The 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra continues to face her recovery from abdominal surgery as a result of foaling complications with the same courage and determination that made her a champion on the track.

Fans Signing Up for Rachel at FG

Fans of Rachel Alexandra are invited to sign a 15-foot "Get Well Soon, Rachel" banner that will hang in the paddock area at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.

Rachel Alexandra Goes for Short Walk

Doctors at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington said Monday, Feb. 18, that 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra remains stable as she recovers from abdominal surgery performed Feb. 13 following foaling complications.

Vets Pleased with Rachel Alexandra's Progress

Doctors at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital near Lexington reported Feb. 16 that 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra remained serious but stable as she continued to recover from foaling complications.

Rachel Alexandra Shows Some Progress

While showing signs of progress, Rachel Alexandra's condition remained serious at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital Feb. 15, following surgery to repair a section of her small colon injured in the foaling a filly.

Pants On Fire Hot in Gulfstream Slop

Rain couldn't extinguish Pants On Fire as the multiple graded stakes winner easily drew off to win by 5 1/4 lengths at Gulfstream Park Feb. 15.

Rachel Alexandra's Condition Very Serious

Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra is battling infection as she tries to recover from surgery to treat a colon injury suffered while foaling a healthy Bernardini filly Feb. 12.