The final prep race for the Fair Grounds Oaks (gr. II) has been renamed the Rachel Alexandra Stakes, officials of Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in Louisiana announced Sept. 28. The news was released the same day that the 2009 Horse of the Year’s retirement was announced.
Rachel Alexandra won the Fair Grounds Oaks last year.
The $150,000 Rachel Alexandra Stakes (gr. III), at 1 1/16 miles, will be run next year on Feb. 19. It will be part of the Louisiana Derby Preview Day card.
The Rachel Alexandra previously was known as the Silverbulletday Stakes, a name that will now be used for the first event in Fair Grounds’ three-race series for 3-year-old fillies. That race had been known as the Tiffany Lass Stakes.
“Rachel graced us with one of the most impressive performances in our track’s history when she won the Fair Grounds Oaks in a gallop,” said Fair Grounds vice president and general manager Eric Halstrom. “Then (earlier this year) she generated unprecedented excitement and a record crowd when she became the first reigning Horse of the Year to race at Fair Grounds in almost six decades. She is one of the all-time legends not only of Fair Grounds but of our sport.”
The $100,000 Silverbulletday, at 1 mile and 40 yards, will be held Jan. 22 next year. The $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks will be run at 1 1/16 miles March 26.