Rachel and the Woodward

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Savanna — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 02:47:18 GMT

I love Rachel and I will miss this fantasic filly.She really got me tough a thought the year(2009).i was having a rough year in 6th grade. I then went into 7th. i am now a 13 and a half year old 8th grader. Rachel was and is my favorite throughbred and I will hope to see her foal by curlin and her foal sibling her dam Lotta Kim is carrying!

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Cate — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 06:13:15 GMT

I believe that her campaign was too much for her in 2009. I do not like her connections. Calvin used the whip 21 times ? Abusive ??

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Jef — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 16:48:26 GMT

I've just printed out your column to save it for posterity. Beautifully written. I think in retrospect, what Rachel accomplished in 2009 looms even larger than it did at the time. With all the uproar over the HOTY balloting last year, I was somewhat torn between Rachel and Zenyatta (even despite having seen the Woodward in person) until Rachel lost her first 2010 start. Then it really hit me how tough that campaign was--far tougher than Zenyatta's. I hope this year Zen gets HOTY so both can bask in their well-deserved glory. Thanks for some great reflections, Steve.

re: Rachel and the Woodward

girlsrock — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:31:48 GMT

Truly we know the great love of this sport and who are the givers. She truly gave her all and she will be remembered for this for times sake let her memories be forever engrained in time she shall not have to win under those circumstances again.

re: Rachel and the Woodward

DinkyDiva — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 22:08:35 GMT

Mr.Haskin, I am so happy that there is a place on bloodhorse, that there is more "positive" remarks then, negative! Unlike your counterpart!

Zookeeper, Peggy and others, check out my facebook page. I have a "work in progress of Rach" and one of "Zenny." As well as my other "art work." Steve, I think you'd appreciate my "work" as a fellow artist! :)

www.facebook.com/photo.php

re: Rachel and the Woodward

txhorsefan — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 22:04:19 GMT

I'm so glad I decided to check in on this blog once again, after several days of figuring it was all quiet. Thank you very much for your insiders information, Fahad, and thank you also for letting us know about your reply from Stonestreet, RachelLover. While the suddenness of her retirement still stings, it does ease the sadness/bewilderment a little knowing that they are considering allowing Rachel's many devoted fans to visit her at the farm, but its still alarming that her retirement had to be so abrupt. I do hope she is all right.

Linda in Texas, I'm still mortified by DFW and I live only about fifteen miles from it - lol!

This is still the best blogging group on the internet. Thank you all!

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Peggy — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:54:29 GMT

I also thank you Fahad. Obviously there is a story to be told, which I hope will someday see print.

For those of you who belong to Facebook, there is a Rachel Alexandra site which is sponsored by Stonestreet Farms and which is supposed to speak for Rachel. Her profile picture is now Barbara Livingson's beautiful shot of Rachel and Dominic riding as the morning sun rises. "Rachel" says that she will be allowed visitors by appointment at some time, but the details haven't been worked out yet.

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Katherine — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 05:37:18 GMT

Steve, so enjoyed reading this blog and (most)of the comments. I especially enjoy reading Fahad Malaikah's inside comments. Thank you Fahad for giving us an idea of why Rachel was so suddenly retired. I don't think I will ever understand why Mr Jackson did not give the fans a little more information since he invited us to share in her campaign. I can understand why they shipped her to the farm as opposed to giving her a formal farewell ceremony and I am glad for Rachel's sake they decided to forgo a formal farewell. She has spent enough time in a stall without a break.

Be well beautiful Rachel, you are a legend in your own time. What an incredible campaign you had last year and only a 3 year old filly, come one, come all!

Steve it would be wonderful if you were able to visit Rachel on the farm, take a few pictures and let us know how she is transitioning in lieu of the farewell ceremony. I can't think of anyone who could do a better job!! What do you think the chances of that are? :)

(I believe this last comment falls under "Shameless Begging" in Haskin Addiction list of symptoms.)

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Fahad Malaikah — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:39:58 GMT

This was such a great article and thread. I only have a couple of final comments. First, I don't know if the Woodward really sapped Rachel for her 2010 season or not, but I will say that Rachel looked a little run down after each race (watch her after the Mother Goose) because she always ran so hard from finish to end. The way she looked after the Woodward wasn't completely out of character, if you will. Second, after recently learning the real reason for Rachel's retirement from a very close and trusted source, I will say that, although there was nothing seriously wrong with Rachel by any means, that the connections did the right thing at the right time with her retirement. Continuing on with her wasn't worth the risk. My respect for the connections has probably increased a little after learning what I did, but on the same token, there isn't a whole lot of reason to be so tight-lipped. To be clear, I deeply admire JJ for his sportsmanship last year, I just think RA was a little mismanaged in her campaign this year, unfortunately.

Best regards,

Fahad

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Peggy — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:36:02 GMT

Thank you, Steve for this fine tribute to Rachel Alexandra's 2009 campaign culminating in the Woodward. I started to follow racing because of her, always looking forward to her next race, but never thinking of the cost to her of her determination to win at all costs. I feel guilty now. Rachel, you have been special to me. Because of you I now have at least an appreciation of so many great racehorses of the past. I learned about Ruffian and her own great talents because of you, and laugh about John Henry and Dr. Fager as I read about them now. We would not know about the personalities of these horses without someone to talk to the real people who are important to them. I am grateful to Steve for sharing these stories and look forward to reading about Rachel and her yet untold stories some day.

re: Rachel and the Woodward

RachelLover — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:06:01 GMT

Hi all and Mr. Haskins - I thought I would pass along this tidbit of information I received late on Friday afternoon, 10/15. The day I heard of Rachel's retirement, of course I was devastated and I was frantically trying to find out information about whether she would be allowed visitors once she settles in at the farm. I sent an email that day to the Stonestreet Farm PR department but genuinely assumed I would never hear from them. Believe it or not, I received the nicest email this past Friday from Lesley Howard who indicated to me that while Mr. Jackson and Ms. Banke have always maintained a private broodmare farm (most do) they would be changing that status once Rachel arrived on site. Apparently, they are in process now of figuring out a visitor's policy and once Rachel is on site and the policy in place, Rachel will be made readily available to her fans! Ms. Howard also indicated Rachel is not due to the farm until mid-November; she will be staying at Churchill Downs until that time. Which leads me to believe there may be a "farewell" for her in the works sometime during the Breeder's Cup. Hurray! I hope this bit of information helps others like me who were pretty sad about the possibility of not getting to see Rachel. I'm ever hopeful to see a proper send off for her while we're at the Breeder's Cup but if not, I'm already planning a trip to Lexington next year to see her up close at the farm. Have a great day, everyone!

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Slew — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 13:24:44 GMT

Linda: How could you? You left out Secretariat. (Giant's Causeway, Storm Cat) The stud fee for Indy would be much higher since the Moss' don't own him. They do own Neko Bay. (Has he been syndicated?)

Dr D: glad to see you back in the mix.

Old timer: Hal Wiggins already stated he would have run Rachel against the boys, later in the season...and he would have taken her to the Breeders' Cup. I do believe his campaign would have been more beneficial to Rachel herself. She will be sorely missed from the track.

It was so difficult in 2009 to determine how RA's and Zen's styles would have worked on the same track against one another. Zen, a bit lazy and hanging back, would slowly build up momentum, and her giant stride would glide over the track like a gazelle. (amazing considering her size). Rachel would cannonball down the track on the lead with all her heart, and so often reminded me of Seattle Slew in the way he always took control of the race from the get-go. It was a warrior's charge, devastating the competition. Rachel did the same, and never gave up in any race. I think she should hook up with Bernardini instead of Curlin. The beauty and conformation of their foal together would be undeniable.

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Zookeeper — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 05:30:53 GMT

Bigtex,

And the head will be Zenyatta's!!!

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Bigtex — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 16:10:22 GMT

Here is what will make this year's Classic one for the ages...

If these top colts are running their best race on the same day in this one race, and Zenyatta is digging in with all she's got (a la Rachel in the Woodward) like she never has had to before and coming down the stretch you can't tell who's going to get the perfect head bob at the wire........HOLY HASKIN, BATMAN!!!

re: Rachel and the Woodward

John T — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 14:35:16 GMT

Frankel has done it,he has won his first Group 1 to-day in the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.His time for the 7 furlongs was even faster than older horses running in a Group 2 the race before that

and the winner of that race Red Jazz was a close third in the Group

1 QE 11 at Ascot so we are talking

about a great racehorse in Frankel.

Unbeaten in four starts as a 2 year old the best price you can now get for him in the first English Classic,the 2000 Guineas next May is 4/5.

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Linda in Texas — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 14:24:09 GMT

Woodswoman - if you will simply Google: Hollywood Race Track, California, it will bring up that site. Click and Scroll down to the very bottom of the page and in small print you will see SITE MAP. Click on that.

When that page presents itself you will see 2 columns of information, on the right side of the page halfway down it says VISIT HOLLYWOOD, click that, and listed under that will be a map showing the racetrack. Keep clicking and it will give a map of the roads surrounding it with a list of where everything is within the confines of the park.

If you are unable to find where the 'backside of the track' is i am sure that when you arrive to park you could ask the attendant which entrance you should approach to be closest to that particular area. Or call the office to speak to someone who might be able to help you.

I used to fly a lot going to meetings all over the country and the first time i drove to DFW airport i was mortified at the size. Soon after i got a computer and could access the maps of the complex and find all the terminals. Looking at the racetrack is not unlike searching a road map or finding terminals at airports.

Hope this helps, but most importantly, i hope you have a

wonderful time! If i didn't live so far away, i would be there often. Maybe someone who has been there will answer your query with more detailed information to help you. Hope this helps a little.

I agree with your comments about the wonderful folks who post on

Steve's blog. You will learn so much from them as they come from not only fans of racing but actual owners, jockeys and people who have been in the business a long time. BLOODHORSE.com then STEVE'S BLOG go together like cream and sugar in my morning coffee to start my day.

Take care, Linda

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Woodswoman — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 04:59:53 GMT

Thanks, Ruffianruns, for thinking of me at the Lady's Secret even when you couldn't locate me because Hollywood Park had changed my seats. I was silently cheering for all of you who got to meet Zenyatta and her connections that weekend. The good news is that I was just a few yards above the finish line and winner's circle, and that was special seeing Penny Chenery there.

Steve, although this blog clearly started as a moving and much deserved tribute to Rachel Alexandra, I am in awe of the amazing community that has evolved from this and your other blogs. I don't post much, but rest assured I look forward to every column AND the responses.

I am delighted that John Shirreffs has announced Zenyatta's daily schedule prior to her departure for Kentucky. I am determined to get myself from the San Francisco Bay Area to LA to see Zenyatta graze on a Saturday afternoon and work on the track Sunday morning some time this month.

However, I confess I have no clue how to get into the backside at Hollywood Park. Everything from knowing who to talk to, to finding where the heck the entrance is. When I went to the Lady's Secret, it was the first horse race I'd been to in person in 34 years!

re: Rachel and the Woodward

old timer — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 21:24:41 GMT

All the JJ haters: pleasse remember why he bought her. Her original owner would not race her against the boys. She would never have had the chance to have that glorious 2009 campaign had JJ not become her owner. We would never have known how great she was. I hate Borel's whipping, and the mismanagement of this year's campaign, but we all make mistakes. I suspect they believed she was so great that 90% was enough early this year. Maybe the reason was that they saw her as a stressed out mare this year despite the bullet works. We just don't know. It would be great if they would give her a celebration, somewhere, like Kelso at Saratoga many years ago, but that would be for US, not her. She knows what she is.

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Dr Drunkinbum — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 20:36:18 GMT

Linda in Texas

I'm able to eat some saltine crackers as long as they're soaked in rum for two hours first. Yes, I'm able to muster the strength to crawl out of bed, and mosey into the kitchen for a tad of nourishment to keep my strength up. Just enough to get out a blog here and there, then back to bed to dream about The Classic.

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Zookeeper — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:29:23 GMT

Connections: No, he's not seeing someone else. At least not right now. Maybe around Mid-February...

Rachel: Then why isn't he calling me?

Connections: His feelings are hurt because some people said ugh! at the mention of his mating with you.

Rachel: What's mating?

Connections: Never mind!

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Linda in Texas — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:04:59 GMT

Well Dr. D - there you are, i was wondering if someone needed to send the gendarmes to check on you and almost mentioned it in the post i just sent. I had missed reading your great posts and sense of humor.

Glad to know you are "up and able to take a little nourishment" and check in !!! A friend used to say that when asked how he was. He was very dry witted and i found it funny and never forgot it.

Rachel has been off the radar screen and out of the public domain for over a week. Does anyone know where she is now? I guess they could even be hiding her from Curlin. Wonder where Curlin is too.

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Linda in Texas — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:57:21 GMT

Neko Bay and Zenyatta, he's 7, she is 6. Looked at his pedigree and it is loaded with some very important names all the way back to Northern Dancer. Then, not in order my forever favorite big man Seattle Slew, Storm Cat, Bold Reasoning, Dr. Fager, Mr. Prospector and the list goes on. Zenyatta shares the Native Dancer connection in her bloodline along with some super not so shabby names herself, even Mr. Prospector. I think that would be a very interesting match.

Wonder if you are right Slew?

Could be an interesting match as Zookeeper suggests with A.P. Indy also.

Seeing Neko Bay winning The San Pasqual, he looks to be built much the same as Zenyatta however their heads are shaped differently.

And Looking at the photo of Neko Bay i see he is a dark bay/brown just as Zenyatta and 'Chances Are' that 'A Little Midnight Madness' between those two would no doubt produce a foal with a spittin' image of both. Would come down to the length of the white mark on their head as Zen's is long, Neko Bay's is small!

With the off spring to look forward to from both Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, we are lucky indeed to be witnessing what will no doubt be cussed,discussed, appreciated and studied for generations to come. Aren't we all lucky to be alive and watching it all happen?

Zookeeper, the other day i had a brain 'blast' for lack of being able to use the real word i usually use among close friends, that a name for your next horse to keep company with RUNFLATOUT could be CRUISE CONTROL. You sure wouldn't want to call one STICK SHIFT? i looked up the Cruise Control name to see if it has been used before and i did not find it. Just a thought. Take care friends.

Thank you Steve.

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Dr Drunkinbum — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:47:33 GMT

Connections: We'll let Rachel tell us if she wants a parade.

Rachel: Parade !!! How can you talk about a parade at a time like this !! Don't you realize that this is the third day in a row that Curlin hasn't called, or emailed, nothing !!!! You don't think he's seeing someone else do you?

re: Rachel and the Woodward

Zookeeper — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:15:54 GMT

Aluminaut- I was there also when they paraded Snow Chief at HP. He looked so good, I couldn't believe his age. Gorgeous nearly black stallion. Prancing around like a young colt. How lucky we were to be there!!!

Linda in Texas- You couldn't offend anyone if you tried. :) I'm not far behind you, as far as age is concerned, but for me time is flying toooooo fast.

Windy City- Anybody who can manage what you did while delivering a child, has the right to think and say whatever she wants! lol!

John T- My fingers are crossed that Frankel does it again. Thanks once more for the heads up!

ruffianruns- The feeling is mutual.

Slew- Better go closer to The Source, A.P. Indy by the one and only SEATTLE SLEW.

re: Rachel and the Woodward

jamo333 — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 13:53:47 GMT

all i can say is wow. this is a wonderful article. she will always have my heart in win and in loss. she never had an off day, she gave her best every time. we could all try to do that :) i love zenyatta and i have always admired ruffian but this is the greatest filly of all time