Riches Beyond Compare

re: Riches Beyond Compare

Ragsy — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:41:34 GMT

Hi Steve, this story you wrote keeps me comming back to re-read of course, I love Rags2Riches.

I would love to see new pictures of her foal born on 3-10-09.

re: Riches Beyond Compare

LDP — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:17:57 GMT

Laura,

Both Jerry Bailey and Alex Solis did in the Belmont. Sometimes jockies just don't ride to win, and instead ride to make sure another doesn't win, even in a TC race. It's horrible and patheticlly sad but it happens.

re: Riches Beyond Compare

Laura — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:09:45 GMT

For jamesb--I really doubt Garrett Gomez would intentionally lose the Belmont on Hard Spun to let Rags win...come on--who would be fool enough to deny their own victory in a triple crown race?

re: Riches Beyond Compare

Jodie — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 20:42:10 GMT

Rags was one of the best and what guts that filly showed. I put her Belmont race in the same category as Zenyatta's classic. A horse that can win after such a horrible start are the best and have the heart of a true Champion.

re: Riches Beyond Compare

Ragsy — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:40:14 GMT

Ida Lee, I just love what you said...I agree...and I love that Rags To Riches and Curlin! and GOD Bless (Gomez)James...that stubborn little chestnut filly would have won anyway....

maybe I am really a horseracing fan....I love them all...

re: Riches Beyond Compare

carolyn — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:14:34 GMT

Rags To Riches, the gutsy little filly that beat Curlin at the longer distance at Belmont, I bet Curlin still has nightmares about that day, when she looked at him and said, "SEE YA"

re: Riches Beyond Compare

Carole in San Diego — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:17:12 GMT

As always, Steve, your account brings this great race back as if it were yesterday. Two chestnut champions in that classic stretch run. Thank you for yet another wonderful piece.

re: Riches Beyond Compare

LDP — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:38:29 GMT

Laz,

I know the distances of each of the races. I have no doubt she would have won them, she was that good and with her breeding the longer the better. I wasn't saying she wasn't being pointed towards those races, just saying I don't remember any media on it. Thank you and have a merry christmas.

re: Riches Beyond Compare

Ida Lee — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:30:36 GMT

Why are we looking for reasons for Rags' win in the Belmont? She won because come hell or high water, on that day this Filly was a stupendous athlete who did what she had to do to win. This does not take anything away from Curlin (or anyone else) who as I've mentioned before is my all time love. But it does not matter who she raced on that day, the Filly was not going to be beaten by anyone. I doubt Secretariat could have beaten her. This is the way of the Filly/Mare. To me this is what makes them so special - the heart, the determination, the in-your-face competitiveness. And yes she is absolutely Gorgeous!!

re: Riches Beyond Compare

Karen2 — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:55:55 GMT

This is a re-cap of an amazing race and an amazing filly. Rags laid it on the line that day. She was a remarkable fighter and hoopefully she will pass on her incredible heart to her off spring.

Hard Spun was my favorite horse running in 2007. He was also a fighter. He never got the respect he deserved, but he sure earned my respect. I hope to meet him someday.

re: Riches Beyond Compare

jamesb — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:02:44 GMT

Let's not forget the inexcusable ride given to Hard Spun by Gomez.

I still say he compromised Hard Spun's chances by purposely keeping Curlin boxed in as long as he could.

He was mad Larry Jones wouldn't let him off so he could ride Rags and did all he could to help her win.

You could see right from the start of the race. He found Curlin and moved Hard Spun five paths to the inside to force Curlin to the rail. The he strangled Hard Spun to keep him even with Curlin to make sure he had no room.

Rags to Riches won, but to this day I say Gomez did all he could to help her. But it is all spilled milk at this point.

re: Riches Beyond Compare

Zookeeper — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:31:50 GMT

Mr. Haskin,

Your description of that race is a perfect tribute to this remarkable filly. You describe the stretch battle so vividly that it really felt like I was there, watching it in person.

Thank you again for re-posting these articles. I'm printing all of them for safekeeping until such time as an editor is bright enough to gather them all in a fantastic book. I thoroughly enjoyed your "Tales from the Triple Crown" and recommend it to anyone in here who is thirsting for more of your gifted writing.

re: Riches Beyond Compare

LAZMANNICK — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:22:06 GMT

LDP

Apparently Rags was to be pointed to the Coaching Club Oaks, The Alabama, The Travers (all at 1-1/4M) and then the Breeders Cup although I'm not sure if it would have been the Classic or the Lady's......If she did well in the Travers there is a good possibility that it would have been the Classic......Remember she was that good. Her Belmont win was the first by a filly in 102 years, her final quarter of 23.83 was the fastest in the race since 1934, and her Beyer in the race was 107 (the same as Summer Bird's). She was an amazing filly. Hope you have a good break from school and a great holiday.

re: Riches Beyond Compare

da3hoss — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:01:19 GMT

Her career was cut short by injury, but she was beset by illness and/or injury from her 2-year old year on...

Look who Rags beat in her 2 best races:

Oaks: she won drawing away in the slop (faster time than Silverbulletday's), beating fillies like Dreaming of Anna,. Octave, Sealy Hill, Cotton Blossom, Tough Tiz Sis, High Heels and that's all I can remember...

In the Belmont she beat the record equaling Preakness Stakes winner and a field of quality colts...

re: Riches Beyond Compare

da3hoss — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:42:25 GMT

I think the plan for Rags was filly races & then the Distaff and that the Gazelle ended up a back-up plan for missing the Ruffian because of her illnesses & missed works...

It was her first race in 3 months, she gave weight to Lear Princess, and she suffered a hairline fracture when she switched to her right lead in the stretch...

A wonderful filly...

re: Riches Beyond Compare

BELLWETHER — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:40:44 GMT

THE AMERCIAN T-BRED IS ALIVE & WELL!!!...

re: Riches Beyond Compare

fanofallthree — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 06:51:04 GMT

I wish I could say I'm sorry for getting anyone into a stew about my comment. I wasn't aware that only positive comments about the Rags/Curlin dual were allowed. Rags won fair and square, but I still contend that if the positions were reversed she wouldn't have. She may have stumbled at the gate - but how many horses do and still go on to win - Afleet Alex is a prime example. As another poster pointed out Rags had 5 weeks rest between races whereas Curlin had 3. He raced in all 3 of the TC races - Rags did not.

Far too much hullabaloo is made about girls beating the boys. It shouldn't - it's been going on in other countries all the time. This year with Rachel and Zenyatta being the top two should lend some credence to the FACT that girls can and do beat the boys, and I hope this is the incentive needed for more of the distaff to run with the boys.

Nothing against Steve's wonderful account of the race. He captures the essence of everything about which he writes. He's a national treasure to the sport of horse race reporting - a marvelous story teller.

re: Riches Beyond Compare

LDP — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 05:18:18 GMT

Carlos,

I don't remember hearing anything about her taking on those races. All I remember is TP saying that they were taking there time with her. I remember some talk, more like gossip and rumors surface about her going to the Classic, but she never even went to the BC.

re: Riches Beyond Compare

Ida Lee — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 04:01:14 GMT

This race was unbelievable. First when Rags stumbled, I was so upset because I thought the race was over for her. Then, she takes off again like her butt is on fire but way wide and again I thought it's over for her which was just as well since Curlin was and is my all time favorite equine crush. THEN, Rags goes after Curlin and I couldn't believe what I was looking at. These two incredible creatures going at it and the Filly keeping her head in front of Curlin like her life depended on it. When she won, I jumped, I laughed, I cried. What a great race and what a wonderful Filly!! P.S. I understand that Rags is in foal with henrythenavigator's little one. Wow, can't wait to see their baby on the track.

re: Riches Beyond Compare

Judy ~ Burbank, CA — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 03:30:40 GMT

I'd like to add my two cents (without mentioning the poster's names). If the race had set up "differently"? You have to be JOKING! My Lord, she stumbled at the gate she went so wide at the turn, how much more could she have given Curlin? She looked him in the eye~end of story. Dang, you bump me~I'll give you major attitude, too! Right on R2R!!

I only recently go into horse racing. This filly was the first to give me an opportunity to witness "Girl Power". I, too, was screaming so LOUD I thought the police might show up at the door!! :-) Not to mention: she is BEAUTIFUL!

re: Riches Beyond Compare

SuiteLife — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:26:10 GMT

I haven't missed a Belmont since 2000. I watched FC and Smarty bring the crowd to its feet and deflate it like a balloon popped. But the greatest Belmont of the decade has to be this race. Two ultimate warriors looking each other in the eye and never giving an inch. Someday I shall take my grandchildren to the races and tell them about all the great races I saw. When it comes to this Belmont, I'll just give this article to read. Thanks Steve, for bringing it back to life.

re: Riches Beyond Compare

Tiznowbaby — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:25:52 GMT

When I get to see these moments in time, those moments of bravery -- Rags refusing to yield, Rachel giving her all in the Woodward, Zen sweeping to the front, Tiznow battling back in 2001 -- I can only describe it as spiritually uplifting. I've been privileged to see the handiwork of God and I am both humbled and inspired.

re: Riches Beyond Compare

Carlos in Cali — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:40:35 GMT

Correct me if I'm wrong,but wasn't she scheduled to compete in the Travers,Jockey Club GC & then the Breeders Cup Classic before her injury in the Gazelle?. Talk about an "ambitious campaign for the ages". What an amazing filly,who's full potential and historical accomplishments were cut short.I've always felt she was the Greatest filly in our lifetime,too bad.

re: Riches Beyond Compare

Ragsy — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:19:13 GMT

I love Rags To Riches,Curlin and all horses that race.

Super story.

re: Riches Beyond Compare

Laura — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:50:28 GMT

Wonderful article Steve~Rags will always be on my list of favorites...she was special!