One event Rachel Alexandra won't be competing in during the coming months is the Breeders' Cup in November at Santa Anita. Owner Jess Jackson stated during a conference call on Wednesday that his filly would skip the event due to the fact it's being run over a synthetic track. He did offer hope, though, that she'll return to the races as a four-year-old, so a shot at the 2010 Breeders' Cup, which will be run at Churchill Downs, is still in the cards.
This was really disappointing to read. It would have been pretty awesome if Zenyatta had kept her winning ways going, Rachel did her thing, and they met up in the Fall. Unfortunately, I can't say I blame Jackson for not wanting to send her to Santa Anita after Curlin's effort in the Classic last year. Hopefully Zenyatta will ship east and face RA at some point.
This message has been edited by JMAN667 on Jun 24, 2009 11:36 PM
Actually I'm not disappointed at all by this move. Jackson learned a mildy embarrassing? lesson with Curlin last year. I applaud his decision. Perhaps if more would take this stand, the industry would realize what a failure synthetics are. (that's personally jaded fwiw) Maybe we'll see tracks with 3 ovals in the future- Turf, Dirt and Synth. Then BC can expand to 20 or 30 races.. 2yo-filly-poly-sprint anyone?
Hey Spankster- I guess I had that comin' huh? lol The politics of horse racing are fair game here and afford plenty difference of opionion for debate. As for the other stuff- the offer still stands for any of the other couple dozen? stewards to unlock and let 'er rip.
Well there are no dirt race in CA ..... the BC should be done there, forever. Most everyone I hear says turf form transfer better to the synthetics, which should now be referred to as fake turf . Seems the Euro turf horses loved it which kind of cements the thinking just a bit!
Let's see if he remains committed to his decision as the race nears. He had this same stand last year with CURLIN based on one bad race by PYRO on the synthetic. That big purse might change his mind.
