Rachel Alexandra to skip Belmont; Borel to ride Mine That
Bird
RACHEL ALEXANDRA (Medaglia d’Oro), who became the first filly to capture the Preakness S.
(G1) in 85 years on May 16, will not attempt to capture two-thirds of the Triple
Crown. Majority owner Jess Jackson removed the filly’s name from consideration
for the June 6 Belmont S. (G1) in a statement released on Friday.
“Rachel Alexandra is an incredible Thoroughbred who has proven to be the best
three-year-old in racing today,” Jackson said. “We are elated by all the
attention her wins in the (Kentucky) Oaks (G1) and Preakness has garnered the
sport. The many letters and emails we have received from young girls and racing
enthusiasts lets us know that many fans are proud of Rachel. When we purchased
Rachel, our goal was to restore the sport’s vitality and grow its fan base by
extending the racing careers of its stars.
“After careful consideration, we have decided not to run Rachel Alexandra in
the Belmont S. next weekend. We have advised Calvin Borel, “Chip” Woolley and
Belmont of our decision. We thank them, the media and the fans for their many
courtesies and patience while we pondered.
“We know the media and many fans would have liked to see her run in the
Belmont S. — we feel the same. But all of us sincerely interested in the horse
must agree that we only want to see her run when it is best for her. While she
is in great shape, having strong works, and recovering well from her amazing
performances, we feel Rachel deserves a well-earned vacation. Since March 14,
Rachel has won four graded races with just two weeks rest between her last two
victories. We will always put her long-term well-being first. And, of course, we
want to run her when she is fresh.
Rachel, her owners, her trainers and her fans can continue to anticipate an
exciting campaign. All major races will be considered as we look to the rest of
Rachel’s racing career.”
With Rachel Alexandra now out of the Belmont, jockey Calvin Borel has been
freed to ride Kentucky Derby (G1) hero MINE THAT BIRD (Birdstone) in the 1
1/2-mile “Test of the Champion.”
Borel, who rode Mine That Bird to a stunning upset in the May 2 Kentucky
Derby at odds of 50-1, took off the mount to ride Rachel Alexandra in the May 16
Preakness, in which Mine That Bird, under Mike Smith, finished second. With the
filly skipping the final leg of racing’s Triple Crown, and Smith committed to
ride in California next Saturday, Borel will now ride the Derby winner as he
tries to become the first jockey in history to win the Derby, Preakness and
Belmont aboard different horses.
Although he had received calls from a number of jockeys expressing interest
in riding Mine That Bird in the Belmont, Woolley said he wanted Borel to ride
the gelding and was willing to wait until the last minute.
“Now that this decision is made, I am excited to come to New York and ride
Mine That Bird in the Belmont S.,” Borel said. “I would like to thank Chip
Woolley, and (owners) Mark Allen and Dr. Leonard Blach for being so gracious and
allowing us to wait for this decision. We also thank Mr. Jackson for letting
everyone know earlier than anticipated about the decision whether to run Rachel
Alexandra.”