Rachel Alexandra Retired

[Clip-Clop]

She will be missed on the track, hell of a year last year. Fortunate enough (despite the weather) to see her in the Haskell last year. Always fun to see what the horses she beat up (win or lose) on come back to do next.

Blind Luck to the Beldame?

[miraja2]

Originally Posted by iamthelurker

The Rachel lovers can say whatever they want defending him, but Jackson (with the equal help of the Mosses) prevented the biggest possible event in our game today from happening. That WAS a race between two soon to be legendary HOF mares in Zenyatta and Rachel. The match-up would have done wonders for the sports popularity and general public opinion, they failed. No fault to either horse (I love both of these champions), but a strong blame should fall on their owners. I said it before in this thread, he doesn't like to lose, the Aga Khan cop out looked like a better alternative to him and that's what just happened.

Why would "Rachel lovers" want to defend him or the gutless campaigning of the horse this year? Fans of the horse - even more than anyone else - should be pissed at him.

[Merlinsky]

Keep working her til the Eclipse Awards, then announce her unretirement when you don't win HOY. From what I've seen this year, that sets Rachel up well to win the Classic in 2011.

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by iamthelurker

The Rachel lovers can say whatever they want defending him, but Jackson (with the equal help of the Mosses) prevented the biggest possible event in our game today from happening. That WAS a race between two soon to be legendary HOF mares in Zenyatta and Rachel. The match-up would have done wonders for the sports popularity and general public opinion, they failed. No fault to either horse (I love both of these champions), but a strong blame should fall on their owners. I said it before in this thread, he doesn't like to lose, the Aga Khan cop out looked like a better alternative to him and that's what just happened.

false.

no "match-up" will make horse racing popular.

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

false.

no "match-up" will make horse racing popular.

Chances are it wouldn't but there is no way of knowing because we're stuck with chicken-s.hit owners and trainers at the top level.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

false.

no "match-up" will make horse racing popular.

It would have been quite an event that would have deservedly gotten a whole lot of attention. It really is disgraceful that the two great fillies never met despite the ample opportunities. In an era where 'historic' races are few and far between, it would have been worthy.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

false.

no "match-up" will make horse racing popular.

Oh I didn't see this till now.

Great minds...

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by iamthelurker

The Rachel lovers can say whatever they want defending him, but Jackson (with the equal help of the Mosses) prevented the biggest possible event in our game today from happening. That WAS a race between two soon to be legendary HOF mares in Zenyatta and Rachel. The match-up would have done wonders for the sports popularity and general public opinion, they failed. No fault to either horse (I love both of these champions), but a strong blame should fall on their owners. I said it before in this thread, he doesn't like to lose, the Aga Khan cop out looked like a better alternative to him and that's what just happened.

very true.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by iamthelurker

The Rachel lovers can say whatever they want defending him, but Jackson (with the equal help of the Mosses) prevented the biggest possible event in our game today from happening. That WAS a race between two soon to be legendary HOF mares in Zenyatta and Rachel. The match-up would have done wonders for the sports popularity and general public opinion, they failed. No fault to either horse (I love both of these champions), but a strong blame should fall on their owners. I said it before in this thread, he doesn't like to lose, the Aga Khan cop out looked like a better alternative to him and that's what just happened.

Bullshit.

It never would have happened and besides, even if it had? It would have done zero for the sports popularity.

Anyway here's to a long and happy life. I never did get to see her in person but man... I will never forget her wins and how breathtaking they were.

[iamthelurker]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Bullshit.

It never would have happened and besides, even if it had? It would have done zero for the sports popularity.

Anyway here's to a long and happy life. I never did get to see her in person but man... I will never forget her wins and how breathtaking they were.

Why would it of never happened if both had owners who were true competitors? And do you honestly think zero fans would have been gained from the race? Really, are you kidding? Races that turn semi-interested/casual viewers into diehards are the ones that feature legendary horses pitted against each other. Affirmed and Alydar's great battles, Easy Goer and Sunday Silence, Personal Ensign and Winning Colors 88 distaff, hell even the 90's triple crown rivalries Silver Charm and Free House/Touch Gold/Captain Bodgit, Real Quiet and Victory Gallop. You mean to tell me the best horses in the division facing each and making great races does nothing for the sport at all? Think about it.

[MaTH716]

Obviously I'm sorry to see her go, but I am far from suprised. I thought they were going to retire her when she lost on Oaks day. As unpopular as her connections are, they did give her the opportunity to race and try to regain her 3 year old form. Unfortunately she just couldn't reproduce it. But no one could ever take away from that 3 year old campaign that she ran. She was awesome and I'm glad to say I saw her in person.

[Clip-Clop]

Originally Posted by Cardus

I don't recall the changes to the Hall of Fame voting, but if both have been retired at the end of the season and are eligible to be placed on the ballot at at the same time and only one can get in...

That will be decided in 6 weeks.

[Clip-Clop]

Originally Posted by Cardus

The new rules do not segment by category, so it is a moot point.

Under the old rules, it would have been interesting in Internet Land.

My thought was if she wins the Classic again no contest. If not then perhaps RA goes first...

[miraja2]

The way they (and many others) talk it is like she went from being the best horse to ever run in 2009 to being a complete bum this year.
It is complete nonsense. Her races last year weren't that much better than some of the races she has run this year. Last year her performances were overrated....this year underrated.
Retiring her is certainly not a shocking move by them....but it is completely moronic.