Rachel Alexandra Retired

[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.

[westcoastinvader]

Originally Posted by iamthelurker

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.

Great point.

I'll offer that just getting to a track to see racing and the sport live and in person makes the most fans.

At least I think that's true for most of us here.

I cut my thoroughbred racing fandom teeth as a young kid watching very cheap claiming races with old and sore horses at tracks that no longer exist in Ohio.

And never lost the fever after seeing the happy connections and horse in the Winner's Circle and maybe having a place bet my Mom could collect for me.

That experience makes the special races you note extraordinarily special in my memories.

To grow this sport we just need to get more people out to the track. For a day in the sunshine. Or slop.

[iamthelurker]

Very much like your last idea lol

[Merlinsky]

Was looking to see what Lotta Kim's been up to. I know Rachel's her only surviving foal right now. Turns out she was to be bred back to Medaglia D'Oro this year and as of 12 days ago was in foal. Let's see if she rejects this one. Rachel had to be put on a nurse mare. I don't know if the now deceased Empire Maker colt had to be, but Lotta Kim's ornery so maybe it's just necessary if she extends that to her mothering. LK's the last picture on this blog from Bloodhorse. http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/throu...-the-sale.aspx

I noticed that there was mention here http://horsesracingetc.yuku.com/topic/570 of Lotta Kim maybe passing on a large heart gene to Rachel although it doesn't seem like anybody's checked officially as of last year. I'd love to know. I've always been interested in that particular aspect of pedigrees.

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by westcoastinvader

I'll offer that just getting to a track to see racing and the sport live and in person makes the most fans.

At least I think that's true for most of us here.

.....

this is very true. hit one bet and you're close to becoming hooked. & it's crazy how beginners luck works. I swear everyone who I've taken to the track was a winner on their first day. (and not from my opinions!!)