Race Day Las Vegas

Congratulations to Horse of the Year -- Rachel Alexandra

Ralph Siraco's Blog

February 2010

The drama is over. The Eclipse Award trophy for Horse of the Year 2009 is Rachel Alexandra's. And, rightfully so. So, to mean that she and Zenyatta are the winners. For those who predicted a Rachel win, you got it. For those who sided with Zenyatta, console that those who went with Rachel Alexandra know that the only thing separating the two is the hardware itself. Nobody would be so presumptuous or downright narrow enough to declare this a resounding triumph for the winner, and certainly not Rachel Alexandra. But, to the winner goes the spoils. It was, then, heartwarming and sportsmanlike that the announcement, on the threshold of the Eclipse Awards evening, when Jerry Moss announced his Zenyatta will return to racing this year. That the only mare in history who won both the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic and the Breeders' Cup Classic while remaining undefeated over a two-year period of competition, in the process comes away with NO Eclipse Award for the second year in a row. Fourteen for fourteen gets honorable mention. That's a tough crowd, man. But, in a year of great performances by a pair of great equines, that may never happen again in my lifetime, unless it happens this year, AGAIN, maybe, just maybe, the third time will be the charm for the Zen-lady. After all, in the end, the final chapter should and certainly is heading in the direction of settling the most-debated, controversial and passionate of who's best on the RACE TRACK. Where it belongs! So, for now, we have voters, most with valid opinions and views, giving the industry's "good housekeeping" seal of approval to one over the other. Hopefully, if all goes well, if the stars line up right, if all the parts stay in the right place, we will let them settle it. The way it was meant to be. GAME ON.........Oaklawn?

HAVE A GREAT RACE DAY.

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