Rachel Alexandra - 2009 Woodward Stakes

[@lpgft]

I saw this live at the Saratoga track. I have never heard a louder roar of the crowd in all my years going there. Incredible and fun !

[@brockjamison6274]

I can only imagine! Still gives me chills

[@mattreichel4458]

This is one of the all time great race calls

[@georgeobrien7764]

Wonderful. She gave it all. She was never the same after this.

[@botvinnik64]

The most exciting race I’ve ever seen live; for my money the most exciting race ever. People were weeping, sobbing uncontrollably for this great filly.

[@judehaz]

I was there too my friend. The wooden grandstands were shaking. High fiving strangers. I hope we get back there soon.

[@matthewmitcham5218]

That is awesome

[@jameskeeney2966]

That was an impressive race but nowhere near the best or most exciting. Try watching the Travers Stakes between Jaipur and Ridan where they went a mile and a quarter and were never separated by more than a head.

[@mariciamariani2468]

I was there weeping as well with all the exciting! I was soak with sweat, very exciting

[@silvereyedstacker1842]

@@jameskeeney2966It will always remain the best for many people. It wasn’t about a stretch duel, but about something much more. I’ve seen many incredible stretch duels, and none of them will ever compare to this.

[@flamespotter]

Man... what a call by Tom Durkin!!!!!! Gave me goosebumps!!!!

[@mattgor4]

James Stewart you lost absolutely all credibility when you said he’s the worst race caller in history I mean give me a break man you might not like him but he’s definitely better than most.

[@callmeishmael4659]

just phenomenal, dude brought his 'A' game for this one, no doubt

[@papnlilly]

Big time!

[@papnlilly]

@James Stewart shut the fuck up. Geezus

[@supertopher557]

@James Stewart drink your milk ang to your bed

[@NorthernSold1]

What a fantastic call by Durkin... talk about getting the race to fever pitch!! Fantastic filly as well... one of the best ever

[@christopherallsup4260]

Just incredible. If I hadn't heard it in this race and the Bull's Travers, I would have never believed a race caller could add so much ... Extra. Been other great race calls that I love and appreciate, but these are my two favorites.

[@popi2490]

keeping a pace like that the whole race and still coming out victorious is amazing. She is something else.

[@jimmastriani8707]

That is a great racecall by Durkin.

[@williamdunphy352]

Absolutely.

[@jamesmatthews3964]

His best IMO

[@jermocide22]

We wont soon forget Rachel Alexandras thrilling performance in 2009 and the excitement she continues to generate all around the world, said Brinker, the ambassador and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Kentucky Oaks 2009 First Lady of Oaks, in a release. Rachel Alexandra exemplifies the spirit and strength of all women fighting this disease. - Bloodhorse. She's a national treasure. I LOVE IT !!!

[@williamdunphy352]

One of the guttiest performances I have ever seen.

[@BLASEDEBRIS]

showed a lot of heart and dug in late where most would have faded... Well done... a filly for the ages... a super filly. horse of the year and thensome...

[@RedCard94]

I love Tom Durkin

[@botvinnik64]

Tears every time I watch. I was there at The Spa and I was sure the Grandstand was going to collapse, people were freaking out, screaming, crying, imploring the 3 year old filly to the wire.

[@MJBYouTubeNetwork]

Tom Durkin, you took the words right out of my mouth!! Could've said it better. "She is indeed Rachel Alexandra The Great!!" #GirlPower ! Sorry boys.

[@rugger104]

Amazing call, he also had a great call when Philly, Rags to Riches won the Belmont in 2007

[@kevinkilduff2064]

RA, one of the best fillies of all time!

[@southwest7977]

What a fantastic call. His excitement was genuine. I remember it live on tv. So exciting.

[@51Saffron]

Amazing you led all the way. She is having a colt in February. She is an amazing horse, this race proves it.

[@berrypainter]

I was there, emotionally invested does not begin to describe it. I also was present for her last race a heartbreaking loss....

[@bishlap]

In every close race she ran, her heart/the way she dug in deeeeeep stretch, ONLY the great one's have it, she's a born racehorse.

[@h24811]

I was there, and that's the loudest old Saratoga ever got. The fans went wild and I can only compare it too Seccretariat's '73 Belmont at the "Big Sandy" , which I was fortunate to also see in person.

[@johnaristotle3736]

Rachel Alexandra the Great

[@callmeishmael4659]

Macho Again almost smoked her, tho. What a comeback

[@Vikingdean77]

Great race !! Greatest filly ever was there live for this one!!!

[@michaellucas669]

She ducked zenyatta like she had the plague lol

[@footballboy681]

I remember being there at the finish line watching this race live. Favorite horse of all time she was to me. Her and curlin of course. Gotta love Saratoga

[@fugley100]

"Asiatic Boy is launching a bid from the back of the pack and Macho Again is firing too..."

[@mysonmyfather9994]

No 3 year old filly has done more or come close .... best ever.

[@barryreinitz7331]

No one who ever saw Ruffian would ever say anything this stupid

[@leesog3203]

She was amazing.. but her 5 Grade 1's don't quite compare to an Epsom Oaks, Irish Oaks, Yorkshire Oaks, King George and Arc de Triomphe.. All accomplished by Enable. Having said that, they're rated pretty much the same so I take nothing away from her; she could only beat who she could beat :)

[@mikewarren1401]

Those horses just run on grass right? If so than how can you compare. Much harder running on dirt

[@donaldgarrettson3627]

@@mikewarren1401 dude has no idea. Don't even compare. Rachel on dirt in 2009 was the best in the world. Why be a hater and throw names in where they don't belong? Crap cauldron stirring, looking for bs to float up from the bottom 🙄

[@rstefanie2622]

Wow...what a call by Tom Durkin here.

[@LyndaP31]

This was soooo awsome! I was at work during the race, but watched it on KZbin before I knew who won. Awesome!!!

[@51Saffron]

Why do people always bring up Zenyatta in every Rachel A video. Let it go. This is not about her. She is a separate legend, watch her videos.

[@TitanicHorseRacingLover]

AMEN

[@barryreinitz7331]

they are insecure - simple

[@TitanicHorseRacingLover]

@@barryreinitz7331 EXACTLY. I have said this from the beginning of what I call this horse racing media and mostly Zenyatta fans fueled "rivalry" that these Zen fans are insecure.

[@monomoygirl9562]

Zenyatta faced the boys twice and lost once. The fillies/mares she beat weren’t even good competition....get your facts straight.

[@boswindle9050]

@@monomoygirl9562 Zenyatta beat a better field than RA did. Zardana ran down RA and beat her. That was Zenyatta stablemate. Go watch Zenyatta 17th race. She blew the doors off Zardana

[@jermocide22]

It looks like others have been scared off or don't want to face the scrutiny, but I proudly will !!! I'm a Rachellite forever.

[@CryptoBoxing94]

Was there live , what a day. I have been to many races in my life but none like this , not even close. The Crowd was un real , great great horse. Awesome day.

[@johnaristotle3736]

" A dramatic stretch drive awaits!" "It's going to be desperately close" "She is indeed Rachel Alexandra the Great!"...Tom Durkin the Great!

[@lagosfury5142]

set a wicked pace against older males and held on to win..theres nothing else to be said..greatness..out

[@GoddessofGypsies]

This filly can win from behind, in front, wherever. Just show her the track. What an amazing campaign this year. Kudos to the Jacksons for picking her races with her historic legacy in mind.

[@weathergirlca]

Best horse race I have ever seen.

[@vagandoporelmundo]

This is the greatest narration of any sporting event ever. Tell me one better. I dare you. This is pure adrenaline and poetry.

[@RockStarArtists]

Rachel was pure greatness.

[@rachelalexandra79]

I appreciate the common sense you display. I can't for the life of me figure out how some attack a horse who did things NOT expected of her while applauding a horse who didn't do things EXPECTED of a horse crowned with the title of "greatest ever." Zenyatta was great, and I don't like putting down her season, but come on, one race does not make a season. Watching Rachel's victories in 2009 should put things in perspective for people, but somehow they ignore her amazing feats.

[@BackstretchUnderdog]

Riva Ridge won the 1972 Hollywood Derby. But, in doing so, the horse was 'ruined' because he was pushed too hard, and never was the same again. I hate to say it, but I think that's what happened here. An amazing horse giving every ounce of heart and power, and pretty much leaving it there. To me, she will always be Alexandra The Great. What an awesome year 2009 was to be a horse racing fan!

[@weathergirlca]

Thanks to the miracle of the internet, I have watched this race multiple times. I do wonder whether she left something on the track, fighting off one challenge after another to get her nose across the wire first. I imagine her looking those colts in the eye, saying, "Not today, boys!" The greatest 3 y.o. filly ever, including Ruffian, who, sadly, never had the opportunity to show us her best.

[@mvlach77]

Thanks for the words of wisdom.

[@tpt1111]

That was true greatness by Rachel... It will be a while until we see another like her...

[@howardcampbell6796]

Watching this race live at Saratoga was one of the highlights of my time on the racetrack. I handicapped this race to the second and finished 2nd 3rd and fourth with my triple box . After all was said and done , I had to tip my hat to the lady .

[@tribulation138]

watched it live right on the rail.... it was awesome.. so many people cheered!

[@jermocide22]

I am so ready for tomorrow, but I don't think I'll be able to see the races until they are posted. DAMN !!!!

[@singbecause]

Don't know what's happened to announcer Tom Durkin these past few years, but he really did a great job calling this race. Absolutely nailed it. One of the best moments in racing, for sure.

[@BarbaroFan08]

The most exciting race i have ever seen!

[@jermocide22]

GREAT in most people's eyes. Only time will tell how GREAT !!

[@Izzanods]

This is one my favorite calls by Durkin and as we all know, he's had quite a few. RA was a fantastic filly, who had an incredible campaign and deserves to be recognized for her greatness. As it always seems to do, this will turn into a Zenyatta vs RA debate so let me say this: both incredible horses but I absolutely think Zenyatta was "better". I don't care that she ran a ton of races in California only and only ran on the dirt twice in the Apple Blossom plus the BC at Churchill. She was 19-20 and her one loss was by a head. Two amazing horses, wish they had run against each other but we the fans were deprived of that. No matter which amazing filly you like more, appreciate them both. RA had some very impressive wins, as did Zenyatta.

[@dylanmuniz1404]

Joseph Ciraco I agree but I think the debate was awesome at the time bcuz it made a showdown so hyped up but sadly we never saw these two amazing fillies compete against one another

[@nina5841]

There is only one Rachel Alexandra. In her prime no one could beat her.

[@singbecause]

Some observers have been very critical of Rachel Alexandra's performances in 2010, but no one will ever take away what she accomplished, & this race features her at her very best. Which was nothing short of great.

[@jermocide22]

I just can't wait any longer !!!

[@buggamalone]

Rachel is indeed a once in a lifetime horse. To me, she is up there right along with Secretariat, Ruffian, and Man O' War. People may say: "who has she beaten??" Well, she beat the Kentucky Derby and Belmont winners, colts and fillies who came back victorious in later races, and older male horses in the Woodward -- a feat never been done before by a 3 yr old filly, with pace/splits that only a very talented horse could win. I feel blessed and thankful to have witnessed her in my lifetime.

[@moose6241]

Once in a lifetime horse Rachel is.

[@mvlach77]

may they both have safe journies tomorrow. You can never take that for granted in horse racing.

[@richardcoreno]

Tom Durkin was horse racing's Vin Scully.

[@TheHollyholland]

congratulations on having your colt today!!!!

[@italianbro1234]

So much better than Havre de Grace... Rachel is the true champ in this race, she faced a much harder field

[@mvlach77]

She is the most accomplished 3yr old filly on dirt in American racing history. She is a great one for the ages.

[@mvlach77]

HRTV has to be glad they have the two prep races this Saturday. I think there is an hour special devoted to Rachel and Zen.

[@rachelalexandra79]

As a three-year old filly taking on OLDER MALES who won GI races in excellent times just prior to this race, and at the end of an arduous unprecedented campaign, I'd say impressive. How would you like it if I pointed out that Zenyatta was all out to beat Blame and lost? You know, the same Blame you Zenyatta fans said stunk because he lost the JCGC to a loose on the lead Haynesfield? You put your own foot in your mouth. You must be 12-years old.

[@jermocide22]

rc...I just jumped back on here a bit ago, and picked up where I left off. Same players. Same argument. I love it !!!

[@GoddessofGypsies]

O big, bold, beautiful filly...what next? You've trounced the other fillies twice this year, by 20 lengths each, beat the Kentucky Derby and Belmont winners, won the Preakness, beat older males, and handed the boys their walking papers 3 times. Thank you for being a paragon of excellence, taking my breath away, bringing tears to my eyes, and restoring my faith in the Thoroughbred breed. You ARE Alexandra The Great.

[@redrider1435]

Happy birthday Rachel Alexandra!

[@mvlach77]

Zen is a fantastic mare! You are right. I do think Rachel winning shows that to win horse of the year you need to run a campaign and take on several challenges. I hope Moss learns this and shows us what the great mare can do when she's not sheltered in California on plastic tracks all the time.

[@jermocide22]

I'm happy for two reasons. As a Rachel fan, I'm OVERJOYED that she won HOY. She totally deserved it. BODY OF WORK (like I told a certain someone) was uncomparable. As a racing fan, I'm excited that Zenyatta didn't retire, and will be back this year. This is exactly what the sport needs to start off 2010. Racing fans excited in January is good for the industry as a whole. So as Michael buffer says, "LET'S GET READY TO RUMMMBBLLEEE !!!"

[@williamhiggins2311]

This was her greatest race. I am glad she didn't meet up with Zenyatta. I never wanted to see either one lose to the other.

[@jermocide22]

Yep. She has one in the Hirsch. I didn't know either, so I looked it up. Yes the 3yo's do look good, and it should set up well for a great season for them. QR looks very impressive. They never had to take him out of training because he was lightly raced last year. He's primed and ready to go. It doesn't make a difference where she goes. Would be smart to keep her on dirt, but it really doesn't make a difference. She's well beyond surfaces.

[@mvlach77]

If our favorite Rachel basher was not concerned or worried about her he would not spend so much time here. He's fascinated with this filly because she's special.

[@mik655]

congradulations RACHEL, YOU r the reason we love the sport, You r HOTY IN A LANSLIDE VOTE AND YOU R the future of the sport! tHANKS JJ For running your horse throughout the country and on a ''real'' surface. SHES INDEED THE TRUE CHAMPION!

[@karaamundson3964]

Amazing race

[@mvlach77]

I saw this on the internet: "According to Online Sportsbooks, Zenyatta has been set as the slight favorite to finish higher than Rachel Alexandra at the Apple Blossom Invitational. Zenyatta has been set as a -120 favorite compared to -110 for Rachel Alexandra."

[@SunnyKid975]

Fantastic performance by RA. I knew she would get a tough challenge from BullsBay and Macho Again - top older male horses both with late run styles. RA has nothing to prove now for HOY - Preakness, Travers and now Woodward. One of the greatest fillies ever. WOW !

[@mvlach77]

With Eskendereya not running, I'm more excited about Oaks day as well. I read an article yesterday that said of the 19 horses that ran last year in the Derby only 3 went on to win a race the rest of the year.

[@mvlach77]

Kerkhoff, patterson is right that thepixiepoet now has the workout up. I'd be interested in your thoughts on how Rachel looked in the workout.

[@mvlach77]

This is going to be a great year. We have Rachel, Zenyatta, Summer Bird, Quality Road, and Gio Ponti all running. It's going to be very tough for anyone to go undefeated this year.

[@mvlach77]

I checked and this workout is a bullet workout by two seconds over the others today (6 horses including Hot Dixie Chick and Friesan Fire). Also the best 6 fur work of the week. And yes it was breezing.

[@jermocide22]

I may be, but people are making a serious mistake thinking that Rachel was herself. Clearly she was not, and the day she has caught up is the day she will put on her show. AND I CANT WAIT !!!

[@jermocide22]

Mvlach, I'd love to see her run in Dubai also. And would cheer her on. It would be wonderful to see. If she won it, it would be icing on her cake. Take the invite Mosses !!!

[@jermocide22]

Well I tell you what, we're definitely going to get what we want this year which is fine. I look forward to the matchup which will probably come at the earliest in the Apple Blossom. Ohhh boy !!!

[@jermocide22]

I think so also. I just believe she knows what time it is.

[@mvlach77]

Just heard Gary Stevens interview Calvin Borel. Some notes from Calvin: --He expects Rachel to win easily --He said the ideal race is for Rachel to come slightly off the pace. --His goal is to get her to relax --He says getting her to relax and coming off the pace is important for her race with Zenyatta.

[@jermocide22]

Excellent win by Quality Road. Like I said, hell of a year for horse racing. Let's just hope the news stays positve. Great horses. Great races. What a way to start off 2010 !!!

[@jermocide22]

That is true it was the best field of 2009 which is why she gets credit for winning. That still doesn't diminsh the season Rachel had. The horses that she beat are starting to put together resumes of their own which strengthens hers

[@jermocide22]

Hunter, they don't even give you a chance !!!good to see you again. I'll be back in a minute

[@mvlach77]

If I remember right, the West Coast horses coming off the Santa Anita Derby used to do pretty well in the Kentucky Derby--Winning Colors, Sunday Silence, etc. I do believe that horses traveling across the country struggled back then, but not like they do now.

[@ken45y]

Wouldn't really call Blame Mediocre.. won multiple Grade I races..

[@mvlach77]

HRTV has the rights to Rachel's and Zen's races this Saturday. This last week I shifted satellite services to Dish Network so I could get HRTV. I'm liking that decision right now.

[@mvlach77]

Quality Road won the Donn today by 12 3/4 lengths in track record time. There is a beast in the house.

[@mik655]

2009 HORSE OF THE YEAR, RACHEL ALEXANDRA! I LOVE IT!!! Well deserved as well.!!! yeeaaaaaaaaa!!! Zen will get owned wen they finally meet.lol

[@mvlach77]

Gio Ponti got beat yesterday in a $150,000 race. Just another reminder that this is a new year and we're dealing with horses that have not run in a while. While some may want to plug in Rachel and Zen's last races last year to the present, I'm not sure it's that easy. I can't wait for March 13 to start finding out what we got. I know it's a guess but I think Rachel is going to be an absolute beast this year. I hope the 100+ pound weight gain helps and not hurts.

[@mvlach77]

Rachel breezed for the first time this year, going 52 for a half mile Sunday morning, a tad faster than Blasi wanted but Rachel's usual rider Dominic Terry said she went great. Another breeze is set for next week.

[@mvlach77]

I am amped too. I'm getting more confident about Rachel's race. I don't think it will be as hard as I originally thought. I expect her to win pretty easily now.

[@jermocide22]

WOW, looks like NEW ORLEANS is the place to be for a lot of athletes at the TOP of their game !!!

[@justslamm]

She is indeed Rachel Alexandra THE GREAT

[@christianfernandez3374]

Wow!!!I mean Wow!!!Rachel Alexandra and Calvin Borel.

[@mvlach77]

kerkhoff, that's interesting stuff. She's already had two workouts and she's supposed to work almost every weekend. With no setbacks that may set her up for a mid-March race.

[@mvlach77]

Horse of the Year--Rachel Alexandra!

[@mvlach77]

Kerk Thanks for the info. Your facts come in the right context.

[@MrThe11hollarr]

No announcer can call a dramatic and exciting finish better than Tom Durkin.

[@jermocide22]

It is so true. One of the subtle things about training on the backside.

[@archercreek0207]

@TheExoticAnimal most of the time the are hardly touching them. it is more the sound and the sight of the whip that gets them moving. and besides Calvin is a great jockey. sometimes, you have use the whip to get them while asking for more

[@jermocide22]

You wouldn't expect duh, but the fact is she's on schedule. Until the word comes down she's in. She's in, she wins !!!

[@mvlach77]

So what is everyone predicting for this Saturday for Rachel? I'll be most curious about the speed of the first quarter and how she finishes the final 16th. I'll say Rachel by 3-4 lengths because of class and heart. I will say that this race makes me nervous. What say you?