|
Rachel confirmed for Personal Ensign
 |
| Rachel Alexandra will return to Saratoga for her next race
(Bill Denver/Equi-Photo) |
Reigning Horse of the Year RACHEL ALEXANDRA (Medaglia d'Oro), coming off
consecutive wins in the Fleur de Lis H. (G2) and Lady's Secret S., will race
next at Saratoga in the August 29 Personal Ensign S. (G1).
"Rachel feels very much at home among the great Saratoga fans," majority
owner Jess Jackson said. "It's an historic race, named after a great champion.
The timing is right for Rachel. She's been coming back into her stride and this
will help her prepare for the rest of her campaign and the Breeders' Cup later
this year."
The Personal Ensign will mark Rachel Alexandra's first start at 1 1/4 miles.
The farthest she has raced is 1 3/16 miles, the distance of the Preakness S.
(G1), which was one of her eight stakes wins during an undefeated campaign in
2009. She closed out her championship campaign at Saratoga last September,
defeating older males in the Woodward S. (G1).
"We're delighted that Mr. Jackson has decided to race Rachel Alexandra in the
Personal Ensign on August 29," NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward said. "Her
historic victory in the Woodward last year was one of the highlights of the
Saratoga meet, and we expect her appearance at the Spa this year to be just as
compelling. With Travers Day on August 28, that weekend is lining up to be one
of the best in this racetrack's storied history."
|
"The whole team is excited to have Rachel back at Saratoga preparing for this
Grade 1 race," trainer Steve Asmussen said. "We all love the track and the fans
at Saratoga, perhaps none more then Rachel herself."
Rachel Alexandra preceded her wins in the Fleur de Lis and Lady's Secret, at
Churchill Downs and Monmouth Park, respectively, with second-place finishes in
the New Orleans Ladies S. at Fair Grounds and the La Troienne S. (G2) at
Churchill.
The Personal Ensign honors the Ogden Phipps homebred who retired in 1988
undefeated from 13 career starts. The Hall of Fame filly was named the champion
older female of 1988. The Personal Ensign was previously known as the John A.
Morris H. prior to 1998 and the Firenze H. prior to 1987. The race was
inaugurated in 1948.
Send this article to a friend
| 
