Rachel Alexandra became the first three-year-old filly to win a grade I distance race against older males in New York since 1887 when she captured Saturday’s Woodward at Saratoga by a diminishing head, a victory that may have earned her Horse of the Year honors. 23 of 55 previous Woodward winners have gone on to be named Horse of the Year.
“It’s the most emotional victory I’ve ever had,” trainer Steve Asmussen said, “I think everything has different stages and different times. It meant a great deal. You want her to be that horse, and she is.”
Plans are for Rachel to be rested for the remainder of the year.
“She needs, I think, four or five months off,” said Jess Jackson, majority owner of the super sophomore. “I’m leaning towards letting her take a long furlough. She needs a vacation. It’s my instinct that she needs it. I think we’re helping her more by keeping her fit and running her next year.”
