The 2009 Horse of the Year in thoroughbred racing, Rachel Alexandra has been retired from racing, her owners announced Tuesday.
With a win in the 2009 Kentucky Oaks, Rachel started turning heads and went on to win all eight of her starts as a 3-year-old filly in 2009. But in 2010, Rachel Alexandra won only two of five starts.
In the Grade 1 Personal Ensign at Saratoga on Aug. 29 was her last loss, when she was bested by a length. To run in Saturday’s Grade 1 Beldame Invitational at Belmont Park, she had been working out, but owner Jess Jackson decided to retire the filly on Tuesday.
Jackson said in a news release, “As you know, despite top training and a patient campaign, Rachel Alexandra did not return to her 2009 form. I believe it’s time to retire our champion and reward her with a less stressful life. We are delighted that she will retire healthy and happy to our beautiful farm in Kentucky.”
Jackson said, next year he would breed Rachel Alexandra to his two-time Horse of the Year Curlin.
Following her 20 1/4-length victory in the 2009 Kentucky Oaks, business partner Harold McCormick and Jackson had purchased Rachel Alexandra privately from owner/breeder Dolphus Morrison, his partner Mike Lauffer, and trainer Hal Wiggins.
Rachel Alexandra won the Preakness Stakes, Fifteen days later, holding off Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird by one length.