Jackson passes on Belmont with Rachel Alexandra

[Kasept]

Statement by Jess Jackson on behalf of Stonestreet Stables and Harold
McCormick

“Rachel Alexandra is an incredible thoroughbred who has proven to be
the best three year old in racing today. We are elated by all the
attention her wins in the Oaks and Preakness has garnered the sport.
The many letters and emails we have received from young girls and racing
enthusiasts lets us know that many fans are proud of Rachel. When we
purchased Rachel, our goal was to restore the sport’s vitality and
grow its fan base by extending the racing careers of its stars.

After careful consideration, we have decided not to run Rachel
Alexandra in the Belmont Stakes next weekend. We have advised Calvin
Borel, Chip Woolley and Belmont of our decision. We thank them, the
media and the fans for their many courtesies and patience while we
pondered.

We know the media and many fans would have liked to see her run in the
Belmont Stakes — we feel the same. But all of us sincerely interested
in the horse must agree that we only want to see her run when it is best
for her. While she is in great shape, having strong works, and
recovering well from her amazing performances, we feel Rachel deserves a
well-earned vacation. Since March 14, Rachel has won four graded races
with just two weeks rest between her last two victories. We will always
put her long-term well being first. And, of course, we want to run her
when she is fresh.

Rachel, her owners, her trainers and her fans can continue to
anticipate an exciting campaign. All major races will be considered as
we look to the rest of Rachel’s racing career.”

[tiggerv]

Originally Posted by Kasept

The many letters and emails we have received from young girls and racing
enthusiasts lets us know that many fans are proud of Rachel.

Comedy gold as always from Jess Jackson

[Hickory Hill Hoff]

Thank god.....I'll be able to sleep tonight!

All kidding aside.....smart move.

[ateamstupid]

There goes the bet-against opportunity of the year. I'm sure NYRA is thrilled with the 20,000 people they'll get at Belmont now.

That long-winded c**t. All we needed was one line.

[South Beach Luv]

Originally Posted by Coach Pants

That long-winded c**t. All we needed was one line.

Just a fyi, you are my favorite poster

[Rupert Pupkin]

I actually give Jackson a lot of credit for doing right by the horse. As most of you probably know, Jackson has a very serious health issue and may not be around for too long. Many people in that situation would be selfish and would just want to watch their horse run even if it wasn't in the best interest of the horse. Instead of being selfish and putting himself first, Jackson put the horse first. I give him a lot of credit for that.

[Handicappy]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

There goes the bet-against opportunity of the year. I'm sure NYRA is thrilled with the 20,000 people they'll get at Belmont now.

Lets see how they market it first. But you could be right. I hope not.

[zippyneedsawin]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

There goes the bet-against opportunity of the year. I'm sure NYRA is thrilled with the 20,000 people they'll get at Belmont now.

I guess Mine That Bird now inherits the 'bet-against opportunity of the year' title.. -- I think he will be a big underlay at the Belmont now.

[rgustafson]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

There goes the bet-against opportunity of the year. I'm sure NYRA is thrilled with the 20,000 people they'll get at Belmont now.

They may be lucky if 20,000 show up if the weather is bad. The handle will show massive declines from last year.

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by Kasept

"Since March 14, Rachel has won four graded races with just two weeks rest between her last two victories. We will always put her long-term well being first. And, of course, we want to run her when she is fresh".

Anyone find anything incongruous in this Jacksonian jewel?

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Anyone find anything incongruous in this Jacksonian jewel?

Steve she jogged in the Preakness..What did the guy do wrong? He bought the filly, raced her in the second leg of the triple crown, and then was smart enough to give her a break.. The guy is sick and isn't long for this world maybe you should give the guy a break all he does is race horses.. He had Curlin try the grass in the hopes that he would be good enough to race in the Arc, when he wasn't he changed gears.. I get the fact you dis like his ways but in all cander the guy does what so many don't.. He races his horses.. Let him die in peace and let him race her a few more times under the advisement of Ass.. Filly is in WAY better hands today then with the mighty Hal Wiggins..

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by freddymo

Steve she jogged in the Preakness..What did the guy do wrong? He bought the filly, raced her in the second leg of the triple crown, and then was smart enough to give her a break.. The guy is sick and isn't long for this world maybe you should give the guy a break all he does is race horses.. He had Curlin try the grass in the hopes that he would be good enough to race in the Arc, when he wasn't he changed gears.. I get the fact you dis like his ways but in all cander the guy does what so many don't.. He races his horses.. Let him die in peace and let him race her a few more times under the advisement of Ass.. Filly is in WAY better hands today then with the mighty Hal Wiggins..

Freddy,

I'm not going to spend time on this topic because it didn't matter to me one way or another if she ran at Belmont or not. I will mention that it's really pretty remarkable who is in your good graces and who isn't. But demeaning Hal Wiggins is utterly laughable. Put Rachel Alexandra in Asmussen's hands as a two year old and she'd have been retired by now.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Freddy,

I'm not going to spend time on this topic because it didn't matter to me one way or another if she ran at Belmont or not. I will mention that it's really pretty remarkable who is in your good graces and who isn't. But demeaning Hal Wiggins is utterly laughable. Put Rachel Alexandra in Asmussen's hands as a two year old and she'd have been retired by now.

I don't like Jess Jackson at all nor do I love his ways. I really don't see anything wrong with buying Rachel and racing her.. Remember the folks who sold this "National Treasure" didn't have a gun to there heads and I assume they weren't in NEED of the money..

As for Hal Wiggins while I am sure he is a lovely man and very good trainer thinking that he is in the league of SA is silly. This is a results based industry and there is really no denying who has had or will continue to have better results.
I kind of think I could have coached the Bulls to at least 1 championship. So Hal won a few games with Michael Jordan and now he is in the HOF.. Sometimes you have to but your personnal biasis for nice people aside and look at the facts..

You don't have to like Ass but you have to respect his success. As for him breaking down 2 year olds.. You get what you pay for the guy gets owners who want HIS program. Win early and well if they don't go forward it happens..

[zippyneedsawin]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Anyone find anything incongruous in this Jacksonian jewel?

RA must have been "fresh" going into the Preakness.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Anyone find anything incongruous in this Jacksonian jewel?

i guess she was feeling fresh off two weeks, but has a not so fresh feeling off three...

but yeah, a tidbit of irony in that statement. i guess the belmont is tougher than that brick wall they mentioned the other day.

[CSC]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Anyone find anything incongruous in this Jacksonian jewel?

The feeling here is the only reason Jackson didn't run her is he knew she wouldn't have won, not because of the competition, freshness factor, or other reasons cited, but with her running style she would have beaten herself.