Rachel Alexandra and her jockey, Calvin Borel, enter the track for the Woodward Stakes post parade at Saratoga, September 5, 2009. |
The start of the Woodward Stakes, in which the three-year-old filly raced against seven older male horses: Rachel Alexandra, second from left (yellow silks, #3) is between Cool Coal Man (far left) and Bullsbay (second from right.) Going to the lead, at far right, is Da'Tara. |
Rachel Alexandra increases her lead in the stretch, followed by Macho Again, left, and Bullsbay. |
Rachel Alexandra had won eight straight races, including the Preakness and the Haskell, both against males, before running in the 1 1/8 mile, Grade I Woodward Stakes, a race that no filly or mare had ever won. |
Nearing the finish, Calvin Borel looks back at Macho Again, who came from last place to challenge Rachel repeatedly in the stretch. |
Four-year-old Macho Again, ridden by Robby Albarado, comes closer than any of the others to catching Rachel Alexandra in the Woodward, but loses to her by a head. Bullsbay was third. |
Accompanied by the outrider, Rachel and Calvin head toward the winner's circle. |
Owner Jess Jackson embraces Calvin Borel after the race. |
Scott Blasi, assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen, sprays Rachel Alexandra with water after the race. At right is the filly's personal security guard, Amy Kearns. |
main page | galleries list | race days |