Jump to content
  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

Rachel Alexandra retired


tarheelblue89

Recommended Posts

Rachel Alexandra, who was unable to return to her 2009 Horse of the Year form, has been retired from racing, her connections announced Tuesday afternoon.

After winning all eight of her starts -- including defeating males three times -- as a 3-year-old filly in 2009, Rachel Alexandra won only two of five starts in 2010. Most recently, she was beaten by one length by Persistently in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign at Saratoga on Aug. 29. Though she had worked three times at Saratoga since then -- presumably to run in Saturday's Grade 1 Beldame Invitational at Belmont Park -- owner Jess Jackson decided to pull the plug on Tuesday.

"As you know, despite top training and a patient campaign, Rachel Alexandra did not return to her 2009 form," Jackson said in a news release. "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 he would breed Rachel Alexandra to his two-time Horse of the Year Curlin next year.

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=5626639

Sad end to her career, Only 2 wins outta 5 starts this year.

However, she is basically going to be giving birth to super-horses. Curlin is one of my favorite of all time.

On another note: Zenyatta is going to be running the G1 Lady's Secret on Saturday on ESPN.

Huge races on Saturday, not only is Zenyatta racing but another BC Classic favorite Blame is running in the G1 Jockey Gold Cup.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • I understand the concerns--he is not P. Sewell or Joe Thomas.  He has technique issues and was not great in the run game and was good in pass protection when UGA did not pass much.  Then there is the immediate need vs long term need perspective.   I did not see Freeland being there-frankly. Here is why:   He has nearly 35" arms and his hands are large (10.5").  He ran a 4.93 40 at the combine.  He is very agile.  His vertical was 33.5".   Physically, he is a freak. He is 21 and he seems very intelligent (coachable). You have to remember, some of these rookies are 24, 25 years old. Freeling is A team player.  His shortcomings are fixable.  Short arms (as with the kids from Utah and Miami) are not fixable.  The Run on OTs began at #9: Fano (picked 10 picks earlier) has 32" arms and his hands are 9".  He did not play in the SEC like Freeling.  Many think the short arms project him to guard. Mauigoa (picked 10th) has 33" arms.  He is a solid player, but his arms make him borderline as a T (they seek 34" and up as ideal)  Kayden Proctor (picked 12th overall) struggled in pass protection and projects by many to RT or G.  Weight management is a concern. So it is possible that Freeling will be the first LT taken who actually plays LT.  (he also has the ability and experience to play RT)  His questions are fixable and not limited to physical limitations.  Here is the question:  If you know that you need a Tackle, and you could choose between all four of these players, who would you pick? I am not sure that Freeling would not be the player I selected if given the opportunity to take any of them.
    • The more I think about this pick the more I like it. The Icky injury might end up being a blessing in disguise for everyone except Icky unfortunately. If Freeling pans out at LT the Panthers have a good player on a rookie contract at a premium position at a time when they’re going to need to potentially pay Bryce for his next contract. Icky was likely going to command a big salary jump for his next contract and now, there’s a strong justification he’s not going to be worth a big money extension until he rehabs and proves he can still play at a high level. Since he’s finishing his rookie deal this season, it will be interesting to see if the Panthers bring him back for the 2027 season. Obviously it’s too early to say and they will probably wait to see how the season pans out with Moton still elite but aging and clearly battling persistent injuries, and they need to see if Freeling can develop into a starter during his rookie year. But ultimately this might have opened up a huge chunk of salary cap for the next 4-5 years. 
    • You read my mind Nastradamus! If Rodriguez is still there I feel like it will be hard to pass on him. And one of these TE we keep drafting have to hit eventually and Delp is just as good as the others.
×
×
  • Create New...