Rachel Alexandra beats Zenyatta for 2009 Horse of the Year

[two gun sid]

Horse racing crowned its queen Monday night when Rachel Alexandra was named the 2009 Horse of the Year.

The result intensified one of the most heated debates in horse racing history, with Rachel Alexandra earning 130 votes to 99 for Zenyatta in Eclipse Award balloting.

It was the first time two female runners were the finalists for the award, and both were deserving as each completed a perfect season.

Rachel Alexandra won all eight of her starts in 2009, including defeating the boys three times - in the Preakness, Haskell and the Woodward Stakes.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2010/01/19/2010-01-19_rachel_is_top_horse_by_a_head.html#ixzz0dRtMEyUk

[jakefrep]

1. I don't think I've ever witnessed a more contentious HOY debate than this one

I would have chosen Zenyatta, myself.

[two gun sid]

2. I heard discussions that got pretty heated...

debating the merits of the two. I liked Rachel and thought she should have won it but, Zenyatta was deserving also. What a great year for racing.

[two gun sid]

3. Could Christine be the Next Rachel?

A filly like Rachel Alexandra comes around once in a blue moon. It is not reasonable to think that another 3-year-old filly will surface any time soon and do the things she did. But we can still hope, can't we?

That is what is so great about this time of year--we get to see young 3-year-olds transform into stars right in front of our eyes as we march towards the Kentucky Derby and Oaks.

Over the past week, a couple different people brought to my attention a filly who has the look of a future star. Her name is Christine Daae (pronounced die-a and named for a character in the famous play Phantom of the Opera). She is very well bred, by Giant's Causeway--out of the Dehere mare Descapate. She is the first winner from 12-year-old Descapate, who was a two-turn stakes winner at Fair Grounds during her short career. The mare has been bred to some pretty good stallions so far--A.P. Indy, Storm Cat, Bluegrass Cat, Dixie Union, and Bernardini in 2010.

Christine Daae made what can only be described as a sensational maiden start on Jan. 15 at Gulfstream Park. Here is a video of the race so you can see for yourself. http://www.youtube.com/gulfstreamparkracing#p/u/32/-LDOAg386pA

More at: http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/triplecrowntalk/archive/2010/01/20/could-christine-be-the-next-rachel.aspx

Edit to say: This is why you never die on the racetrack. You are always waiting and hoping for the next Big Horse and maybe that baby in your barn is it. Goddamn, I love this sport.

[Jack Rabbit]

4. A filly won something, if not the world series

!!

[two gun sid]

6. Hey, JR!

Rachel and Zenyatta is a pretty big deal for us railbirds. What a year in racing. Best and most exciting I've seen since the '70's.

[Condem]

5. Welcome back, two gun.

Been wond'ring where you've been.

[two gun sid]

7. Thank you, Condem...

I've been off on a little mental health break. I've missed all the Sports people 'cause youse guys are the very best. I love you all.

Peace