Rachel Alexandra, who electrified Monmouth Park
with her victory in last season’s Haskell Invitational (G1) en route to being
named America’s Horse of the Year 2009, will return to the scene of her triumph
on Saturday, July 24, in the Lady’s Secret Stakes at a mile and an eighth.
Jess Jackson, who owns the 4-year-old filly by Medaglia d’Oro in partnership
with Harold McCormick, confirmed Thursday that Rachel Alexandra will make
Monmouth her next stop as she pursues another title in 2010.
“We had a great experience at Monmouth
Park,” Jackson said, “and we appreciate the
overwhelming show of support the fans there have given us. It’s the perfect
place to start what we hope will be another championship run.”
Rachel Alexandra sealed her Horse of the Year 2009 title with victories over
colts in the Preakness and Haskell Invitational, and a win over older males in
the Woodward at Saratoga.
This year, she ran second twice before capturing the Fleur de Lis Handicap at
Churchill Downs on June 12.
The Lady’s Secret was originally scheduled to be run on Aug. 1 as part of the
Haskell Day card. However, with Rachel Alexandra running, the race has been
moved to July 24, and the purse has been increased to $400,000. If Rachel
Alexandra is unable to compete in the Lady’s Secret, the purse will revert to
the originally scheduled $150,000.