RachelAlex

I really think it's a silly stunt. Why gild the lily?

I was there that day and it still sends chills up my spine to remember that race. The crowd just exploded when she won. I thought that Durkin was going to lose his voice--he was croaking at the end with all the excitement. I will always remember that day and she will always have a special place in my heart. There will never be another like her. Bless you, Brian, for keeping her memory alive and reminding us in your eloquent writing of her greatness.

Thank you so much for this lovely tribute to a gallant filly.

Lovely story. I went in March and it was one of the nicest experiences I have ever had. To be with people who "get it" about the way I feel about her was great and of course, being able to touch her was extraordinary. She was gentle and patient. I will treasure that day forever. She is my best love and I think of her every day.

I absolutely agree with poster KarenRhodes. There were some nice Z fans but many of them were mean spirited and unbelievably vicious toward Rachel and her accomplishments. The epitome of schadenfreude.

I agree with all you have written, Brian. I cannot definitively say whether any of any of the vitriol that I read on many blogs directed against Rachel was indirectly connected with people's general dislike for Jackson, but I know that people were saying awful things about her throughout her 2010 campaign which were totally undeserved. I am happy to see you writing about her again, though and God, I miss her.

Brian, this is not about Zenyatta, although I do feel that she deserved the award. I just don't want the Eclipse awards to devolve into popularity contests. That's why I am against fans being able to vote for the Eclipse awards, as some are suggesting. And please, please, please give us Rachel maniacs some more articles about her. Thanks as always for your thoughtful comments.

Hi Brian and I look forward to reading your blog on this new site. I do like your choice of picture on your Banner. Best wishes, Suzanne