What some folks don't realize is that sometimes RACE HORSES DO NOT WANT TO RACE ANYMORE! Rachel demonstrated what she could accomplish when it was enjoyable to her. Her lackluster tries was her just obeying the humans that control her. The horse in her wanted no part of the game anymore. Good for Rachel. Enjoy your retirement my beautiful girl. Thanks for posing this as a possibility and a reminder to imagine what a race takes away from a horse!
THANK YOU!!! Brian. How on earth anyone can run a filly like they did Rachel in 2009 is beyond me. And the crowd begs for more? The Preakness, skip a month, then back to back races against more boys of the highest calibre? Thank god Rachel didn't break down on the track. Have these folks ever heard of body soreness and bruising of the hooves? She's a horse, though a magnificent one, she's flesh and blood. She can take just so much. Poor Blind Luck.
Excellent piece Brian. May I also point out the talent she gassed in the BCC? They were barely second thoughts to her as she set her sights on Blame. To come from behind at such a distance and sustain a late charge to catch that colt like she did is phenomenal. That performance alone is a HOY run.
I'm glad you raised this question. I don't know enough to make an educated decision. I learn a lot from your blogs. With your help, I'm sure I'll come to a conclusion!