RACHEL ALEXANDRA CONNECTIONS PROPOSE RACING SERIES
Today, Jess Jackson released the following press release proposing a three race series between Rachel and Zenyatta. This proposal comes on the heels of Rachel’s connections informing Oaklawn Park that they are unable to commit Rachel to the Apple Blossom.
Read the release below and let us know what you think.
The owners of Horse of the Year, Rachel Alexandra, today called for a racing series between now and November in which the two phenomenal female race horses will meet.
“The fans have spoken. The media has spoken. Everyone wants to see Rachel race against Zenyatta - including me,” said Rachel Alexandra co-owner Jess Jackson. “In fact, I want it to happen several times this year. We have been in discussions with Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of National Thoroughbred Racing Association, with the hope of coordinate training schedules, racing schedules, purses and all ancillary factors, so that we can all agree upon three dates and three venues for what will be a racing series to rival the Triple Crown.”
The proposal, in the works for several weeks, comes as Rachel Alexandra’s connections informed Oaklawn Park race track that she would not compete on April 3rd, the announced date of the Apple Blossom Invitational. “Out of respect for the level of competition and the importance of this race, I have told Mr. Jackson it was not in the best interest of the horse to race on April 3. Getting to this level of fitness after a six-month layoff takes time. If all goes according to schedule, and we do not have any further weather delays, the earliest we could have a prep race would be the middle of March. It is then not fair to Rachel to ask her to race again three weeks later,” said 2010 Trainer of the Year, Steve Asmussen.
The track had offered a $5-million purse if Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta met on that day. Rachel’s connections had requested a week delay in order to have Rachel race at Oaklawn Park against Zenyatta but track officials told Jackson today that would not be possible.
“Hopefully, these discussions will take place at earliest possible time so that we can announce something that will give the fans a season to remember,” Jackson added.
Rachel Alexandra, the reigning 2010 Horse of the Year, became the first filly to win the Preakness since 1924, beating a field of world-class males, including Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. She went undefeated throughout the 2009 campaign, defeating world-class colts three times.
Tags: alex waldrop, Apple Blossom, jess jackson, NTRA, oaklawn park, Paulick Report, Rachel Alexandra, zenyatta
February 10th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
If it quacks like a duck…
February 10th, 2010 at 5:53 pm
Whatever. Zenyatta was going to smoke his horse anyway.
February 10th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Not that RA is dodgeing Z but it certianly looks like her connections are not going to race under anything but their optimal conditions. (surface, distance, time off, weights) Not that I even blame them. I think they should talk directly to Z’s connections and see if a deal is possible. The NTRA can find venues after the principles agree to a series. After all Z’s connections also want their optimal conditions. I just don’t think this is going to happen.
February 10th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
What a shame Jackson didn’t think of that LAST year. Will he only race on surfaces suitable for RA? How about one race in California, one race in NY and one race in KY? No shows count as a win for the horse that shows up.
Funny how none of the horses RA beat did much or even showed up for the Breeder’s Cup. No way RA earned Horse of the Year legitimately. Total politics!
Zenyatta is the only deep closer in history to be undefeated against all comers! Zenyatta is the REAL Champion of 2009!
February 10th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Of course he proposed a “Three race series” etc. He is just trying to save face.
If and when they meet, I can’t wait to see the close-up of him and his trainer after they get embarassed.
February 10th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
@NJJ … I think you mean if it clucks like a chicken …
February 10th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
@ #4 Lady V said: “What a shame Jackson didn’t think of that LAST year. Will he only race on surfaces suitable for RA?”
Actually take a look at JJ’s remarks Dec 4, 2009 to Tim Wilkin for the Times Union:
http://blog.timesunion.com/horseracing/jess-jackson-made-a-pitch-to-see-rachel-alexandra-vs-zenyatta/3729/
quote: “Jackson said he made an offer to have Rachel and Zenyatta run against each other in the best two-of-three series — one race on dirt, another on turf and a third on synthetic.”
So in reality HE DID put that out there last year.
February 10th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
If racing can’t get these two horses on the track together, then the sport DESERVES to die.
February 10th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Rachel has not had enough preparation to be ready for a race of that magnitude first week of April.I was fortunate enough to see her win The Martha Washington ,Kentucky Oaks and Haskell in person in 2009.i have seen Zenyatta run in person 10 of her 14 lifetime wins..Jerry Brown ,Thorograph sheets guru,said today on TVG that Rachel ,s sheets numbers would beat any of Zenyatta,s numbers by six lengths.i totally agree….By the way i feel as i did at the time that it was a blessing for Zenyatta that Quality Road acted up in the gate at the Breeders Cup .if he would have run i doubt that she would still be undefeated.
February 10th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
April 3rd is almost 8 weeks from now. Where else before the BC Classic will they get a purse near $5 million? And for mares only? Jackson needs to pick a race, and quickly.
February 10th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
What I find most interesting is that Jackson says he has been in discussions with the NTRA but that he makes no mention of discussions with Z’s camp.
February 10th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
suitcase, glad you saw so many of their races in person, we’re all very impressed. And if the sheets numbers say Rachel is better, then I guess they shouldn’t even bother running.
Quality Road..woulda coulda shoulda. please.
February 10th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
How interesting in deed. Mr. jackson said, “he would wait for RA to tell him when she was ready.” Must be she said something today. I truly do not believe this horse has had only 2 works since the two that were published. They were not even a week apart. I have never heard a trainer do that after such a long lay off which was also new to her. She looked pretty fit in the pictures and focused…here she worked around 5am and they were made public each time.
I guess the Moss’s don’t count… but the pro horse slaughter guy does. I agree, it sounds like it will be done on Mr. Jackson’s demands. Quality Road could never get the distance. Besides,think of whom he just ran against. I agree with S. Grundy, if the numbers are against Zenyatta than why bother running even though synthetic numbers are slower than dirt. Her last buyer from the BCC must put her way over RA. mmmmmm
February 10th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
First off, if everyone would go back into racing archives you’d find these types of bantering and positioning have happened in racing history. Wish everyone would stop being so “bitter” about HOY.
If NTRA can’t pull this off, they have no business being in existence (can’t take a stand on slaughter, totally ignore the Michael Gill/Paragello issues…).
And please! Did anyone really think the Apple Blossom was going to happen with no serious works behind RA at this stage of the game? I only hope IF it happens, it’s in my neighborhood.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
I’m just pleased that one of the connections is actually talking “series” of races.
However, coordinating anything with NTRA is a waste of time. As was mentioned, it would be smarter for Jackson to spend time coordinating with the Moss’s and potential tracks…not the NTRA. But who knows, maybe he is.
I’d like to see 4-5 races, but that is alot to ask for. Aren’t there some great stakes races Derby, Preakness and Belmont Day? Throw in Saratoga and SA, DM or Lonestar (please go West, please go West at least one time) and it would be a great year for fans.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Well, this is no surprise. Jackson is attempting to strongarm his way into controlling the whens/wheres/weights in races against Zenyatta so he can optimize his chances.
Smart - but obvious. The man - while having many admirable traits - doesn’t include subtlety among them.
Don’t fall for it, Mosses (and I know you are smart enough not to) - the best way for Zenyatta and Rachel to meet is open company and without a plan. That allows both to shoot for big races with great purses that will truly challenge both. No ability to sculpt a training schedule around three pre-set meetings. Just show up and see if Rachel’s connections have the guts to run with her.
If I didn’t believe that Jackson does want the best for this industry, I’d swear their is a touch of “duck” in this recipe.
I like the way New Jersey Jake put it - “if it quacks….”
No one sided plan - let the chips - and races - fall where they may. It will soon become apparent if Jackson is serving the public duck on the summer menu.
And if he is, it means he’s afraid he’ll be eating crow post-race if they meet.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
That is some wishful thinking. We’ll all be lucky if they meet ONCE. The “series of races” is just PR spin, nothing more. He is saving face now, and positioning himself to look like the “good guy” later down the line. Read between the lines.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
I think JJ needs to realize that he is not the only horse owner involved here. Why is he talking to the NTRA?? Do they own Zenyatta? He needs to talk to Jerry and Ann. He is going to twist this all around so ANYBODY besides him looks bad if HIS schedule doesn’t pan out for the others horses. I like RA but her owner is starting to turn me off of her a little.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
What a complete FRAUD! What an embarrassment to everyone that voted for her. She was the most hyped horse in history.
At least the Europeans know. They want Zenyatta and NOT Rachel Alexandra.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
The powers that be need to strip Rachel Alexandra of her title and give it to the right horse - Zenyatta.
This is absolutely laughable.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
In boxing if you don’t box against a challenger you will automatically lose your title.
This is looking more and more like they gave the title to the wrong horse.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
His proposed “Three race series” is the biggest bunch of crap I have ever heard. What a fool. And anyone who believes that is the biggest sucker ever. There are plenty of races for mares, all year long, all over the country. Call Jerry Moss, and agree to point to one, or wait for the Breeders Cup. Problem solved. The guy just thinks he is so smart and he is going to position himself through PR spin to come out smelling like a rose in the end. It’s so obvious. What a coward.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
Anne and S Grundy, please don,t take me wrong,i love both Zenyatta and Rachel,
i have a preference for Rachel that doesn,t make me a bad person.i don,t know what Beyer # Quality Road got in the Donn but he got a minus 7 1/2 on the sheets . the highest # ever awarded(Midnite Lute previously had the highest # at 7in the 2008 BC Sprint.
by the way Zenyatta received a lifetime 112 Beyer figure for the Classic .Rachel got a 107 in the Oaks,108 in the Preakness and 116 in the Haskell.
i,m not a big fan of #,s anyway. but i would love to see these two Champion meet like everybody else.Let s settle it on the racetrack.
February 10th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
At least Jackson has the cajones to commit one way or the other - something Moss has failed to do yet. Moss hasn’t even committed to Z running in a prep in the Santa Margarita yet.
It cracks me up how quick you Z fans are to blast Jackson, and him waiting until Rachel is ready - yet Moss has said the exact same thing about Z. He refuses to run until Z is ready and he refuses to meet Rachel until Z is in top form. Why’s it ok for Moss to say the same thing Jackson did but you Z fans blast Jackson? How can you be so hypocritical?
February 10th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Zenyatta will break RA heart . Who wants to see that train wreck ? Jackson has got to know his filly is NO match for Zenyatta. Leave the little girl alone and let her grow up. We all know Big Z has no peer ::
February 10th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
With all due respect to Jerry Brown, Andy Beyer and Ragozin, using figures to say which horse is better is pure b.s. There’s only way to settle an argument about who has the fastest horse, and thats on the racetrack. Those numbers are to help people make a bet, and guess what, they aren’t always right. Quality Road woulda coulda shoulda won the Breeders’ Cup Classic if he hadn’t freaked out behind the gate. Well, he did freak out, and even if he had run, his head probably wouldn’t a been in it and he would have lost. But we won’t know till they all meet on the racetrack, not in the past performances or on a computer printout.
It’s horseracing, not numbers racing.
Otherwise why have a vote for Eclipse Awards or Hall of Fame or even run the Breeders’ Cup. Just give the money and the trophies to the horse that got the best number.
February 10th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
I dont have a problem with them not running her in the Apple Blossom, I never expected them to. The part that is laughable is the “three race series” thing. It’s total PR b.s. That is what offends me. The guy is a CLOWN who is campaigning his EGO more than anything else. It couldn’t be anymore obvious. Rachel is just his puppet, that’s all. That is why he bought her, just so he could say “look at me!”.
February 10th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
I for one am not pinning my hopes on the NTRA arranging this kind of matchup. Notice how it was Oaklawn and Jimmy MacV that each took the initiative to get it set up.
Other than that, I’m not going to go into the “why” I am not betting on the NTRA because I don’t think i have to. You already know.
February 10th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
suitcase, I’ll believe it when I see it as far as Quality Road winning at 1 1/4.
A three-race series seems like an exercise in futility because horses don’t often play by their humans’ schedules. A talking with the NTRA? What’s that about? They don’t have a say in Zenyatta. Strange.
As said above, just point to the big ones and hope all the best ones show up.
February 10th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
My take on RA is this … after taking off the last part of 2009, JJ and SA should have been getting her ready for the Apple Blossom all along. It’s the first real major race for F&M each year, and whether or not Zen ‘unretired’ JJ should have had this race on her schedule, period. She’s had a plenty long enough break, and to put off starting her 2010 campaign into May/June is inexcuseable.
Personally, I hope the ’series’ doesn’t happen, and that the Moss’ just keep Zen fit and ready and show up unannounced in every race RA decides to run in all year long.
February 10th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
As with most of the previous comments, it doesn’t surprise me that Rachel ‘won’t make’ the Apple Blossom Stakes. However, JJ’s mention at the end of last year for a 3 race series, including one on synthetic, is an absolute joke. “Um, excuse me, Mr. Jackson, wasn’t the BREEDERS’ CUP on synthetic???” (or should I have said ‘plastic’?) You refused to run then.
Any sort of series for the 2 girls would be a bunch of b.s.; just let them meet up wherever/whenever…..whether it’s the La Troienne at Churchill in May, or maybe the Stephen Foster, or somewhere up in NY. This bending over backwards for ol’ Jess is getting ridiculous….hence I’m having a hard time staying a Rachel fan.
Give me Zenyatta and the Mosses anytime……
February 10th, 2010 at 11:53 pm
Nancy-
Wanna talk hypocritical? How about people criticizing Zenyatta’s connections for giving her so much time off after the 2008 Breeders’ Cup, yet pity to Rachel Alexandra’s connections who can’t be expected to ever get her ready with the same kind of break?
February 11th, 2010 at 12:36 am
Oaks Day would be perfect for these two to meet. In front of 100,000 people and all media in town. Lets rumble.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:42 am
Brad Free of the DRF had it right when he said that Rachel was done after the Woodward. She was completely and thoroughly done.
I doubt that you will see her race again in a long time, if ever.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:45 am
Looking at the photos of RA in her current workouts, it looks like she’s filled out in front, which is not ideal for a thoroughbred. She’s grown, but she needs to work off some of that fat. She’s not ready to face Z. It’s unfortunate that the industry buzz got out of control over the Apple Blossom, and very unfortunate that only one horse got picked for horse of the year. Mr. Jackson probably thought he was letting the fans down in a diplomatic manner, but the political situation is such that any such refusal makes the RA camp appear in a dubious light.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:48 am
The Jess Jackson spin machine is in full swing and those who drink his kool-aid apparently enter a strange vortex of selective reality. Nancy is misinformed, Jerry Moss has committed to running Z in both the Santa Margarita and the Apple Blossom. Jess Jackson isn’t showing any “cajones” whatsoever.
He’s making a vague and hollow reference to a three-race series yet he hasn’t spoken word one about it to Jerry and Ann Moss. Instead he’s had discussions with the NTRA. This is a classic JJ attempt to mold public opinion in his favor while simultaneously maintain complete control of the situation.
There isn’t going to be any three-race series and JJ knows it. There MAY be one race between the two of them before the Breeder’s Cup but that will only happen if everything (and I mean everything) is stacked in RA’s favor and JJ has completely run out of excuses.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:48 am
Did you hear what Mr. Jackson said about meeting up with Zenyatta - being absolutely terrified at putting his Horse of the Year against that caliber of competition. This is the highest compliment.
And considering that Quality Road, when loading in the starting gate in the BCC, took a long look at Zenyatta in the next stall and simply said no way am I going against that monster. He backed out.
Look what he did since.
Then you have Richard’s Kid that had a good look at Zenyatta rear end in the BCC and come back and win last week’s San Antonio - just puts Zenyatta at even a higher level.
February 11th, 2010 at 1:22 am
They name streets after individuals like Jess Jackson–ONE WAY!!
Maybe Dan Liebman of The Bloodhorse can put him in touch with America’s finest owner, Mr. Zayat, for some lessons on spin control during a difficult situation.
February 11th, 2010 at 7:29 am
Just SHUT UP and show up for the Breeders Cup
February 11th, 2010 at 7:45 am
Wonderful!!! …what a great rivalry for the summer and hopefully one that will involve the colts, like Quality Road!!!
Just like the good old rivalries where they met more than once!
Did you see the sour grapes response Mr. Moss gave? The more he talks, the more the Mr Nice Guy disappears…
I bet that even if they agree to a proposed series, if Zen wins the first match-up, Zenyatta retires.
Rachel will be campaigned in the style of Lady Secret and Gallorette…she’ll go up against anyone in all the major races. She may not win them all, but she’ll be in the mix!!
February 11th, 2010 at 8:38 am
Jess Jackson’s “control” has landed far more PR about racing in non-racing venues than any of the racing organizations. I say let him have control of the racing schedule. If Z can’t make it work, then there is no series. If she can, then all the best for racing. If Jackson’s PR person along with the Moss’s friends can continue to generate great press, then even better! I hope it works out for the filly’s schedules. It sounds like it may require more flexibilty on Z’s part. Hope they can work it out. We need something big right now. Carpe diem!
February 11th, 2010 at 9:32 am
Rachel Says:
February 11th, 2010 at 7:45 am
Wonderful!!! …what a great rivalry for the summer and hopefully one that will involve the colts, like Quality Road!!!
Just like the good old rivalries where they met more than once!
Did you see the sour grapes response Mr. Moss gave? The more he talks, the more the Mr Nice Guy disappears…
WHAT SOUR GRAPES???? The man was totally in the dark about an announcement made by a guy who had NEVER EVEN BOTHERED TO CONSULT with the Mosses on whether or not it would be agreeable or feasable! I’d have been shocked, as well!
Rachel - I don’t know your thought process - but I think the equine Rachel would have thought that out more clearly than you obviously did. Don’t let your emotional attachment to RA trump reality.
February 11th, 2010 at 10:20 am
Why are so many picking on Quality Road? I agree with #37 Tony. I noticed Zenyatta sticking her tongue out at Quality Road during the post parade. She scares all of the other horses & owners too!! She is so BIG & TALL! She is an AMAZON HORSE
LOL
February 11th, 2010 at 11:22 am
Well, I KNEW she wouldn’t be there (the Apple Blossom). Well, at least hopefully Z will be there and I can still see her. After reading the article yesterday, I thought it really might happen. What a bummer. If they meet even once, I will be surprised - and it won’t be the Moss’s fault if they don’t.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:25 am
I love both wonderful horse’s, but I don’t like either owners, all this their so classy is BS. they just have more money! The more this go’s on, I don’t think it will ever happen, I am getting really tired of it already,such a shame for the horse’s ! Because it the fans of these great horse’s that are going to suffer, not anyone else !
February 11th, 2010 at 11:26 am
On Dec 4, 2009 , the columnist Tim Wilkin posted a column in which he stated that Jess Jackson had spoken with Mr. Moss and offered a 3 race series , grass , synthetic , and dirt to them . Mr. Moss declined and said Zenyatta was being retired.
So be careful about saying Mr. Moss had never heard such a proposal.
He has heard it , I don’t know how recently , but why is he acting as if he has never been approached with such a suggestion.?
I’m so glad the trainer and owner are doing what’s best for Rachel , and she will meet Zenyatta head to head in 3 races this season if the Mosses agree. Let Rachel get into seasoned form and then see the results. I hope both horses stay healthy and sound. May the best horse win.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:54 am
TO BOBBIE: Why would Moss believe Jackson when Jackson back in May stated HE WILL NEVER RACE RACHEL ON SYNTHETIC! That was nothing more than BS so that suckers like you would believe JJ really wanted to feed that little gurl RACHEL to the MONSTER ZENYATTA. LOL
February 11th, 2010 at 11:54 am
Well gee, Alison Thompson, why can’t Rachel’s connections show a bit more flexibility?
February 11th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Why is this such a bad idea? Why not a three race series for older horses? We soon forget any horse after his three year old campaign, mainly because they are retired to stud/breeding. Let’s face it, with the state of the breeding economy right now, these two super fillies are gonna run. I love the idea, I don’t like that everyone is bashing a “super” horse in Rachel. Could you imaging the attention these two will draw in their first race against one another? It will be HUGE!!!! I bet it would be the most watched race in history, and wha if just a length seperates them the first time? I bet you will not be able to get a ticket to the next race!! What if the filly that ran second in the first leg came back to win the second? The third race will be bigger than the super bowl!!! Our sport needs these two!! More than anything right now, Zenyatta and Rachel will save horse racing!!!!! Both owners just need to map out a plan!
February 11th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
The THREE RACE SERIES is a FARSE. It’s all PR spin. The guy said it to save face, that’s all. It will never happen, and anyone who believes an ounce of it has just been manipulated by Jess Jackson. I feel bad for you, i really do.
Post #41 Alison Thompson M - Jess Jackson has you fooled. His control has done nothing but hurt racing. The fact that these two horses are yet to meet is a disservice to the sport. And anyone outside of the sport could only believe that racing is a total mess when it can’t get its two stars on the track together.
His boycott of the BC on synthetic was a total joke. He was a member of the TOC when synthetics were mandated, and he supported them. That’s a fact. Do some research.
February 11th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Rachel Alexandra is a complete fraud. She should give up her title immediately. It was a black eye for horseracing in the first place, and now this. What an embarrassment!
February 11th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Jackson is a carpetbagger. He made money suing people, bought his way into horse racing as anyone with enough money can and now he realizes he has to dodge the real HOY Zenyatta. He needs to take a long look at real owners and trainers such as Sheriffs and Moss and go back to making whine.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
one of the three races has to be either at santa anita or hollywood park. if this series is going to be fair. i guess he is waiting for santa anita to switch back to dirt.
leave the triple crown continue doing what it does, we need the series to extend the T.V audience pass the Belmont into the late summer and concluding with the breeders cup.We need the milk this for as long as we can.
February 12th, 2010 at 7:46 am
The one doing the traveling is Zenyatta. It was always her that would have to do the traveling across the US. Therefore the one who deserves the flexible plan is Zenyatta. She will also have the temperature and surface change. Even though, she has run on dirt before and won. The reason she did not run at Churchill was that it was her first start from a long lay off. Why take a chance of an off track no matter how off it was when their main goal was the BC which they always stated. They say Saratoga is fast after a rainstorm. Yet trainers say, “do not beieve them” the track still has a lot of moisture but they claim fast so bettors will bet more money since they are obsessed with fast tracks. Therefore you can not always go with what is said dealing with shaddy track management. Good luck to both of them and let’s hope they both come back safe and sound. Amazing what 5 million will do.