Simply put, Rachel Alexandra is one of the greatest race mares of the modern era. Bred by Dolphus C. Morrison, she showed promise at two, winning three of six starts including the Golden Rod Stakes (G2), and placing in the Debutante (G3) and Pocahontas Stakes. At three, she was unstoppable—winning the Martha Washington by 8 lengths, the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) by 1¾, and the Fantasy Stakes (G1) by 8¾ lengths. She delivered a historic performance in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), drawing off by 20 lengths. Acquired by Stonestreet Stables and Harold McCormick following the Oaks, Rachel Alexandra made history in the Preakness Stakes (G1), defeating Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. She followed with a 19¼-length romp in the Mother Goose Stakes (G1), a six-length win in the Haskell Invitational (G1) over Belmont winner Summer Bird, and a gutsy victory against older males in the Woodward Stakes (G1). Her undefeated season earned her Eclipse Awards as Champion Three-Year-Old Filly and Horse of the Year in 2009. At four, she added wins in the Fleur de Lis Handicap (G2) and Lady’s Secret Stakes, and placed in the New Orleans Ladies, La Troienne (G2), and Personal Ensign Stakes (G1). She retired with 13 wins from 19 starts and earnings of $3,506,730. Rachel Alexandra’s first foal, Jess’s Dream (c., by Curlin), won on debut at Saratoga and had a successful career at Ocala Stud. Her second foal, Rachel’s Valentina (f., by Bernardini), also won on debut at Saratoga before capturing the Spinaway Stakes (G1) and placing in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) and Ashland Stakes (G1). Rachel’s Valentina is now a member of the Stonestreet broodmare band.

 

2016 Inductee_Rachel Alexandra from Keeneland Broadcast Services on Vimeo.