Upon news of Rachel Alexandra’s retirement, Fair Grounds Race
announced Tuesday that the final prep race for the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) will
be named the Rachel Alexandra S. (G3) in honor of the 2009 Fair Grounds Oaks
winner.
“Rachel graced us with one of the most impressive performances in our track’s
history when she won the Fair Grounds Oaks in a gallop,” Fair Grounds Vice
President and General Manager Eric Halstrom said. “Then last season she
generated unprecedented excitement and a record crowd when she became the first
reigning Horse of the Year to race at Fair Grounds in almost six decades. She is
one of the all-time legends not only of Fair Grounds but of our sport.”
Previously known as the Silverbulletday S., the $150,000 Rachel Alexandra S.
at 1 1/16 miles will be run February 19 on Louisiana Derby Preview Day. It is
the second leg of Fair Grounds’ three-race series for three-year-old fillies
that concludes with the $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks on March 26.
The Silverbulletday will remain on the stakes schedule, replacing the Tiffany
Lass S. as the first leg of the series on January 22.