OCEANPORT, N.J. (AP) -- What a gal!Rachel Alexandra turned on the speed around the far turn and rolled past the boys once again to win the $1.25 million and establish herself as one of the greatest fillies in thoroughbred racing.
When the regal bay filly returned to the winner's circle with Calvin Borel patting her neck, the Monmouth Park crowd of 37,090 cheered mightily for racing's brightest star.
When Munnings went into the final turn, Rachel Alexandra accelerated and blew past him to lead by four lengths at the top of the stretch. With Borel urging her on, the filly extended the lead and beat Summer Bird by six lengths.
Rachel Alexandra, the 1-2 favorite, returned $3, $2.20 and $2.10. Summer Bird, with Kent Desormeaux aboard, paid $3.40 and $2.60. Munnings was third and paid $3.20.
Papa Clem was fourth, followed by Duke of Mischief, Atomic Rain and Bunker Hill.
The winning time for the 1 1-8 miles was 1:47.21.
"She's just a tremendous filly, and I'm glad she put on a good show,'' winning trainer Steve Asmussen said. "She's very special. She's been able to separate herself from everyone else.''
Rachel Alexandra joins Serena's Song as the only fillies to win the Haskell. The daughter of Medaglia d'Oro became the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness when she beat Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird by one length.
Now that she has beaten the Derby winner and the Belmont winner, can the prestigious Travers Stakes at Saratoga in three weeks be next?
"We'll let her tell us,'' was all Rachel's co-owner Jess Jackson said.
Horse Racing Photos
In this photo released by Equi-Photo, Rachel Alexandra (6), with Calvin Borel riding, leads the field around the final turn as she romps to victory in the Haskell Invitational horse race at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., on Sunday Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Equi-Photo, Mark Wyville) ** MAGS OUT **
AP
Rachel Alexandra (6), with Calvin Borel aboard, is behind Munnings (4) and Papa Clem (3) at the start of the Haskell Invitational horse race at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. Rachel Alexandra went on to win the race by six lengths. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
AP
In this photo provided by Equi-Photo, Rachel Alexandra, ridden by Calvin Borel, goes on to win the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J. on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Equi-Photo) ** NO MAGS **
ASSOCIATED PRESS
In this photo provided by Equi-Photo, Rachel Alexandra, ridden by Calvin Borel, goes on to win the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J. on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Equi-Photo) ** NO MAGS **
AP
In this photo provided by Equi-Photo, Rachel Alexandra, ridden by Calvin Borel, goes on to win the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J. on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Equi-Photo) ** NO MAGS **
AP
In this photo provided by Equi-Photo, Rachel Alexandra, ridden by Calvin Borel, wins the Haskell Invitational horse race at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Equi-Photo) ** MAGS OUT **
AP
Jockey Calvin Borel sponges down Rachel Alexandra after winning the Haskell Invitational horse race at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
AP
Jockey Calvin Borel reacts after winning the Haskell Invitational horse race on Rachel Alexandra at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
AP
Rachel Alexandra, with jockey Calvin Borel aboard, wins the Haskell Invitational horse race at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
AP
Jockey Calvin Borel reacts after winning the Haskell Invitational horse race on Rachel Alexandra at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Jackson bought the filly after she won the Kentucky Oaks by 20 1-4 lengths on May 1 and said he wanted to run her against the boys. Now, Jackson said he just may have himself the best filly - ever.
"There's not been a filly as good since Ruffian, and she just might be as good,'' Jackson said.
Hall of Famer Ruffian won 10 of 11 races in 1974-75, but suffered a broken leg in her famous match race against Foolish Pleasure in 1975, and was later euthanized.
By RICHARD ROSENBLATT, AP Sports Writer
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-02-2009 @ 9:28PM
rhg219 said...
IS THERE ANY OTHER TRAINER IN HISTORY WHO EVER HAD A WEEKEND LIKE STEVE ASSMUSEN ??
Reply
8-03-2009 @ 5:39AM
desertrick said...
yeh, remember Richard Mandella's Breedder's Cup day of domination.
8-03-2009 @ 1:10AM
SiberTiel said...
She did it like a lady without breaking a sweat. Congratulations pretty girl. However, since horse racing is such a disgusting sport the only thing she has to look forward to is being made to have multiple births and then be sold for dog food food if she doesn't perform. Poor exploited animals.
Reply
8-03-2009 @ 8:17AM
docnaeo2 said...
Wow this horse was bought for 10 million plus
& you think they make dog food out of her ...
She will be treated like royalty the rest of
her life... It is a hope that history doesn't
repeat itself like Ferdinand in Japan..It
was Japan not here in USA..
Reply
8-03-2009 @ 9:42AM
shirlx983 said...
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