Rachel Alexandra heads for Haskell
Jess Jackson has always been known as an owner that is very particular in regard to the races he chooses for his horses. Monmouth Park has been waiting anxiously to hear if the magnificent filly, Rachel Alexandra will be taking part in the 2009 Haskell Invitational, and their answer came on Tuesday, in the form of a commitment by Jackson. Racecourse officials are extremely excited to have Rachel Alexandra in the line up, as it will not only be a very interesting racing event, but draw large numbers of spectators to come see this amazing athlete in action.
In May of this year, Rachel Alexandra took the racing industry by storm as her surprise entrance and breathtaking win in the Preakness Stakes, confirmed her ability to compete against her male counterparts. Racing enthusiasts have been excited to see her perform against the boys again, since the Preakness, but few expected the opportunity to arise so soon. The Haskell Invitational is a Grade 1 event with a $1 million purse and will be held at Monmouth Park on the 2nd of August 2009.
The confirmation of Rachel Alexandra participating in the event could not have come at a better time, as Musket Man has been forced to withdraw due to a bone bruise. Rachel Alexandra will be coming into the Haskell off a seventh consecutive victory, with her last winning performance being in the Mother Goose Stakes which was held at Belmont Park Racecourse on the 25th of June 2009. Jackson is confident that Rachel Alexandra will be able to deliver a sound performance during the Haskell Invitational, as she is in great condition at present. He was quoted saying: “If this preparation continues, our target is to race in the Haskell Invitational in about three weeks. We are all looking forward to seeing this great athlete perform again against both colts and fillies.”
Spectators of the Haskell Invitational will be in for a wonderful race and an exciting line up of contenders, as president of Monmouth Park, Bob Kulina, is not yet finished negotiating and trying to lure more big names to this year’s event. But with Rachel Alexandra already in the bag, racing enthusiast will be in for a treat.
