According to the AP, the owner of Rachel Alexandra says his Horse of the Year won't run against unbeaten Zenyatta next month in the Apple Blossom race at Oaklawn.
Jess Jackson said his 4-year-old star filly is not up to top form following her second-place finish in Saturday's New Orleans Ladies at the Fair Grounds.
Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta were making their first starts of the year in what were supposed to be prep races for their highly anticipated first-time showdown in the $5 million Apple Blossom on April 9.
While Zenyatta did her part in winning her race, Rachel was not as fortunate.
Jackson issued a statement Sunday that said that after talking with trainer Steve Asmussen, "I decided today she will not be going" to the race.
Oaklawn released a statement wishing Rachel Alexandra luck.
"Naturally, we are disappointed that Rachel Alexandra will not be here for the Apple Blossom Invitational. We wish her the best of luck on the rest of her 2010 racing campaign. We look forward to welcoming Zenyatta back to Arkansas as she attempts to equal Cigar’s modern-day record of 16 consecutive victories."
Expectations had been lowered after Rachel Alexandra came up short Saturday. Next month's Apple Blossom race could rank as one of the biggest races in Hot Springs. Fans hope the anticipation stays high anyway.
36,000 horse racing fans assembled at Oaklawn Saturday to get in on the action. Many came with high hopes for a match up between the two headliners for next month’s Apple Blossom.
The thrill of horse racing keeps fans running to Oaklawn.
“Almost every weekend,” said Tristan Merriott.
Saturday’s crowds were only a glimpse of the huge numbers expected next month when the two heavy hitters were expected to meet face to face during the Apple Blossom. Fans watched an intense simulcast as Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra competed in individual races in California and Louisiana.
“I wanted to see Rachel win,” said Tina Wolf.
Many were hoping they would both come out on top to heat up the Apple Blossom race. When it came down to the wire, Zenyatta came out on top but Rachel Alexandra wasn’t so lucky. Fans say it won’t put a damper on the Apple Blossom.
It’s going to be the best race since the past 50 years,” said Steve Ronchetto.
And Saturday afternoon, Rachel Alexandra’s fans weren't counting her out.
“I think she will be the horse to win in the Apple Blossom. I think everyone is going to bid on Zenyatta but Rachel Alexandra is going to come through and actually win the race,” Chad Jones said prior to the announcement.
An Oaklawn spokesman says the Apple Blossom will go on and he’s confident Zenyatta will be front and center.
The Apple Blossom race kicks off April 9th in Hot Springs. The Convention and Visitors Bureau says the race is expected to contribute millions to the local economy that's on top of several other high profile events in Hot Springs this year.
