Thaindian News

In one of the most amazing competitions, Rachel Alexandra became the first filly to win the 134th Preakness Stakes on the 16th of May at Pimlico Race Track. To add to the records she is the first filly since 1924 and the fifth filly in 134 years, the last time a filly had won the race was in 1924, four years after the women were given their voting rights. The whole effect was rather symbolic.

In the competition, Rachel Alexandra was quite a favorite among the competitors and her score of 9-5 was startling. Alexandra had already set one of the most amazing records as she scored 20 1/4 -length victory at the Kentucky Oaks on the 1st of May against the other fillies. Though this feat was in itself great, it was among the fillies. But her win in the Preakness Stakes was even grander because she was set against the ‘boys’.

There were many ladies watching the Pimlico Race Track with undivided attention and there were many who had placed their bets on Rachel Alexandra. She was a favorite and everyone watched her with awe as she took the lead when she was halfway home. Alexandra’s win established that girls were the rulers that day.

The day was all the more remarkable as Alexandra’s Jockey Calvin Borel became the first jockey to have won the first two legs of the Triple Crown on different horses. In the Derby held two weeks ago, Borel had mounted Mine That Bird but he opted for Alexandra for the Preakness. However, Borel commented very humbly, “This is the best horse I’ve ever ridden.”