Bob Hill
Staff writer
Tracksideview.com

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – An hour after Rachel Alexandra’s disappointing loss in the Grade 2 La Troienne, majority owner Jess Jackson held an impromptu news conference in the Joe Hirsch Media Center at Churchill Downs Friday to discuss her future and retire is not part of it.

 Although he admitted being surprised and disappointed by the outcome of the race in which the reigning horse of the year finished second to Unbridle Belle by a head, Jackson was emphatic in saying that Rachel is not going to be retired.

Her loss in the La Troienne was the second this year. She was beaten by three-quarters of a length in the New Orleans Ladies on March 13 at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, La. She had run off eight straight victories in 2009.

In what racing fans must see as good news, Jackson noted that trainer Steve Asmussen is slowly building a foundation under Rachel Alexandra for future “good things” to come.  He said that he would have to talk to Asmussen to determine Rachel’s next race.

When asked if Calvin Borel had been given directions to have Rachel stay off the lead, Jackson replied that he had given no such instructions and also added that he did not know whether Asmussen had or had not.  When asked directly whether Borel would retain the mount on Rachel, Jackson deferred stating that such a decision is up to Asmussen.

Jackson also said she came out of the race fine. “She went right to the shed. She’s on her toes. She ate her oats. She’s happy and sound. We’re happy with her. We love her anyway.

“We’re not trying to break track records yet. She needs another race or two under her belt, I think, before she’s back. And that’s what our hope is.”

Jackson was asked if he still hoped that she might one day race against Zenyatta. “Of course, but she’s not ready. Zenyatta might be ready, I don’t know.”