Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra Could Meet In 2010

Sports News - February 4th, 2010 - Written By Bryan Cross

The two biggest stars in horse racing have never met on the track, but recent enticements may make it happen sooner rather than.......never.

Charles Cella, President of Oaklawn Park has announced the possibility of a $5 million purse, should the two meet in the Apple Blossom Invitational this year. If both can not find common ground and decide not to compete, the purse will go back down to it original value of $500,000.

Cella has hinted at the factor that the owner of Rachel Alexandra, Jerry Moss, and the owner of Zenyatta, Jess Jackson, have held several discussions about making this dream-race a reality.

"Both of them have told me they embrace the idea," Cella remarked.

The $5 million purse would make the Apple Blossom Invitational on par with the Breeders' Cup Classic as the highest purse in racing. Cella said that he, along with the Arkansas Horseman's Benevolent and Protective Association would back the purse.

Rachel Alexandra was the recent recipient for horse of the year for 2009. Zenyata won the Breeder's Cup Classic. Both horses are undefeated in their careers. Zenyata finished second in voting to Serena Williams for the Associated Press's Female Athlete of the Year for 2009.

Both horses have a winning history at Oaklawn. Rachel Alexandra has raced twice, and won twice, which includes the Grade 2 Fantasy and the Martha Washington. Zenyatta raced at Oaklawn back in 2008 and won, which is her only race she has participated in outside the state of California.

Oaklawn's track features a dirt surface, which Jackson, Rachel Alexandra's owner, likes better than a synthetic surface.

Rachel Alexandra has not raced since September, when she won the Woodward at Saratoga. The next time she races has yet to be determined.

She became the first filly since 1924 to win the Preakness Stakes with her one-length victory over Mine That Bird, in May of last year.

During the Eclispe Awards, in which Rachel Alexandra received Horse of the Year honors, Jackson informed the press that the horse would be delayed in returning to racing because of some tranining she was unable to do based on the weather.

In addition to Oaklawn, the Sam Houston Race Park has stated that they are willing to accumulate a purse of $2 million, should Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra meet. That race is scheduled for March 27th, and Online Racebooks are sure to get in on all of the action.