Breeders Cup Game On
When I was a baby I was like a new born baby, I had power, I had muscle, I was a horse, not any kind of a horse I was a race horse. My name was Rachel Alexandra. This is my story of my life, leading up to the Breeders Cup. This is the game and I’ll show you all my power.
In 2008, I was always in my stall my trainer did nothing with me, my jockey was the only I believed in I brought him to joy. My trainer just sends me to races I didn’t win any. My first race that I won I felt like a champion, but I knew I wasn’t one. I one couple more races, then I kept doing workouts, I never saw the crowd again.
Next year in 2009, I saw the crowd again in the Kentucky Oats, I was still full of power I wanted to get this race over with. Once I enter the race track the crowd went wild I didn’t know what was going on I knew in couple of months I won couple more races but I didn’t know was that the year went so fast I was finally three years old. They all screamed my name “Rachel, Rachel”! I was glad!
We enter the gate all the horses seemed to excited they couldn’t hold still when. When the starting gate was filled I was the last one to get in the gates. They where green and huge inside, then like lighting the gates open all the horses’ blast out; we went to the first turn I was in third, then second. We were on the home sketch, and heading to the finally turn to home. My Jockey Calvin Boral, the best jockey let my rinse loose, and I ran like I never ran before. I started just to gallop out smooth, I couldn’t see how far I was but I knew I was far.
I was out of energy, they said I ran 20 ½ lengths I didn’t knew what that meant, but am sure it was far. They put pink lilies on my back they smelled so grateful. My jockey poor water all over my faced it felt so good, like when you drink cool glass of water when you ran a lot, just poured all over your face.
The next week I was sign up for another race but I didn’t know where we were going, there was building everywhere and a huge place like a triangle. They say horses get sold there; I wasn’t sure about this place. When my own owner handing me to this guy that was gentle, my nose went up, he kept pushing me. I wasn’t sure what was going on, I wanted to jump I just couldn’t do it.
I finally went with him; they put me in a stall again, like I wanted to be in a stall again. Some other guy that was a lot nicer to me put the lead rope on my halter and walks me to this huge crowd, with owner and trainers, and people taking photos. The judge kept counting up and went so fast I couldn’t understand what he was saying.
I actually didn’t understand people unless I knew them better. Then in a second he said “1, 2, 3 sold”! I did understand the word sold. I was hoping someone was going to give me a treat. I went back to this stable with other horses. The other guy grabs another horse and took her out to see the crowd.
The next day I saw a huge trailer pull up. They were talking about a stable number. When they came closer to me, and closer I thought it was my owner, sadly it wasn’t. It was my new owner. He was nice, then someone called his name I guess his name was Steve Asumussen. He was gentle on the halter he touches my face, and look in my eye, and he trusted me to win races for him, and I trusted him.
I saw the trailer and I knew what to do I almost ran up the ramp that help you get in trailers. I saw him help me get tied up so I wouldn’t do anything stupid. When we got there it wasn’t far I knew this place before. It was my home Churchill Downs again. I thought I would never see this place again. I guess my old trainer still wanted me for the Preakness.
Time for the Preakness, my trainer went to stands where the other people sat and watch the races. My new trainer helped my jockey get the saddle on. Since they didn’t hurt me putting on the saddle they put the bit in mouth, the bit was cold on my teeth, but I was still ready to go.
When we got out of the paddock where the horses get saddle up we went to the track. More people kept calling my name so then I trotted my way out to the track. I really couldn’t go fast because two people where by my side leading me to where I needed to go.
We enter the track all hooves went to dirt I was glad because the other stuff that humans mad at the paddock doesn’t hurt but it get hot under your hooves.
I got to see the whole crowd, and all of the horses, and everyone didn’t scream they were singing some kind of song, when they did that I saw all of the horses. They were talking to me saying “Good Luck”! I just said it back “Good Luck to you to”! The other horse just walked away from me. Then I was thinking to myself all of these horses are males. I had to step up my game Calvin petted me for a while until the gates; the crowd went quite after the song.
Then suddenly I just wanted to race, everyone thought I wasn’t going to win just a horse name Pioneer of the Nile. That’s the one that just walked away from me. We was big, and a dark bay, for some reason he wasn’t as big as me most of these horses aren’t bigger than me. I was finally got my head back in the race.
The gates slapped right open, the crowd screamed for joy as loud as they can. I knew this was important to my trainer and I will win it for him. We were on the first turn heading to the back sketch. I was just with a Pioneer of the Nile, and couple other I couldn’t see their names; I also didn’t have time I needed to make my move shortly. We were on last turn I didn’t make my move. Then I saw a red and white pole I would make my move there. Once I past it I ran up front but there was a horse named Mind that Bird the sweets horse, ran up with me to the finish line.
I WON! Against all the boys, I won by a neck but I still WON! My Trainer Steve Ausmuseen gave me a pat and huge Calvin I never been so tried in my life the male horses really do know how to show it when it comes to horse racing
When the 2009 flew by I won every race they put me in I never wanted to stop racing it was the main champion! I finally got 6 months off and will return letter in 2010.
I got new jockey colors they weren’t green, and white they where gold and a red diamond. That was yesterday day when I won the Woodard stakes against old males. I was happy that I stopped racing I was tried all the time I woke up to train or wake up for a race. But I love the race track it was like a second home to me, and now am stuck in this stall they did send someone to come trot me and walk me around the stables, I got to see everything. When the stables are open people come and take pictures of me I stood of high stick out my tongue witch I don’t know why I do that sometimes they put something in my mouth to get more control over me.
I sat in my stall forever then I picked up my ears made them go straight and high, I heard my trainer talking about Breeders Cup? I wonder what that was. I wonder if it’s a race for me to run it, I remember am not training for any races. I listen to more; the talk was between my owner Jess Jackson and my trainer Steve Aumseen.
“She going to win” Said Steve
“I know wouldn’t that make her horse of the Year”? Ask my trainer
“She shouldn’t Rachel is perfect 8/8 she hasn’t lost”.
“Next year when am training her she going to be hard to get fit”.
That’s all I heard something about another female horse out there winning all of her races to, also something about horse of the Year. I knew what that meant one horse gets horse of the Year that means if that horse wins it next race she would get horse of the year I guess that’s what they were saying.
Sometime I could understand humans, and sometime I really couldn’t understand them at all.
The next day I was token out for a little trot it was freezing out it was winter already, my coat was long, and so I had to wear this coat just to keep me warm. We only walk back and forth to walk me. Then he put me back in the stall.
The second day in my stall today was check up day. Check up day is when the vet comes to see if where ok, and we are not on drugs, and to see if our hooves are ok. I don’t mind someone else coming to see if am ok. I just ate all the time. When he touches my hoof I lifted it up if he wanted to clean it out, but guess not. They took me out of the hug stall and walk me to a short distance to see if I walk ok. I was fine but I didn’t know about the other horses.
When the vet life he said “Steve your horses are in good shape”, then he just left he thought I was in good shape I feel fat not doing anymore work outs.
When my cool walker groomed me I was clean again. Then he turns on the TV whatever that was when they show people talking and think the shows funny. Then he turns on to horse racing channel. The next race was the Breeders Cup. I thought to myself that horse might be in there.
Then I saw my cool walker going working fast to see the race but it was just showing previews of stuff. I wasn’t going to watch the race because I couldn’t left up my head like that, so I’ll just face the wall and my right eye could see the whole screen. The TV was old and not new at all. When the race was on I faced the wall
The TV faced to the crowd the crowd was like my crowd in the Preakness but just bigger. Then they showed a horse named Zenaytta that might be the horse that my trainer was talking about! They did say it’s the only girl in the race, well there were more females in the race but Zenaytta seemed like she won more races then they did. She might have won more races then me! I kept watching
They were in gate and they’re off I watched Zenaytta the whole time she was way behind the other horses. I couldn’t see horse she can win this race, when they were going to the finally turn heading home, she ran up to the front, she was in5, 4, 3, 2. Then she went to first after her jockey whipped her. I wouldn’t believe my eyes she was all the way back, well she is prettied good.
My cool walker went crazy he was happy for Zenaytta win but not about her getting horse of the Year I really didn’t care who got Horse of the Year. I guess only one of us is going to get horse of the year.
The next day I walk and trotted for a while, the walker groomed me, and gave me more hay, and went on to the other horses. Then I say a chart that had voting Team Z or Team Rachel. They made us VS each other, then I knew I would have to race Zenaytta someday. I didn’t want to but am pretty sure we will have to.
My trainer walks in I was so glad o see him again he said his going to take me back to his stables again. He had the trailer already for some of the horses to. I hop right into the trailer I wanted to go back home well not back to Kentucky but to fair Grounds.
When we arrived there I saw the stables again. They took me out of the trailer that was white and full of race horses, my trainer took me to my new stall, and it was small, and really warm. I lay down to go sleep. Until someone walk in and said I got horse of the year I didn’t do much, my trainer seem he went to go party and come the next day to come get me.
2009 was over, and a new year began 2010. Soon I would be racing but first they did this birthday stuff because all horses birthday are on January 1, my real birthday is on January 29, 2006. Now I’m four and feel taller, and fat. I wanted to run but that would be next month, I didn’t want to wait that long, I waited too long.
Next month the day where getting warmer and warmer. They took me out again and walked me they didn’t want me to be trot, I was wondering what was going on, then they put me back in the stall and my workout jockey Shaun had a saddle, and my bridle. For some reason my trainer help him get the bridle on me, it felt wired my old bridle wasn’t here. My left hoof struck the ground I wanted my old bridle back, this bridle was like an X, they had more control over me.
For the first time I went on the track early this morning at Fair Grounds. They work me for five furlongs. I had a slow time, which I knew I would have I have been stuck in stalls all the time getting board. They work on me for a month I enter a race and wasn’t ready for it.
My trainer came in and said to me “I know you won’t win, but please do your best”! He really wanted me to win this race but I just couldn’t I wasn’t fit at all.
I enter the paddock with some other horses; one was Zenaytta stable mate Zenarda. When we got saddle up I hated this bridle, I just wanted to throw my head. Calvin seemed that he didn’t even know how to used it, well he knew but just not on me.
I step on the track I was nervous, my jockey wasn’t he just relax on me I couldn’t. When I saw the gates I knew today would be the worst day on my life. When all horses are in the gates they open right back up again. I ran to the front more like third, this distance wasn’t far so we already reach the home sketch. I was in second trying to move run away from the horses, I just couldn’t Zenarda was with me she was far ahead, I couldn’t believe it I change leads and couldn’t change them back because it was too late.
We went back to the stables me and Calvin, and my trainer they went to the shower; it was warm water but felt good I didn’t do much like play in the water most the time I’ll play with the water today wasn’t the day. They tried to give me a mint but didn’t want one.
My trainer said “You just did more workouts”. I was Horse of the Year and someone just beat me. I was already sign up for a race; I did all my work outs I didn’t think I did so good, I wasn’t fit like last year.
The race was on I wasn’t sure what it was called all, but I had to get on the giant bird that flies a cross the world. I knew what to do on a flying bird; back in 2009 I just fly almost everywhere. I just hold still and I took a nap on the bird, I wasn’t sweating a lot.
We landed somewhere when the bird came to complete stop, they took all the horses and me out of the bird and into a trailer. I knew what this place was it was Kentucky! My home, my next race was at my home. I wanted my trainer to drive faster, but he couldn’t.
The next few hours we finally where there I saw most of the other horses, and saw my old stall. I went right in the stall. Steve wasn’t sure what was going on with me, but I was hoping that I didn’t have to wear that bridle again. I sat in my stall thinking about me and how I got horse of year and she didn’t was it because I more races this year than she did? I finally got tired and just went to sleep, I have been up and everywhere today and yesterday, I did take a nap on the bird but I was hard everything is loud. I just lie down and sleep.
The next day I was up I was in the far back corner of my stall, when I saw my work out jockey, he saddle nicely. When I got to the track I had another horse walk me out there but my lost I didn’t want to run.
When he let me off I ran fine not well but fine. This week my race was here I wasn’t feeling good about this race. I saw another filly at the paddock her name was Unrelieved Bell at the paddock, everyone was flashing their cameras taking pictures. I saw so many people, I forgot all about my lost, and went on with the race.
My trainer put me on a short distance race, I was ready, to go but not sure what will happen. I felt like I wasn’t the number one favorite, which I wasn’t some other horse was, but I remember the day I won the Oats today was Kentucky Oats a hoping no won break my record.
We enter the gates and the green doors opened! They’re OFF! I blast out the gates, with Bell since this was a short distance, we were on the finally turn, me and Bell were together, then she block me if I go any closer to her me and her hooves will hit each other. I had stay in second when the race was over I felt like nobody I couldn’t believe it I was just a loser, and nobody wanted to be my fan anymore.
I went back to the stalls took a quick shower and went right to my stall, I stood there watching people walk by give people tours t see the race track. I was just thinking if Zenaytta win her next races she will get Horse of the Year, I don’t think I should even get Horse of the Year. I’m not giving up next race I will win! No matter what I will win! I still got this year to be the best.
My next race would be on July 12, Fleur De Lis this race I will remember. I thought I workout really good, and so with my trainer he told Blood-horse a website that talks only about horse racing, and he told them my time and everything. When this few weeks I been stepping up my gang, and giving all I got.
Today I will win! I want payback, Unrelieved Bell was going to be there and, Zenadra I’ll show them. Then I got in the paddock I saw them they looked at me and look away. I didn’t want to be beat again at my home. Then my trainer finally took off the figure eight bridle, I thanked him by looking into his eyes, and he knew it to.
Calvin jumped on my back, and sat on the saddle. I was ready to go. When I got to the track there wasn’t much people here, just some of my fans. I was hoping for a bigger crowd but I didn’t really matter because I they will want to watch me run.
I saw the gates and got ready to go in them the horse that rides next to me wasn’t the nice horse. When I got in the gate I was fourth one to enter. When they opened I blast out like a shooting star, I ran to third place and didn’t let anyone past me then I moved to second and stayed there.
Then we were on the turn I made my move I past the horse that was in front of me, and ran like I was flying, the horses didn’t stand a chance, I won the race by 10 lengths well that’s what they said.
I took a shower I had my toughen hanging out trying to get water, I shack, I struck the ground, and let people take pictures. I wasn’t in anger anymore, I was too excited.
Soon after my walk I got in my stall, and watch horses, and listen to what they were saying. Then my trainer came in my stall and took a brush and groomed me, I got groomed like three times now. We talk to me about how special I was to him. “Ever since you came Rachel I got best trainer of the year, also you brought me more horses that won so many races, but they aren’t like you you’re the best of all of the them”.
When he left I never knew he cared for me this much he left turn and gave me an apple. Then he went to see the other horses and see how they are doing. I never knew. When I heard about my next race which will be in New York at Saratoga were I beat the older males last year.
That means any other bird f. My last work out was today and after we were ready tomorrow we leave early in the morning just to catch our bird. I didn’t want to go but I wanted to win the race for my trainer, I just hate leaving my home. Hopefully I win!
I got on the bird slowly because I was tried for that last workout. The bird started and we went up to the sky, some of the horses where scared and frighten because of the bird and how loud it is. Some horses just ate, I watch and ate.
Couple of hours we got off and went on a trailer. I saw that this trailer wasn’t the same as Steve. I got in and watch the cars at the window. There were a lot of cars, then it went to quite are u see was green grass, rolling hills, and other horses I neighed at them saying hi but they couldn’t hear me.
When the trailer finally stopped I saw the park that I beat the older males, they took us out some of the horse, can’t stand the trailer stand all the time, even though we stopped a couple of times to let them trot out a little bit.
I saw race track and then saw the stables, this place is hug well most race track are pretty huge. I still don’t know why we moved here this place was humid I hope my race isn’t this humid.
Next week I did my work outs they where fastest, I was just getting better and better every time, my trainer seems even delighted to chat to the Blood-horse, sometimes they just get in the way of everything. When I took a cold shower sometime I wish I could take another one in New York it get so hot, sometime I just stick my head in the water bowl.
My race was next week and I was fit for it, my trainer still wanted me in training until he see my next race and what will happen. I have been ready ever since my last win.
I got board so I went to the corner and just drink some water and ate hay. They did take me out to go trot around but it was so humid just to trot for one minute. I saw my trainer with some treats, I picked up my ears hold them straight up, he didn’t say anything but I could see what he was feeling when he touch me, he was just normal, he was happy, and laughing with other people.
My race was finally here my trainer wife came to visit me for the first well if feels like the first time she was always kind to me, she gave me sweet, mouthwatering, apple. When I felt to go to the track I had the apple in my mouth still trying to eat the apple but can’t with my bit in my mouth.
I finally got to eat the apple when we where cantering, the weather was so hot for me though I couldn’t stand the heat but I really wanted to run.
We reach the gates, I got in with the greatest jockey Calvin, then in seconds the gates open I blast out, taking the lead me and Queen Martha where going to have a battle until one of us wins. We were on the back sketch then I pull away from the horses besides Queen Martha. Then Calvin pulls me over to the inside and then Queen Martha is about 3 lengths behind, then I knew I won!
Today was hot for me to race when we went to go take the picture I couldn’t left up my head. They took me for a long shower, I didn’t care that is was freezing I was wet and hot. I played with the lead rope I was eating it until they take it out of my mouth.
I got in my stall I notice that my trainer and his wife was here just talking about me I didn’t want to listen to them, I wanted them to pet me so I stuck out my head and left it there, I left up my head and put it back down. Then Steve took the lead rope and took me out, when I just got in my stall.
They took me for a walk with them; I ate grass while they just talk about their life. When I ate the grass I felt like a normal horse, well am so happy about my workout chart because I get to work out every Monday, I have another race coming up again. On August 29, I hope I’ll win.
They sat there and watch me eat grass until. He put me in my stall and waiting for a couple of day, then it was back into one workout every week, well I get to have more breaks off.
When I did my work out I had the almost the fastest time, my time was 1:12:96 in six furlongs. I couldn’t believe it. That was a fast time I ever had all this year. Steve was proud of me well his always proud of me.
After I got done with my workout I just took a nap and had a dream. My dream was about what happens if I retire would people come and see me? I would just be a nobody if Zenaytta was there when I do retire or maybe she’ll be somewhere else not in Kentucky. I was roaming in the fields like a normal horse would do, but I love being a race horse, I love trainer, what would happen to him? Would he even visit me? What am I thinking of course he will his the best he visits me every day as long as his not busy.
I woke up I didn’t know horses could have dreams, when I woke up I saw my trainer saying it’s ok. I was fine but am only years old I still got a whole another life ahead of me. I stood there calmly just waiting for someone to turn me out.
When someone came and took me out of for a walk I was thinking about my next race and would it be humid or just warm. Am always wondering, I trotted next to the cool walker, when I trot he trots or sometimes if I have been walking to long he trots and I trot with him.
When I got back to my stall I saw my trainer with socks not the kind you put on your feet, but the kind that wraps around my angles. I love wearing them there warm and make my joints relax, but it’s already warm out, still feel good on joints.
When it was night I was looking up at the stars seeing different shapes and sizes. When I heard about people saying am not who I am like last year, well coarse not you can’t be the same person when you where six, and you grown to be older and you take care of yourself. I might not be the same at last year because I won that race by just 3 lengths it was hot. Am still growing to be older and able to do more
When I lost I could be beat but no defeat, I’ll be fast like a shooting star, and beautiful as the stars. Rachel Alexandra will be the best!
By Jayden Christopherson