Rachel Alexandra VS. John Henry

[Tvghrtvfan]

Which horse is better Rachel Alexandra VS. John Henry

[Moonwalker]

Rachel is better because John is dead.

Mary MMM

[Classy]

[Syncopate]

Until Rachel starts carrying the same weights as John did, not only races but wins at distances up 1 3/4, & does her thing on the turf, the issue is moot.

http://www.drf.com/misc/edit/johnhenry_lifetimepps.pdf

[Crazykid]

a better question is which horse was better in the jcgc? macho woulda beat her for fun at equal weight.
take nothin away from rachael she is terrific, but she would have never won the race had she not got 8 pounds

[PrivateSmiles]

Is it even possible to compare an older handicap male (older horse, older era) who is deceased with a current 3YO filly? Don't think so. The variables are innumerable. To compare, there would have to be a standardized set of immutable criteria. Impossible.

[Risen Star]

It's not really fair to compare horses of different eras. John Henry's racing career was far different than Rachel's. He was a male who started as an underdog in the claiming ranks, if I'm not mistaken, but because of his determination, cantankerous nature, and obvious talent, rose to be one of the all-time greats. John excelled on dirt and turf, and except for possibly Round Table, was, IMO, the greatest American turf runner we've ever had. John also raced until the age of nine and won two HOYs, being I believe the oldest horse ever to get the award.

Rachel has always been pretty much in the limelight because of her breeding and great talent. She's a three-year-old filly who has taken down males in and outside her own age group. She's run once on synthetic, the remaining starts on dirt. She's won some of her races by great distances, but also proved she has John's tenacity because as was shown in the Woodward Stakes, she won't back down from a fight. She won that race in John Henry style, so to speak.

Two great horses, who have down incredible things, John with remarkable longevity and Rachel with remarkable superiority. I suggest we celebrate both of these horses, and all our horses, for what they've given to us. That's what's real and good.

[Moonwalker]

Banana vs. kumquat?
Peach vs. pear?

Mary MMM

[PrivateSmiles]

Banana vs. kumquat?
Peach vs. pear?

Mary MMM

Best actor ever? Best song? Best athlete? Best car? Best job to have?

Some things cannot be compared. Too many variables involved. Besides, when people do the ranking then the system is inherently flawed from the start.

[TheGoose]

JH ............|lie|