Zenyatta-Rachel Alexandra Match Race Proposed

[Srotagtbs]

Chances of this happening??

-100%

[Joel]

Agree, very bad idea. Match races are not real races. In a real race (one with a field) there are many variable factors and those are what make races interesting. The idea is to beat the field, not one other horse.

Match race = stupid "race".

Isn't that how the sport of horse racing began? One guy saying to another guy "my horse is faster than yours".

I love match races..granted they aren't the best wagering races, and they don't necessarily prove who the "better" horse is, but they always generate excitement.

One of my all-time favourite ones I witnessed in person at LIVE racing..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMEPg0Rqp8I

[PrivateSmiles]

Isn't that how the sport of horse racing began? One guy saying to another guy "my horse is faster than yours".

Yes. But how are they relevent now? And where is the strategy? Watching how a field of horses takes shape, and changes shape, is what makes the sport exciting. No excitement to a match race...one is a winner, one is a loser. BFD.

[Ogygian]

What Kermit said............

[ScrapingThePaint]

Shirreff's reply: "No."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_ ... s_out.html

Excerpt:

The Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs could be a possible meeting point. It is scheduled for Nov. 27. Shirreffs also pointed out that Zenyatta could still be available to race through January before she retires, as mares are not bred until February or March.

Asked if he would like to see Zenyatta race against Rachel Alexandra, Shirreffs quickly replied, "Oh, yeah. No reservations, but right now I'm doing my best for Zenyatta."

What's best for Zenyatta right now, is the Breeders' Cup, according to Shirreffs.

"The perfect spot for Rachel and Zenyatta to meet up is the Breeders' Cup," said Shirreffs. "I hope he'll bring her to the Breeders' Cup because that's what it was designed for."

Of course, Rachel's owner Jess Jackson has stated all along that he won't run her over the "plastic" surfaces of California, where Zenyatta flourishes.

Even Shirreffs admits he doesn't like the synthetic surfaces of California tracks.

"I hate it," Shirreffs said. "It's the worst thing that happened to horse racing."

The trainer is concerned about the heat it generates. "It's like if you're standing barefoot on asphalt," he said. "There are a lot of foot problems on them."

[Tvghrtvfan]

I would love to see these face each other.

[Hollywoodmike]

If I remember correctly, McIngvale tried to win the Derby by purchasing the top yearlings, two year olds in training, most precocious horses but failed miserably.
Sounds a little like Godolphin doesn't it. He changed trainers like I change briefs. He had Baffert for awhile but that did not work. I think he ended up hiring his sister in law to train his horses. Very bizarre!!!!!

[Vince P]

I would love to see these face each other.

The only way they'll face each other is if Sheik Muhammad Alijaba Baba purchases both of them and they stand at the Curragh, side by side.

They ain't never racing against each other - it would make far too much sense.

If they do, PM me and I'll fly you to wherever they race. You have this in legal writing.

Vince P

[Moonwalker]

The only way they'll face each other is if Sheik Muhammad Alijaba Baba purchases both of them and they stand at the Curragh, side by side.

They ain't never racing against each other - it would make far too much sense.

If they do, PM me and I'll fly you to wherever they race. You have this in legal writing.

Vince P

And the sheik will fire Smith and Borel, so you and Frankie Dettori can ride. So the question comes down to... if you have first choice, which do you ride? Or do you dress up like Alec Ramsey in the Black Stallion movie and beat them both with Black Ruby?

Mary MMM

[Classy]

Look at history, Match races kill