finally Linda Rice is getting the votes,,, this is history, because she did not have a big horse in the barn, all her horse beat the big boys, and it is not a about a women trainer. it is about a person who saddled all her own horses and ran alot of fillies against the boys and beat them and she won alot of races on the turf. so ,she was leading trainer for her hard work,that is the story of the year.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, thanks again her former assiant cissy parrilla
Joe - 2 years ago
This is my letter that was printed in the DRF about the Woodward and it is why Rachel is the story of the year - and the decade:
FILLY'S CAMPAIGN LEADS TO PANTHEON
While it is unlikely that we will ever hear 120,000 people scream in unison again as at the Belmont Stakes in 2004 when Birdstone approached Smarty Jones, it is equally unlikely that we will ever witness again what took place at Saratoga last Saturday.
Rachel Alexandra not only "raised the rafters" of the old Spa, as announcer Tom Durkin exclaimed following the Woodward, but she raised the rafters of this great sport, and all of sport as well. It is not often you witness true greatness on display in any area of life, and we saw its effects that day. It was as if she and the crowd of 31,000 were as one the entire day, and ran together throughout the race, and carried each other to victory through the stretch. And, while it is always better at Saratoga, her presence and performance transcended the norm, as even those who wagered against her because of her prohibitive odds found themselves rooting for her to hold off Macho Again.
Here we have a filly who has raced five times in just over four months, three times against males, and has shown more than remarkable talent in winning each event. Owner Jess Jackson chose a courageous path for his filly, and together they brought a great gift to this sport and its followers. And while the debate will continue as to whether or not Rachel is the greatest filly ever - with the answer never to be certain - what she accomplished at Saratoga is certain to remain forever, because on Sept. 5, 2009, Rachel Alexandra was the greatest racehorse who ever lived.
Nikki G - 2 years ago
I worked for Linda Rice at Saratoga in 2008, she's tough and talented and her success is well deserved. Good Luck
Raul - 2 years ago
As far as I concern Ramon Dominguez accomplishment in New York racing in year 2009 has been feat number one and the best story of the year in NYRA racing without a doubt. Is not easy to ride over 350 horses to victory. Well done Ramon. Congratulations, and keep up the good work.
Raul
H.J.B. II - 2 years ago
Linda Rice becoming the leading trainer for the Saratoga meet, has to be the leading story. Not only for the year, but the decade, and probably so far this century. In her case, strength in number's didn't hold true. She WON with much less. This is a remarkable accomplishment that will never be seen again. Congratulation's to Linda Rice and her team of WINNER'S.
kelley - 2 years ago
Goodandacceptable is my vote for horse and story of the year!!
Jim - 2 years ago
Donald M. - just fyi Rachel ran in New York twice. Mother Goose and Woodward.
Mike - 2 years ago
There has been no better story on the NYRA racing circuit since SECRETARIAT, RUFFIAN, AFFIRMED, and our own WOODY STEPHENS winning 5 BELMONT STAKES here at home, for great accomplishments on the NYRA circuit. Rachael's story and accomplishments in the NY/ NJ area in 2009 will go down in history with everything else that is mentioned here.
Also my thoughts and prayers go out to the Frankel family. We will all miss Bobby so much around here in the summer time.
As much as I love the horses mentioned here,for me, the accomplishments of Ramon Dominquez far exceed anything done by horse or trainer. Trainer Rice's gender should have nothing to do with winning "the story of the Year".Like her peers,she has been in the game a long time with success.
The story of the year is about a Jockey who comes to New York and for a year absolutely dominates the riding colony,which includes Prado, Johnny V, and other great riders.
He should also win the Eclipse award.
Gene Gordon - 2 years ago
Rachel Alexandra's Woodward victory was brilliant but that was only one race. Summer Bird won three of the most important races run in New York. He gets my vote.
In 2009 how many times did rachel alexandra, run in New York? Answer 0nce! Now how many times did summer bird run in New York? Answer 3 times She won her only race, He won all three of his. Summer Bird gets my vote.
don l - 2 years ago
Ramon by a mile. This guy is the best rider to ever ride in NY. The key is he can junk ride down inside. Does not abuse the horse, leaves something for next time. He rides different than these other hustle up, put 'em there guys. He's in tune with his horse, kind, easy on them, yet they respond to him. Never gets the big mount. Does it the hard way. And although unintentional, he can dominate a jockey colony, and run other jocks out of town. And to do that in New York, first year, enough said.
christopherlally - 2 years ago
I was at the track all summer and the story of the summer was Linda Rice. Rachel was special and it was a special day when she raced but this is not story of the year. It is more like the story that won’t go away regarding Rachel and Zenyatta. Summer Bird was the best three year old I saw this year. And Geo Ponti seemed unbeatable at times this year. BUT… the NYRA story of the year is how polished and remarkably adept Andy Serling has become... I hope his family is very proud of him.
Ramon did a good job and within the choice matrix, Ramon go my vote.
john - 2 years ago
Each category deserve kudos. Jockey/ Trainer either could be # 1 & Summer Bird is right up there. Gio ponti had a fabulous year. Rachel, well that's another story. She had her chance but chicken'd out of the Breeders Cup. I shouldn't say Rachel chicken'dout but Jackson chicken'd out
Mark A - 2 years ago
The NYRA moment of the year has to be Andy Serling. It's so sad they promote him everywhere instead of the horses, which are the most important things. Put pictures of Rachel Alexandra or Summer Bird on the self service machines. I can't stand seeing him or hearing anymore. Enough. shut him up.
celine parrilla - 2 years ago
well there were alot of good stories this year. But in new york. I must vote for Linda Rice. Because this is a trainer who saddled all her horses. and did something big with the horses she has .there was no big horse in the barn that put her in the spot light.all the horses ran well off of her training to beat the big boys in the game in n.y yes the horse ran well but remenber this was history we saw that will be hard to repeat. from her former assiant cissy parrilla good luck and keep it up
SANDMAN - 2 years ago
THE REAL STORY OF THE YEAR IS THAT ITS 2010 AND AQUEDUCT STILL IS NOT CLOSER TO BEING A RACE/CACINO ?? WUT UP ?
olivia newman - 2 years ago
no brainer- rachel alexandra definitely, i was there for her woodward and i couldnt hear a thing over the screams, it was amazinng and it brought tears to my eyes, shes amazing and deffinitely desereves this and horse of the year!:)
Sharon - 2 years ago
I had to vote for Rachel Alexandra and her stunning performance in the Woodward. I wish I could have seen her at Saratoga but watching her on TV was good enough.
James D - 2 years ago
Carol - Zenyatta did not run at a NYRA racetrack. This poll is about NYRA "Story of the Year". Pay attention.
I WAS THERE FOR RACHELS WOODWARD, AND I HAVE NEVER HEARD A LOUDER ROAR IN MY 30 YEARS OF ATTENDING RACETRACKS, INCLUDING REAL QUIETS KENTUCKY DERBY AND CIGARS 1995 CLASSIC WIN AT BELMONT BARK..
Bobbie - 2 years ago
I have to vote for the great filly , Rachel Alexandra , because she broke so many records this year - things other fillies or mares have never done. It is
phenomenal for racing and this horse should be honored for all she has done.
A strenuous campaign of races , 8 in all , were laid out for her , and she won and conquered all. She traveled , shipped , did all a horse has to do and did it better than anyone could have predicted. Long live Alexandra the Great.
mikeatthetrack - 2 years ago
Ramon Dominguez sweeping all 3 meets at NYRA was truly remarkable. Well done Ramon. Continued success.
Mister Ed - 2 years ago
I have to go with Summer Bird. He won the top three marquee events in New York this year - the Belmont, Travers, and Jockey Club Gold Cup. Rachel did not particpate in any of those three races and could have been entered in at least one. Not saying she is not horse of the year, but for NYRA story of the year, my vote goes to Summer Bird.
Doreen - 2 years ago
This is a no brainer. No disrespect to any of the other stories and the people/horses that made the, but Rachel is the NYRA star this year. Anyone who was at the track Woodward Day is probably still working on getting their hearing back to normal.
finally Linda Rice is getting the votes,,, this is history, because she did not have a big horse in the barn, all her horse beat the big boys, and it is not a about a women trainer. it is about a person who saddled all her own horses and ran alot of fillies against the boys and beat them and she won alot of races on the turf. so ,she was leading trainer for her hard work,that is the story of the year.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, thanks again her former assiant cissy parrilla
This is my letter that was printed in the DRF about the Woodward and it is why Rachel is the story of the year - and the decade:
FILLY'S CAMPAIGN LEADS TO PANTHEON
While it is unlikely that we will ever hear 120,000 people scream in unison again as at the Belmont Stakes in 2004 when Birdstone approached Smarty Jones, it is equally unlikely that we will ever witness again what took place at Saratoga last Saturday.
Rachel Alexandra not only "raised the rafters" of the old Spa, as announcer Tom Durkin exclaimed following the Woodward, but she raised the rafters of this great sport, and all of sport as well. It is not often you witness true greatness on display in any area of life, and we saw its effects that day. It was as if she and the crowd of 31,000 were as one the entire day, and ran together throughout the race, and carried each other to victory through the stretch. And, while it is always better at Saratoga, her presence and performance transcended the norm, as even those who wagered against her because of her prohibitive odds found themselves rooting for her to hold off Macho Again.
Here we have a filly who has raced five times in just over four months, three times against males, and has shown more than remarkable talent in winning each event. Owner Jess Jackson chose a courageous path for his filly, and together they brought a great gift to this sport and its followers. And while the debate will continue as to whether or not Rachel is the greatest filly ever - with the answer never to be certain - what she accomplished at Saratoga is certain to remain forever, because on Sept. 5, 2009, Rachel Alexandra was the greatest racehorse who ever lived.
I worked for Linda Rice at Saratoga in 2008, she's tough and talented and her success is well deserved. Good Luck
As far as I concern Ramon Dominguez accomplishment in New York racing in year 2009 has been feat number one and the best story of the year in NYRA racing without a doubt. Is not easy to ride over 350 horses to victory. Well done Ramon. Congratulations, and keep up the good work.
Raul
Linda Rice becoming the leading trainer for the Saratoga meet, has to be the leading story. Not only for the year, but the decade, and probably so far this century. In her case, strength in number's didn't hold true. She WON with much less. This is a remarkable accomplishment that will never be seen again. Congratulation's to Linda Rice and her team of WINNER'S.
Goodandacceptable is my vote for horse and story of the year!!
Donald M. - just fyi Rachel ran in New York twice. Mother Goose and Woodward.
There has been no better story on the NYRA racing circuit since SECRETARIAT, RUFFIAN, AFFIRMED, and our own WOODY STEPHENS winning 5 BELMONT STAKES here at home, for great accomplishments on the NYRA circuit. Rachael's story and accomplishments in the NY/ NJ area in 2009 will go down in history with everything else that is mentioned here.
Also my thoughts and prayers go out to the Frankel family. We will all miss Bobby so much around here in the summer time.
Ramon is the $ maker for the bettor
As much as I love the horses mentioned here,for me, the accomplishments of Ramon Dominquez far exceed anything done by horse or trainer. Trainer Rice's gender should have nothing to do with winning "the story of the Year".Like her peers,she has been in the game a long time with success.
The story of the year is about a Jockey who comes to New York and for a year absolutely dominates the riding colony,which includes Prado, Johnny V, and other great riders.
He should also win the Eclipse award.
Rachel Alexandra's Woodward victory was brilliant but that was only one race. Summer Bird won three of the most important races run in New York. He gets my vote.
DEFINITELY it's GIO PONTI, if zenyatta didn't run in the classic , it should have been GIO Ponti..
I think Linda Race should win it. How often do you get a woman trainer taking a title from a major racetrack like Saratoga.
In 2009 how many times did rachel alexandra, run in New York? Answer 0nce! Now how many times did summer bird run in New York? Answer 3 times She won her only race, He won all three of his. Summer Bird gets my vote.
Ramon by a mile. This guy is the best rider to ever ride in NY. The key is he can junk ride down inside. Does not abuse the horse, leaves something for next time. He rides different than these other hustle up, put 'em there guys. He's in tune with his horse, kind, easy on them, yet they respond to him. Never gets the big mount. Does it the hard way. And although unintentional, he can dominate a jockey colony, and run other jocks out of town. And to do that in New York, first year, enough said.
I was at the track all summer and the story of the summer was Linda Rice. Rachel was special and it was a special day when she raced but this is not story of the year. It is more like the story that won’t go away regarding Rachel and Zenyatta. Summer Bird was the best three year old I saw this year. And Geo Ponti seemed unbeatable at times this year. BUT… the NYRA story of the year is how polished and remarkably adept Andy Serling has become... I hope his family is very proud of him.
Ramon did a good job and within the choice matrix, Ramon go my vote.
Each category deserve kudos. Jockey/ Trainer either could be # 1 & Summer Bird is right up there. Gio ponti had a fabulous year. Rachel, well that's another story. She had her chance but chicken'd out of the Breeders Cup. I shouldn't say Rachel chicken'dout but Jackson chicken'd out
The NYRA moment of the year has to be Andy Serling. It's so sad they promote him everywhere instead of the horses, which are the most important things. Put pictures of Rachel Alexandra or Summer Bird on the self service machines. I can't stand seeing him or hearing anymore. Enough. shut him up.
well there were alot of good stories this year. But in new york. I must vote for Linda Rice. Because this is a trainer who saddled all her horses. and did something big with the horses she has .there was no big horse in the barn that put her in the spot light.all the horses ran well off of her training to beat the big boys in the game in n.y yes the horse ran well but remenber this was history we saw that will be hard to repeat. from her former assiant cissy parrilla good luck and keep it up
THE REAL STORY OF THE YEAR IS THAT ITS 2010 AND AQUEDUCT STILL IS NOT CLOSER TO BEING A RACE/CACINO ?? WUT UP ?
no brainer- rachel alexandra definitely, i was there for her woodward and i couldnt hear a thing over the screams, it was amazinng and it brought tears to my eyes, shes amazing and deffinitely desereves this and horse of the year!:)
I had to vote for Rachel Alexandra and her stunning performance in the Woodward. I wish I could have seen her at Saratoga but watching her on TV was good enough.
Carol - Zenyatta did not run at a NYRA racetrack. This poll is about NYRA "Story of the Year". Pay attention.
Question? Why isn't Zenyatta's BREEDER'S CUP CLASSIC win in here? are you folks BIASED as well?
I WAS THERE FOR RACHELS WOODWARD, AND I HAVE NEVER HEARD A LOUDER ROAR IN MY 30 YEARS OF ATTENDING RACETRACKS, INCLUDING REAL QUIETS KENTUCKY DERBY AND CIGARS 1995 CLASSIC WIN AT BELMONT BARK..
I have to vote for the great filly , Rachel Alexandra , because she broke so many records this year - things other fillies or mares have never done. It is
phenomenal for racing and this horse should be honored for all she has done.
A strenuous campaign of races , 8 in all , were laid out for her , and she won and conquered all. She traveled , shipped , did all a horse has to do and did it better than anyone could have predicted. Long live Alexandra the Great.
Ramon Dominguez sweeping all 3 meets at NYRA was truly remarkable. Well done Ramon. Continued success.
I have to go with Summer Bird. He won the top three marquee events in New York this year - the Belmont, Travers, and Jockey Club Gold Cup. Rachel did not particpate in any of those three races and could have been entered in at least one. Not saying she is not horse of the year, but for NYRA story of the year, my vote goes to Summer Bird.
This is a no brainer. No disrespect to any of the other stories and the people/horses that made the, but Rachel is the NYRA star this year. Anyone who was at the track Woodward Day is probably still working on getting their hearing back to normal.
Rachel - Queen of NYRA 2009.