Disappointed and Dis-satisfied

There's really no other way to title this post.

This year started with such a hope, the return of Zenyatta and the accention of Rachel Alexandra. What two stars where better suited to bring horse racing back to mainstream than the clash of two completely different and beautiful rivals, standouts in their division, head and tails above the rest. They made the colts second best, a feat that most people consider unheard of in thoroughbred racing, even though it's more common than casual fans can imagine. But to have not one, but two dominant girls in their league was something atomcially special. To have to chance to face off these champions, to imagine the sight that would have been.

Imagine the Sunday Silence and Easy Goer rivalry and the headed conversation and tension that it gave off. The crowds, the fans divided, the nation choosing side, the East vs. the West. It would have been truly epic, to see these two greats face off.

And so, the owners of Zenyatta brought the great mare back for one more crack at 'Rachel in 2010. I still believe the great 'Zennie was dennied Horse of the Year honors that should have been hers. It made sense, because the Mosses belief that they have the better horse, to prove it. 'Rachel was back in training, and by all means, doing exceptionally well. Both Jackson and Assmusen assured fans and media that the filly "couldn't be doing better."

How exactly did we get here?

As we head into the 2010 Breeders Cup Season, we have Zenyatta, the unbeaten, 19 for 19 wins, classy and unique. She is set to try and win her third "three for three" race in the Lady's Secret, and that in and of itself is completely and utterly impressive. I don't care who you are or what you're running against, to have never been beaten, in 19 starts is something that deserves our full respect and attention. She is completely in her own class and style, she is Zenyatta and not many words describe exactly who she is. She's beyond incredible.

And what do we have of our 'Rachel this year? What do we have now of our 2009 Horse of the Year winner, the camp that said she was in perfect form, bullet works a few days ago, and the promise of her old spirit back and a rematch in the Breeders Cup with her undeniable foe Zenyatta?

For Rachel Alexandra, we have retirement.

I can't even begin to describe the upset I have experienced in this news, as I was a avid 'Rachel fan, I screamed for her in the Oaks, Preakness, Haskell, and all her other races. I was torn in the decision for HOY in 2009 between my two girls, and I now know nothing but dissapointment from the Jackson's and Assmusen. Zenyatta remains while 'Rachel has left. It speaks volumes for me. What with the BC being on 'Rachel's home turf of Churchill Downs, and with all her 'bullet works in the past week, I was expecting nothing better than the best.

I have come to recieve that from Zenyatta, the Mosses, and John Shirreffs.

Jess Jackson, you have disapointed me, as well all of racing, and possibly, the world.