Six Weeks in Saratoga
How Three-Year-Old Filly Rachel Alexandra Beat the Boys and Became Horse of the Year
By Brendan O'Meara | Publisher: State University of New York Press
About the book
Semifinalist for the 2011 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award presented by Castleton Lyons and Thoroughbred Times
When Rachel Alexandra thundered to a stylish win against the boys in the 2009 Preakness Stakes, her connections came to the 141st Saratoga Race Course meeting wanting more than just another victory. They wanted Horse of the Year.
Her jockey, Calvin Borel, pointed triumphantly to the three-year-old filly beneath him. Rachel Alexandra was the best horse he had ever ridden and it was his job to ensure that she and her connections didn't leave Saratoga Springs without a victory.
Hall of Fame trainer and gruff New Yorker Nick Zito felt he could slay the queen. He'd take his shots with two rival horses, Da' Tara and Cool Coal Man, because, as he well knew, you can't win if you don't play.
New York Racing Association president and CEO Charlie Hayward knew that Rachel Alexandra could run elsewhere and didn't have to come to Saratoga. The pressure was on him to keep this talented and magnetic filly on his property, but how far could he go without compromising his values?
Then there were the other horses at the meet: the Zito-trained Commentator, eight years old and looking for one last try in the Whitney Handicap; Kentucky Derby–winner Mine That Bird, aiming to reclaim his glory if he could only stay healthy; and Summer Bird, the Belmont Stakes winner, who demanded respect.
Everyone was in the twilight of their careers. What would be their legacies? How would they be remembered?
Never before has the famous racing season at Saratoga been illustrated through these threads, in real time. As we follow the jockey, the trainer, and the executive, we come to understand how they, and so many other racing fans and professionals, were drawn to the magnetism of one special horse, Rachel Alexandra.
All of this happens in six weeks, all at Saratoga.
Editions of Six Weeks in Saratoga
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781438439419
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781438439426
- PDF
- ISBN 9781438439433
Read an Excerpt
Semifinalist for the 2011 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award presented by Castleton Lyons and Thoroughbred Times
When Rachel Alexandra thundered to a stylish win against the boys in the 2009 Preakness Stakes, her connections came to the 141st Saratoga Race Course meeting wanting more than just another victory. They wanted Horse of the Year.
Her jockey, Calvin Borel, pointed triumphantly to the three-year-old filly beneath him. Rachel Alexandra was the best horse he had ever ridden and it was his job to ensure that she and her connections didn't leave Saratoga Springs without a victory.
Hall of Fame trainer and gruff New Yorker Nick Zito felt he could slay the queen. He'd take his shots with two rival horses, Da' Tara and Cool Coal Man, because, as he well knew, you can't win if you don't play.
New York Racing Association president and CEO Charlie Hayward knew that Rachel Alexandra could run elsewhere and didn't have to come to Saratoga. The pressure was on him to keep this talented and magnetic filly on his property, but how far could he go without compromising his values?
Then there were the other horses at the meet: the Zito-trained Commentator, eight years old and looking for one last try in the Whitney Handicap; Kentucky Derby–winner Mine That Bird, aiming to reclaim his glory if he could only stay healthy; and Summer Bird, the Belmont Stakes winner, who demanded respect.
Everyone was in the twilight of their careers. What would be their legacies? How would they be remembered?
Never before has the famous racing season at Saratoga been illustrated through these threads, in real time. As we follow the jockey, the trainer, and the executive, we come to understand how they, and so many other racing fans and professionals, were drawn to the magnetism of one special horse, Rachel Alexandra.
All of this happens in six weeks, all at Saratoga.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Six Weeks in Saratoga about?
Semifinalist for the 2011 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award presented by Castleton Lyons and Thoroughbred Times
When Rachel Alexandra thundered to a stylish win against the boys in the 2009 Preakness Stakes, her connections came to the 141st Saratoga Race Course meeting wanting more than just another victory. They wanted Horse of the Year.
Her jockey, Calvin Borel, pointed triumphantly to the three-year-old filly beneath him. Rachel Alexandra was the best horse he had ever ridden and it was his job to ensure that she and her connections didn't leave Saratoga Springs without a victory.
Hall of Fame trainer and gruff New Yorker Nick Zito felt he could slay the queen. He'd take his shots with two rival horses, Da' Tara and Cool Coal Man, because, as he well knew, you can't win if you don't play.
New York Racing Association president and CEO Charlie Hayward knew that Rachel Alexandra could run elsewhere and didn't have to come to Saratoga. The pressure was on him to keep this talented and magnetic filly on his property, but how far could he go without compromising his values?
Then there were the other horses at the meet: the Zito-trained Commentator, eight years old and looking for one last try in the Whitney Handicap; Kentucky Derby–winner Mine That Bird, aiming to reclaim his glory if he could only stay healthy; and Summer Bird, the Belmont Stakes winner, who demanded respect.
Everyone was in the twilight of their careers. What would be their legacies? How would they be remembered?
Never before has the famous racing season at Saratoga been illustrated through these threads, in real time. As we follow the jockey, the trainer, and the executive, we come to understand how they, and so many other racing fans and professionals, were drawn to the magnetism of one special horse, Rachel Alexandra.
All of this happens in six weeks, all at Saratoga.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Six Weeks in Saratoga?
Sports and Active outdoor recreation > Equestrian and animal sports > Horse racing
Where can I read a sample of Six Weeks in Saratoga?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438439419
How long is Six Weeks in Saratoga and how many pages does it have?
Six Weeks in Saratoga has 281 page(s)
Is Six Weeks in Saratoga part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Excelsior Editions
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Six Weeks in Saratoga?
Brendan O'Meara
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Six Weeks in Saratoga is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438439419) and paperback(ISBN 9781438439426) and pdf(ISBN 9781438439433)
Where can I buy Six Weeks in Saratoga online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Six Weeks in Saratoga from below
Where can I buy Six Weeks in Saratoga?