Regardless of major graded stakes past triumphs by American female Thoroughbreds over males, these victories are rare and United States trainers, owners, and veterinarians continue to debate if running burly girly stars against the sport's top colts, geldings, and horses is a desirable practice.
In 2009, a series of spectacular wins by females in the boys' arenas has hyped the race-going public, and while some in Thoroughbred circles may applaud those match-ups, others claim females aren't equipped to push their male counterparts and shouldn't be risked in high profile contests.
Notable 2009 Female Victories Over Males
- Evita Argentina -- February 16, San Vincente Stakes (G2)
- Rachel Alexandra -- May 2, Preakness Stakes (G1)
- Rachel Alexandra -- August 2, Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1)
- Rachel Alexandra -- September 5, Woodward Stakes (G1)
- Ventura -- September 20, Woodbine Mile Stakes (Candadian G1, turf)
Europeans Regularly Race On Turf
European trainers flooded to the United States in 2008 for the Breeders' Cup Championships to take advantage of the races being held on the new synthetic surface Pro-Ride at Santa Anita Park. Not only do the Europeans race their girls against boys, they regularly run on turf. A grass racing surface provides a comparable experience to running on synthetics.
Five of the nine Breeders' Cup races contested last year for male runners were won by European entries, including Goldikova, Ireland's three-year-old filly who beat the boys in the BC Mile. A colony of European entries is expected to ambush America's best this fall when the 2009 BC Championships are again held at Santa Anita.
Zenyatta Synthetic Track Specialist
America's best Thoroughbred may be Zenyatta, the career undefeated garganutan five-year-old mare who won her 13th consecutive victory October 10 in the Lady's Secret Stakes (G1). She is a synthetic specialist, winning many times on the artificial surface, including the Santa Anita track. She is the BC Ladies Classic defending champion.
The great lady has not run against boys.
Vets Owners Trainers Talk About Girls Against Boys
If she's not tough as nails with an attitude to match, an American female Thoroughbred is unlikely to race against males, yet battles between the two genders are always highly salable to racing fans. The following opinions are quoted from an article in The Blood-Horse magazine by Steve Haskin, "Ladies Day", September 5, 2009/No. 36.
Veterinarian Steve Allday (worked with Kentucky Derby female champion Winning Colors and Belmont Stakes-winning female Rags to Riches): "...Look at Rachel Alexandra; she's big and tough and stout...she gets in there...fights like a colt...(fillies) can compete against colts." (page 3155)
Rachel Alexandra owner Jess Jackson: "I think the fans deserve to see the best horses compete, regardless of sex." (page 3155)
Hall of Fame Trainer D. Wayne Lukas: "All of the fillies I stepped out of the box with (Winning Colors, Lady's Secret, Serena's Song) all had tactical speed...you have to ask yourself, 'Are the conditions of the race worth sending her out there against colts'?" (page 3155)
French Trainer Angel Penna Jr.: "When a filly is good, she's good...there's no gender difference." (page 3153)
No Boys For Zenyatta?
Interestingly, the previous owners of Rachel Alexandra did not believe in racing females against males, nor do the current owners and trainer of Zenyatta.
But, Europe beware! Conversation is being thrown around that indicates Zenyatta may be entered in the boys' BC Classic, rather than the Ladies Classic this time around at Santa Anita.
Rachel Alexandra, having swept all male comers this season, has been compared to the 1940s female Gallorette, who rivaled the great colt Stymie and ran against males in numerous major stakes in 55 of her 72 competitions.
Rachel Alexandra, however, is not scheduled to participate in the Breeders' Cup the first weekend in November, specifically because of the artificial surface at Santa Anita, according to consistent statements from Jackson.
But who wouldn't pay to see the two exceptional females, Z and Rachel A., square off?
BarbaraAnne Helberg - Barbara Anne Helberg, Supporter of Better Lives for Animals and Clean, Spirited, Competitive Sports
