GOODBYE TO THE BELLE OF THE BELMONT

This past week it was announced that 3-year old champion filly Rags to Riches, winner of the 2007 Belmont Stakes, was being retired.  She re-injured her right front pastern, which she initially injured in the Gazelle Stakes, where she finished 2nd.

Rags to Riches thrilled us as she dueled with the 2007 Horse-of-the-Year Curlin down the Belmont stretch, and in my opinion, was the most exciting stretch duel in New York since Affirmed and Alydar.

She made history by becoming the first filly to win the Belmont in 102 years.  I feel privileged to have been able to photograph this piece of racing history.  I was very much anticipating Rags’ return to the track, to see what this daughter of A.P. Indy would show us as a 4-year old.

Alas, it was not to be.  The most we can hope for in the future is to see her sons and daughters on the track, maybe with their mama’s big blaze, leading the way down the stretch.  She is to be bred to Giant’s Causeway, and it will be a year until we see if her foal inherits it’s mama’s looks.

Chiao Bella ….