The day's biggest horse sporting news comes to us courtesy of the famed Rachel Alexandra, who took Saratoga's Woodward Stakes (G. 1) by a nose at the wire in front of Macho Again. The beautiful filly grabbed the lead early on and kept hold of it with her characteristic tenacity. While the rest of the field turned up to the finish covered in mud slung from hooves of those in the lead, Rachel came in clean and clear, never having had to suffer anyone's rear view. Jockey Calvin Borel piloted the super filly with his characteristic style, giving the crowd a nod and a wave as he pulled her up past the finish. Though the track was deep and a bit muddy, seeing Rachel come in safely across the finish line on a beautiful, clear summer day in Saratoga, made her conspicuous absence from the Travers an obviously good choice. She has proved her Alexandra the Greatness once again.
As for me, it's one week and counting until I take off for a six day horseback trek through the Catalan region of Spain. I haven't made the final assessment yet of what I'll bring, beyond riding tights, boots, a raincoat, my helmet, half chaps, and foam saddle cushion. Yes buying the cushion felt like cheating, but if it saves my own rear view from the bumps and lumps it will have to endure for five hours a day cross country, it will be well worth the investment. I'll post details of the trip after I get back, along with tips for enjoying such an adventure in the future.
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