Calvin Borel

T horoughbred horse racing has been praying since 1978 for another Triple Crown winner, and it may get its wish Saturday when the final jewel of the 2009 crown-the Belmont Stakes-is contested in New York. Unfortunately for the breeding industry, it won’t be a horse that achieves the near-impossible feat. Mine That Bird won the Kentucky Derby and the filly Rachel Alexandra beat the boys in the Preakness Stakes two weeks later. That means jockey Calvin Borel is the only possible winner this year, since he rode both horses. But Borel could set a record of his own: no jockey has ever won all ... Read Full Story

I t looks as if the 2009 Triple Crown soap opera has settled down, at least until Saturday. Since the Kentucky Derby almost two weeks ago, a sordid conspiracy to keep a talented filly out of the Preakness Stakes developed and then fizzled when a grande dame of thoroughbred racing cried foul, but the saga of top jockey Calvin Borel continues. The storylines are connected. During Kentucky Derby week, Borel said he would ride Rachel Alexandra in the Derby if her owner entered her in the race. “She’s the best three-year-old horse, male or female, in training,” Borel said. But Rachel’s owner, Dolphus Morrison, ... Read Full Story

Jockey Calvin Borel to be honored LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Churchill Downs is dedicating a weekend to one of its most famous jockeys. This weekend the track will honor Calvin Borel, who swept this year’s Kentucky Oaks and Derby aboard Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird. The first 7,500 fans in attendance on Saturday will receive a Calvin Borel bobblehead. On Sunday, the jockey will hold an autograph session for fans. Additionally, a new drink called the “Borel Breezer” has been created just for this weekend. The drinks are $7, but will be sold for $4 after every race Borel wins. The festivities will conclude ... Read Full Story

Rachel Alexandra made history at Saratoga Race Course Saturday, becoming the first filly to win the Woodward Stakes. The spectacular 3-year-old ran an electrifying race against older colts, holding off Macho Again by a head to notch her ninth straight victory and all but seal US Horse of the Year honors. With regular rider Calvin Borel aboard, Rachel Alexandra took the lead on the backstretch. It appeared on the turn for home that she might be overtaken, but Borel went to the whip and Rachel Alexandra responded. "The last 40 yards I was a little worried, but she just kept digging in," Borel said. ... Read Full Story

Rachel Alexandra, that is. Here is her performance in the Kentucky Oaks this year (the big filly race the day before the Derby): The jockey, Calvin Borel, never had to do a thing - she just ran, but never into her top gear. Even still, she won by twenty lengths. Her breeder and co-owner at the time of the Kentucky Oaks, when asked if he had considered running her in the Derby said : “No sir, the Triple Crown races are to showcase the future stallions of our industry and fillies should run with fillies and stallions with stallions.” Ah, yes - sexism is ... Read Full Story