Oaklawn's "Race for the Ages" falls through

The Associated Press reports this afternoon that the big Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta show-down in Oaklawn's Apple Blossom Handicap next month has fallen through.

The development is not unexpected.

Both horses, among the best females ever, faced key prep races yesterday as they readied for the April 9th Oaklawn race. Zenyatta won her race at Santa Anita in California, but Rachel Alexandra was upset in her test at the New Orleans Fair Grounds.

This is a huge blow to Oaklawn, its owner Charles Cella (who on February 4th had offered a $5 million purse if both horses took part) and the city of Hot Springs.

They had set up a website to help arrange transportation and lodging for the expected hoard.

There were reports of people paying thousands to rent Hot Springs condos.

Racing fans from around the world were reportedly inquiring about whether the tiny Hot Springs Airport could handle their private jets.


These trading cards printed by the Hot Springs Visitors Bureau were selling for up to $50 on eBay.

I was at Oaklawn yesterday, where they had set up special souvenir stands selling framed photos and posters featuring the two horses.

The AP story above says:

"Naturally, we are disappointed that Rachel Alexandra will not be here for the Apple Blossom Invitational," the track said in a statement. "We wish her the best of luck on the rest of her 2010 racing campaign. We look forward to welcoming Zenyatta back to Arkansas as she attempts to equal Cigar and Citation's modern-day record of 16 consecutive unrestricted victories."

A gracious statement, but Oaklawn officials have to be devastated by the news.

On the other hand, everyone in the race business knows that thoroughbreds are fragile animals and nothing is certain.

I ask you: Did the track and the city perhaps get a little overconfident in promoting this potential "Race for the Ages" months in advance?