SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Rachel Alexandra has been upset by Persistently in the $300,000 Personal Ensign at Saratoga Race Course after the reigning Horse of the Year was caught in the final strides by the 20-1 long shot.
The stunning finish Sunday silenced a large crowd who turned out to see Rachel Alexandra’s return to the Spa after last year’s electrifying victory over boys in the Woodward.
Rachel Alexandra has now lost three times in five starts this year after rolling to an 8-0 record in her 2009 championship season.
Persistently won the 1 1-4-mile Personal Ensign by one length for her first victory in a stakes race.
With the loss in her first Grade 1 race of the year, Rachel’s racing future may be in jeopardy.
