Reigning USA Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra been retired from racing.  Majority owner Jess Jackson said the Medaglia d’Oro mare would be served by Curlin in 2011.

“I believe it’s time to retire our champion and reward her with a less stressful life,” Jackson said.  “We are delighted she will retire healthy and happy to Stonestreet Farm in Lexington.

“Rachel Alexandra owes us nothing.  I suspect it will be quite a while before a filly ever equals or surpasses her 2009 achievements.

During her spotless eight-race campaign in 2009, Rachel Alexandra defeated fillies by more than 20 lengths in the G1 Kentucky Oaks and 19 lengths in the G1 Mother Goose Stakes.  She also beat the colts in the G1 Preakness, G1 Haskell and G1 Woodward Stakes.

Rachel Alexandra (4m Medaglia d’Oro – Lotta Kim by Roar) did not return to her best 2009 form this year although she did win the G2 Fleur de Lis Handicap at Churchill Downs and the LR Lady’s Secret Stakes at Monmouth Park.  She finished her career with 13 victories and 5 seconds in 19 races for earnings of $3.50 million.