Of everything written so far about Rachel Alexandra’s historic performance in the Woodward on Saturday, nothing carries more significance than this:

“I think she’s the best I’ve ever seen,” said 96-year-old racing legend John Nerud. “I don’t compare her to anyone. I’m not afraid to say she’s better than Ruffian, because she is. They sent two speed horses after her and made her go in :22 4/5, then they came after her one at a time and she put them all away. Those were tough older horses and they tried everything they could to get her beat and they couldn’t.”

That quote — from Steve Haskin’s brilliant story about the Woodward – is from a man who has spent at least 75 years of his life in racing.  John Nerud has seen Gallorette, Busher, Twilight Tear and every other filly who has raced in this country since the Great Depression.  Can you think of anyone more difficult to impress than someone who has seen it all?  If John Nerud says she is the best – who can argue with that?

I have already watched this at least a dozen times since Saturday — something tells me it will never get old:

What a moment….hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did.

THANKS FOR READING AND GOOD LUCK!

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