Rags To Riches became the first filly in 102 years to capture the Belmont Stakes when defeating Curlin in the final leg of the 2007 Triple Crown series
Coolmore has announced the death of history-making race mare Rags To Riches at the age of 21. The champion filly won a host of major races including the 2007 Belmont Stakes in which she defeated Curlin, becoming the first female to win the third leg of the Triple Crown series in 102 years.
Rags To Riches, who was trained by Todd Pletcher for Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, won five out of seven career starts. She captured four Grade 1 races in a row in 2007, landing the Las Virgines Stakes, Santa Anita Oaks, Kentucky Oaks and Belmont Stakes before ending the year with a shock defeat in the Gazelle Stakes, which proved to be her final start.
In the Belmont she overcame a stumble at the start to outduel eventual horse of the year Curlin by a head, becoming only the third filly to win the US’s oldest Classic.
READ MORE: Nicky Henderson says ‘no pressure’ ahead of Constitution Hill v The New Lion clashREAD MORE: Harry Redknapp’s horse defies ‘dangerous’ motorway incident to win at Kempton Park
She was unable to reach the same heights as a broodmare, producing only three modest winners from six runners
Coolmore said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of legendary race mare Rags to Riches, due to the infirmities of old age.
“A daughter of A.P. Indy out of Better Than Honour, Rags to Riches carved her name into racing history with a brilliant career that delivered trainer Todd Pletcher his first Classic victory.
“Owned by Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, she captured the 2007 Belmont Stakes, becoming the first filly in 102 years to win the race, doing so in a dramatic head-to-head stretch duel with Curlin that remains one of the defining moments in American racing.
“Her achievements also included victories in the G1 Kentucky Oaks, G1 Santa Anita Oaks, and G1 Las Virgenes Stakes, culminating in her title as Champion 3-Year-Old Filly.”
Coolmore America manager Demot Ryan said: “Rags to Riches was a truly talented racehorse, and it’s been a privilege to be around a horse of her calibre. Her achievements left a lasting impression on all of us, and she brought great pride to her ownership.”
