Rachel Alexandra in the paddock at Churchill Saturday before the Fleur de Lis. Note that she is not equipped with the figure-8 noseband that she wore in her prior two 2010 starts. Photo courtesy Frances J. Karon.
Rachel Alexandra is shown here schooling in the paddock at Fair Grounds wearing the figure-8 noseband (black crossband on nose), which keeps the mouth closed so the tongue is under the bit, a preventive measure that does not allow the horse to roll its tongue against the palate. Last year Rachel Alexandra did not wear this noseband, which trainer Steve Asmussen has used successfully on many runners, including Curlin. Photo courtesy Lynn Towery Roberts.
[...] noted by Sid Fernando – Rachel Alexandra did not wear the figure 8 when sent to post yesterday for the G2 Fleur de Lis. The result, as may have been expected, was [...]
The smallest detail can yield the greatest return.
Behavioral Overcompensations Kerry M. Thomas
It was so great to see her win like she did again! Nice pictures.
Keen observation- I have not heard this mentioned anywhere except for here. I definitely think it can make a difference.
Yes, the figure 8 definitely can make a difference in head carriage, freedom of motion, stride fluency, and the end result may have been impacted.
Even so, it was a better ride from Borel, who immediately took RA out to the two path when the frontrunner dropped in on him and slowed the pace right in front of his filly’s nose.
They were just lobbing along, and RA needed to come home pretty well to win this like a champion.
Frank.
http://fmitchell07.wordpress.com
Thanks ASSmussen. you trained the greatest horse down to just so so! She was a front runner, you wanted her to be held back and come from behind.
You really should never be allowed to “train” another horse.
Calvin always took his cues from Rachel she won. When you told him to hold her back, she lost!
Rot in hell.
It is like putting a shock collar on a dog. After awhile they are broken.!
Well ASSmussen you broke her!
Not understanding the Emotional Conformation, the Mental Aptitude of any horse leaves the door open for training for mediocrity… Nurture the horse before developing the athlete.