The Fair Grounds Oaks 2009

On March 14, 2009, Rachel Alexandra won the $400,000, 1-1/16 mile (Gr II) Fair Grounds Oaks at Fair Grounds, New Orleans, Louisiana. Borel took Rachel to the lead throughout the entire race (in her first race in the slop) and then celebrating his win early with 40 yards to go, he geared her down in the final sixteenth winning by 1 ¼ lengths. Wiggins explained that they wanted to get her in the lead early because she has never had mud in her face.
Video: (Gr II) Fair Grounds Oaks 2009
Video: Borel's interview Post Race

The victory came on the 50th wedding anniversary for Dolphus and Ellen Morrison, who bred and co-own the filly with Mike Lauffer.

After this race, as in the prior race, there was pressure on Morrison from the public to run Rachel Alexandra in the Triple Crown races.