Horse Racing

Preakness Stakes winner Rachel Alexandra will not run in the Belmont Stakes on June 6, co-owner Jess Jackson said Friday in a statement.

Jackson said in the statement that the three-year-old filly deserved a rest, havingwon fiveraces -- the Preakness, the Kentucky Oaks, Fantasy Stakes, Fair Grounds Oaks and Martha Washington Stakes -- this year.

"We know the media and many fans would have liked to see her run in the Belmont Stakes -- we feel the same. But all of us sincerely interested in the horse must agree that we only want to see her run when it is best for her," Jackson said in the statement, issued on behalf of the horse's co-owners, Stonestreet Stables and Harold McCormick. "While she is in great shape, having strong works, and recovering well from her amazing performances, we feel Rachel deserves a well-earned vacation." As a result, jockey Calvin Borel, who rode Rachel Alexandra to the win at the May 16 Preakness, is free to ride Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird in the Belmont Stakes.

Borel guided Mine That Bird, which had 50-1 odds, to an upset victory at the May 2 Derby before riding Rachel Alexandra. Mike Smith rode Mine That Bird to a second-place finish at the Preakness, but is committed to ride elsewhere on the day of the Belmont.