Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra to meet in April showdown

The blockbuster showdown between headliners Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta in the Apple Blossom Invitational will go ahead, Oaklawn Park president Charles J. Cella announced in a statement this week. The race will take place on April 9 - six days later...

The blockbuster showdown between headliners Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta in the Apple Blossom Invitational will go ahead, Oaklawn Park president Charles J. Cella announced in a statement this week.

The race will take place on April 9 - six days later than the original plan after Rachel Alexandra's owner said it would be too soon for his horse to be prepared.

The race will be held one day before the track's signature event, the Arkansas Derby.

The total purse has been increased to $5 million provided both horses start.

"The most important day in Arkansas sports history has now become the most important two days in Arkansas sports history," Cella told reporters.

"This is truly a race for the ages."

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