Criteria For Greatness

How do you compare greatness with greatness? That seems to be the biggest question surrounding Rachel Alexandra's Woodward triumph on Saturday in which she became the first filly to win the 55 year old Grade I race. There is no doubt that Rachel's triumph has catapulted her not only into the record books but also into the front spot for Horse of the Year. But the question remains, who's greater: Ruffian or Rachel?

Bill Finley wrote an interesting article in the New York Times on the Friday before the race comparing the two great female horses of modern times and was unable to reach a conclusion about who was "greater." For the record, D. Wayne Lukas chose Rachel over Ruffian while track announcer Dave Johnson went with the same pick.

Having never seen Ruffian race, I can't make a fair selection, but I do think the question may be one of apples to oranges. There is no doubt that these two horses were and are the greatest female contenders in the sport.

The bigger question, I believe, is the concept of greatness itself. If we are comparing the two horses strictly on their racing records, I think the jury is still out. But if we are comparing the horses based on their "legend" then I believe Ruffian is the winner. Ruffian went from "great" to "heroic" the moment she broke her leg. That is what catapulted her from the sports pages to the front pages. And while she may have been a legend before she hurt herself, the audience for her legendary feats remained within the confines of the racing community until she broke down.

At the moment, Rachel's greatness, thank heaven, is still being discussed on the sports pages. And while she is a truly great athlete, I don't think she has the name recognition of Billie Jean King who also beat the boys at their own game.

For now, let us fervently pray that Rachel's exploits remain within the confines of the sports pages, even though that may never be enough to propel her to heroic status.