12/1/25 - Rags to Riches (2004-2025)

The Belmont Stakes (G1), the third leg of the Triple Crown, is known as the Test of Champions. It's one of the longest Thoroughbred races in North America and few of the rarified three-year-olds who make it into that starting gate will ever run the 1 1/2-mile distance again.

In 2007, a glistening chestnut granddaughter of Seattle Slew lined up against the best of her year, stumbled at the start, collected herself and ran on. In the stretch, she did not give up as she raced beside eventual Horse of the Year Curlin. With strength, speed and unwavering spirit, Rags to Riches prevailed, winning the Belmont in amazing fashion. It had been 102 years since a filly beat the boys in the Test of Champions.

Sired by A.P. Indy, Rags to Riches won three Grade 1 events before the Belmont: the Las Virgenes Stakes, Santa Anita Oaks and Kentucky Oaks. She finished second in the Gazelle Stakes (G1) in September 2007, and was retired after developing a hairline fracture to her right pastern following that effort. For her fantastic feats in 2007, Rags to Riches was named champion three-year-old filly. In seven starts, she made five trips to the winner's circle and earned more than $1.3 million.

On November 24, that champion mare passed away after giving so much of herself to the world of Thoroughbred racing. The Slew Crew celebrates the life of Rags to Riches and offers our condolences to those charged with her care throughout her life.


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