Rags to Riches Dies, the Filly Who Defied History by Defeating Curlin in the Belmont
- Turf Diario
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
Coolmore announced the news on Monday. The daughter of A.P. Indy was 21 years old, and her son Never So Few now stands in Argentina
LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).- The global turf world said farewell yesterday to a true legend. Rags to Riches, the exceptional daughter of A.P. Indy who in 2007 broke more than a century of history by becoming the first filly in 102 years to win the Belmont Stakes (G1), passed away at the age of 21 due to age-related complications, Coolmore announced.
Her name was etched forever into collective memory on that unforgettable afternoon at Belmont Park, when, after a troubled break and a demanding trip throughout, she produced one of the most electrifying duels modern racing has ever seen — a head-to-head battle with Curlin (Smart Strike), the future two-time Horse of the Year. Down the stretch, both stars gave everything; and it was the defiant filly who ultimately prevailed to write a chapter that will never be repeated.
A Star From Birth
The expectations surrounding Rags to Riches were massive from the start. Out of the outstanding broodmare Better Than Honour (Deputy Minister) — also the dam of 2006 Belmont winner Jazil (Seeking the Gold) — and by the great A.P. Indy, she was purchased as a yearling for $1.9 million at Keeneland by Demi O’Byrne on behalf of Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith.
On the track, she quickly justified every dollar: she captured the Santa Anita Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) in succession, displaying such dominance that trainer Todd Pletcher made the bold decision to take on the best colts of her generation. It was no ordinary crop: it included Street Sense (Street Cry), Hard Spun (Danzig) and, of course, Curlin, one of the strongest generations in recent memory.
“She earned her chance,” recalled Pletcher. “She had the pedigree, the fitness and a massive heart. That Belmont was the most emotional moment I’ve ever lived on a racetrack.”
A Warrior On the Track — And in Life
Beyond her ability, Pletcher always emphasized her character: “She was ultra-competitive, extremely intense in her daily routine. In the mornings she was a complete professional, but in the barn you had to stay alert — she had personality.”
A fetlock injury suffered after finishing second in the Gazelle Stakes (G1) thwarted any possibility of seeing her race again in 2008. She was forced to retire with just 7 starts, 5 wins and US$1,342,528 in earnings, and was crowned Champion 3-Year-Old Filly of 2007.
An Unforgettable Legacy
At stud, she was unable to replicate her extraordinary brilliance, though she did leave several winners. She currently has a yearling colt by Uncle Mo and a two-year-old filly by Munnings. From Ashford Stud, Dermot Ryan praised the dedication of the team that cared for her for more than a decade and highlighted the mark she left on everyone around her.
In Argentina, her son Never So Few (2013, by Galileo) stands at Haras Los Machitos. Although winless in six starts on the track, where he split duties between racing and polo, he has produced four winners from seven runners so far — a respectable record.
This year she was once again a finalist for the Hall of Fame, though she fell short of the required votes. For Pletcher, it remains an unresolved debt: “I think she’s underrated. She was an extraordinary filly. That Belmont, even today, is still the most emotional race I’ve ever been part of.”
Rags to Riches is now eternal. Her Belmont triumph was not just a victory — it was a declaration of courage, pure talent and rebellion against history. A feat that will inspire generations to come.
