COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) Dolphus Morrison, the breeder of the great filly Rachel Alexandra, has died. He was 82.
His wife, Ellen, said he died Wednesday at a nursing home and had been suffering from Alzheimer's.
Morrison was involved in thoroughbred racing for more than three decades when he and longtime trainer Hal Wiggins struck gold with Rachel Alexandra in 2009. After Wiggins decided to switch jockeys to Calvin Borel, Rachel Alexandra took off on a nine-race winning streak.
Rachel Alexandra soared to victory in the Kentucky Oaks by a record 20 1/4 lengths and became the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness, the second leg of the Triple Crown. Other victories that year included the Haskell and Woodward. She was honored as Horse of the Year.
Morrison sold the filly after the Oaks. He ended his breeding operation in 2012.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children and two grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.
