Rachel Alexander is NOT running the 2009 Belmont Stakes! Belmont Stakes’ lineup will not include Rachel Alexander.

Why? To give the horse a rest. What a disappointment to Belmont fans.

Jess Jackson, Rachel Alexandra’s co-owner, said Friday that the filly Preakness winner will get a vacation.

“We know the media and many fans would have liked to see her run in the Belmont Stakes – we feel the same. But all of us sincerely interested in the horse must agree that we only want to see her run when it is best for her. While she is in great shape, having strong works, and recovering well from her amazing performances, we feel Rachel deserves a well-earned vacation.”

So will Calvin Borel run Mine That Bird at Belmont?

For continuing horse racing coverage on LALATE click here:

http://news.lalate.com/category/horses.

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Chad McDaniel has died during a Knoxville Raceway run last night. Chad McDaniel’s death came during USAC/SMRS midget race Friday night.

McDaniel was 34.

Kevin Miller, CEO of USAC Racing, has issued the following statement:

“On behalf on the entire USAC Racing community, we are deeply saddened and carry heavy hearts today with the passing of Chad McDaniel. Our sport has lost a passionate racer today, and our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to his family during these most difficult times.”

John Stewart, President/CEO of USAC/SMRS Racing, reportedly added the following:

“He was not only a friend, but a gentleman who loved his family and his sport. He will be deeply missed by all of us.”

Funeral arrangements have not been announced. Send your love.

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Who won Dance India Dance’s 2009? Salman (Mohammed Ghouse) did! Dance India Dance’s winner is SALMAN, named during the show’s finale on Zee TV last night.

So exciting.

Dance India Dance has become a massive sensation for the country of India, pulling thousands of hopefuls from age 15 to 25, featuring professional choreographers, much like the American program So You Think You Can Dance.

The finale performance was reportedly before a live audience of 20,000, featuring guests on stage Boney Kapoor and Prabhu Deva and taking 1000 of staffers in preparations. The Bollywood actor, Mithun Chakraborty is the show’s grandmaster.

Sunehri Taqdeer Ki Topi’s winner Mohammad Salman beat out Ranchi (2) and Siddhesh Pai (3). Salman gets for the win 50 lakhs and appearance in Boney Kapoor’s film ‘Wanted’.

Congrats to Salman!

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VIDEO! Here is Jay Leno’s last Tonight Show video – The Legacy Clip. Jay Leno’s last show featured Conan O’Brien, but the most memorable section was this Legacy clip in which Jay talks about the 68 kids born to staffers in his 17 year run.

Jay told viewers:

“That’s what I’d like my legacy to be. When these kids grow up and they go, ‘Hey, mom and dad, where did you guys meet?’, they’re going to say they met on the stage of the Tonight Show.”

Jay asked everyone to  support Conan.  O’Brien starts as Tonight Show host this Monday June 1, Jay returns on his new program this September.

Watch the video below.

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The 2009 Herndon Festival is today. The Herndon Festival of North Virginia is great for the family, with live music, artists, food and more.

Organizers say the following about this year’s event:

Now more than ever people need a free festival to gather with family and friends to celebrate! The Herndon Festival is that kind of event in Northern Virginia.

Stop by and visit the Volkswagen tent located by the Depot Stage. On Friday night there will be cars on display, Jetta TDI Race car and driver, games, face painting, and great give-a-ways. In additin, on Saturday from 2-3:30pm a DC United player will be at the Festival for autographs and on Sunday from 2-3:30pm the DC United mascot – Talon will be visiting the Festival.

The event runs through Sunday. Check out the lineup and more online at http://www.herndonfestival.net/.

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