Rags to Riches, Belmont Stakes winner over Curlin, dies at 21

Rags to Riches, one of only three fillies to win the Belmont Stakes, died at age 21 from the infirmities of old age, Coolmore America said in a news release.

A daughter of A.P. Indy, Rags to Riches won the 2007 Belmont by a head after a dramatic stretch duel with heavy favorite Curlin.

Coming in to the Belmont, she had won the Kentucky Oaks, Santa Anita Oaks and Las Virgenes, all Grade 1 races. She made one start after the Belmont, finishing second in the Gazelle, but she was retired afterward because of an injury.

Rags to Ridges was owned by Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith and trained by Todd Pletcher. She won the Eclipse Award as champion 3-year-old filly of 2007.

“Rags to Riches was a truly talented racehorse, and it’s been a privilege to be around a horse of her caliber," Coolmore America manager Dermot Ryan said in the release. “Her achievements left a lasting impression on all of us, and she brought great pride to her ownership. I would like to thank Bob Davis and his team, who have cared for her with exceptional dedication for over a decade.”