Close Hatches is a dark bay or brown mare bred in Kentucky by Millsec Limited, a horse breeding company registered at Khalid Abdullah's Banstead Manor Stud in Newmarket, Suffolk.

Rising Tornado's dam Silver Star was a full-sister to Xaar, the leading European two-year-old of 1997, and as a descendant of the broodmare Best In Show, was related to numerous major winners including El Gran Senor and Rags to Riches.

On her debut on January 26, she won a maiden race over seven furlongs, taking the lead on the final turn and drawing away to win by seven lengths from ten opponents.

On April 16, the filly was moved up in class for the Grade II Gazelle Stakes over nine furlongs at Aqueduct Racetrack and stated favorite in a six-runner field.

[3] Close Hatches started at odds of 7.7/1 for the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on May 3, but was never in serious contention and finished seventh of the ten runners behind Princess of Sylmar, almost eleven lengths behind the winner.

[6] On November 1, Close Hatches was matched against older fillies and mares for the first time in the Breeders' Cup Distaff at Santa Anita Park, and started the 15/2 third choice in the betting market behind Royal Delta, Princess of Sylmar and Beholder.

Four weeks later, she started 7/10 favorite for the Grade I Apple Blossom Handicap, in which she was opposed by On Fire Baby, a five-year-old mare who had won the race the previous year.

"[8] On June 7, Close Hatches faced Beholder and Princess of Sylmar in the Grade I Ogden Phipps Stakes at Belmont and started the 2.9/1 third favorite.

"[10] In the Personal Ensign Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on August 22, Close Hatches started 1.95/1 favorite against six rivals including Princess of Sylmar, Antipathy, Belle Gallantey (winner of the Delaware Handicap in July), and Fiftyshadesofhay.

[12] Close Hatches started 1/5 favorite to win her fourth consecutive Grade I race when she contested the Spinster Stakes at Keeneland on October 5.