In a scintillating performance, Zenyatta powered to victory in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita this afternoon before a crowd of 58,845 wildly cheering fans. In beating the world-class field of male runners, Zenyatta soundly established her place in history and preserved her perfect record, with 14 wins in 14 starts.
Zenyatta stomps and dances through the paddock, Breeders' Cup 2009For those of us lucky enough to be among the cheering crowd, it was a time to be cherished and remembered forever. In an almost surreal moment after she crossed the finish line, people all around me screamed, wept, clapped wildly, and hugged each other with joy. Trainer John Shirreffs tossed his hat into the cheering crowd, and jockey Mike Smith scattered a shower of flower petals into the air as thousands crowded around the winners' circle.
Zenyatta and John Shirreffs make their way through the paddock, 11-7-09Zenyatta cools down outside her barn after winning the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic
They say that when times are tough, people need a hero. Seabiscuit filled that role during the Great Depression; Zenyatta has become the same type of hero for today's fans. She clearly enjoys her role as superstar as she interacts with the crowd, strutting and two-stepping her way out onto the track, stopping every now and then to look around and pose for her adoring fans. Add to that the generosity of her owners, Jerry and Ann Moss, in sharing her with the people, and the result is a lovely ray of hope at a time when it most needed in horseracing.
Racing fans flood the paddock to see Zenyatta on her way to the Classic
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17 comments:
Looks like Zenyatta left plenty of work to do for the landscaper.
That marigold (?) that got kicked out by Zenatta is probably worth thousands on e-bay now. :D
Hey Mary: Great stuff! Love the behind the scenes stuff. Where else can you see post-race Zenyatta. Very cool. Thanks!
Thanks Mary
I couldn't beleive the excitment in the air, it was impossible not be caught up in the spirit of the moment. Her dances before the race were so fun to watch, she loves to ham it up and put on a great show for the fans. I'm still in awe of what she accomplished.
Great footage you have here, must have been amazing to be there.
A beautiful lady, Zenyatta.
What a show this beautiful mare put on. I could not stop screaming I was so excited. May the Lord protect her and give her a long, healthy and happy life.
The 2009 edition was just what the doctor ordered. It was truly the best racing of the year. Zenyatta’s breathtaking victory in the Classic was phenomenal. If she is not Horse of the Year it will be a crime. How about two-time winners Conduit and Goldikova. Another breathtaking victory by Goldikova getting up in the last 100 yards to win the mile. She is another that deserves an Eclipse Award. It was a fabulous Breeders’ Cup weekend and let’s hope it continues in 2010.
A great win by a great horse. (And enough cannot be said about Mike Smith's smart ride.)
Thanks for the fantastic coverage Mary.
Wonderful blog Mary. I love the content and presentation. You are a gem when it comes to providing perspective and information on the sport that we love so deeply. Keep up the great work...
still waiting for zenn to visit rachel she win the breeders good now its time for her to come out of hiding game and step up to the plate no more five and six fields every champs have to face them challenger
hahahaha....anonymous that posted on 12th..hahaha......no more 5 6 fields--oh yep--rachel time to quit hiding in the 3 yr old only ranks with 2 other horses in a field....
.........leave it to Rachel fans to trash a horse.......Rachel is beautiful and classy-her fans and owner aren't.....sorry this had zero to do with Rachel--hard for you to believe isn't it...poor thing.........
.....Zenyatta won thousands of hearts world wide and I was lucky enough to be there-I grew up in horse racing and have never seen a horse or a moment like Zenyatta and the Classic.......
I am deeply upset the Moss's have decided to return Zenyatta to racing, she is Ruffian reincarnated, why push fate. Not that I ever want anything but the best for the mare, she is a SuperStar, and she shined brightly, It's time to pass on her gene's and run and relax when she want's in a pasture, she earned it.
I'm pretty upset about Zenny's loss too, but people, come on, it's ok. Tell me if anybody starts talking bad about her because theres no sense to. It's just one loss and theres many more races out there so just enjoy her while she still is popular.
so nice that you wrote this blog post.
Nice pics.
Beautiful horse, I love this competitions, they are so good and entertained.
This post is very perfect and useful information post. Thanks for sharing this post.
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