So Who's The Loser?
Hundreds of us massed at Churchill Downs' stables early Saturday morning for our last visit with Zenyatta before she flys back to California and perhaps into retirement.
She looked glorious 30 minutes after the Breeders' Cup Classic and, today, she looks as if she is ready for her next race.
She patiently grazed, munched carrots, sniffed and nuzzled admirers, mischeiviously grabbed her trainer's papers and posed sweetly with any and all who asked.
Even the police who guarded her lined up for photos.
And the stables' cats pestered her to play.
Both Blame and Goldikova came out of their races in excellent condition and will leave Louisville today.
Blame retires to stud and Goldikova's future is not determined yet. She could race next year.
John Shirreffs, Zenyatta's trainer, thought she would retire to Lexington, but plans are not finalised.
He is not 100% sure that she will never race again, however that may be wishful thinking.
The ex-Viet Nam vet found his way back to a good life after discovering racing in California and hit his highs with Giacomo, winner of the Kentucky Derby, and Zenyatta.
He is so proud of Zenyatta and let her be with her fans for hours posing willingly when asked.
There is no question his team is sad about her 'second' in the Breeders' Cup Classic, but they are sadder about losing her to the breeding shed.
Since not even Mario Espinoza will be going with her, I suspect she will be very lost and sad for a while too.
Shirreffs said, "She is just the sweetest horse. I will never have a horse like her again."
Since she has done so much to promote Thoroughbred racing, he would like to see her continue to have a public role an Ambassadress for the sport.
And, of course, Shirreffs believes she should be Horse of the Year.
Unfortunately, the Eastern press has flooded the media for weeks with reasons why she won't win - claiming she is not good enough.
They are already saying Zenyatta's fans are trying to steal HOY from Blame as they tried with Rachel Alexandra.
Total rubbish. The HOY ballots are not even printed.
I doubt she can overcome the votes of the Eastern racing establishment and the industry power of Blame's owner and his 100-year-old breeding operation. (See Focus for Most Ungracious Remark of BC)
However, I shall make a prediction: Not many will remember Blame's name next year, but Zenyatta's name will resonate and bring joy to millions for as long as she lives.
Many of us professional analysts and handicappers travelled from every Continent just to see her in the flesh. It was a privilege to be in the presence of true racing greatness.
If you want to lobby for her, you can join Zenyatta for HOTY 2010 on http://www.facebook.com.
(I apologise, but I have a camera problem and will post photos as soon as I can.)
Racing International http://www.racingint.com
Posted by susan trevelyan-syke at 11/7/2010 10:05 PM 
Categories: Breeders' Cup 2010
Tags: John Shirreffs Racing International Zenyatta Breeders' Cup Mario Espinoza Giacomo Blame
Categories: Breeders' Cup 2010
Tags: John Shirreffs Racing International Zenyatta Breeders' Cup Mario Espinoza Giacomo Blame
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