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Breeders’ Cup Celebration Details

Photo courtesy of AP/Mark J Terrill

Second Annual Breeders’ Cup Zenyatta After-Party Celebration to
Offer More Excitement for Fans

Tickets for After-Party In Honor of Popular Racing Star Selling Quickly

ARCADIA, Calif. (October 25, 2012) – Team Zenyatta announced this week that race-goers staying for the second annual Breeders’ Cup Zenyatta After-Party Celebration on Championship Friday, Nov. 2, would be treated to more racing celebrity appearances, special live entertainment and the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind items during a live auction honoring “The Queen.” The After-Party Celebration will be at Santa Anita Park’s Frontrunner Lounge following the day’s race card.

This official Breeders’ Cup event quickly has come to be a popular and electric gathering and this year will offer appearances by Zenyatta’s trainer, John Shirreffs, racing manager and voice of the Zenyatta Diary, Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs, and jockey Mike Smith. Additionally, a cavalcade of past and present popular jockeys will be attending the After-Party on behalf of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), including John Velazquez, Ramon Dominquez, Joe Talamo and Javier Castellano, as well as Hall of Fame great Laffit Pincay.

“My jockey friends and I are looking forward to the After-Party, where we will highlight the critical work of the PDJF, toast the Breeders’ Cup and hang out with Zenyatta’s fans,” Smith said. “The After-Party is sure to be one of the most fun events of Breeders’ Cup weekend.”

In addition to the PDJF, the Breeders’ Cup Zenyatta After-Party Celebration also will benefit CANTER as well as other equine, children, and racing-related charities.

Zenyatta fans in attendance will also be treated to live entertainment by Liza G. and her “Zenyatta” song, and a silent auction with Zenyatta memorabilia and artwork will take place throughout the evening. A live auction will feature several premium items including a special artist proof of the “Zenyatta, Horse of our Lifetime” bronze by Nina Kaiser, the sculptor of the life-sized Zenyatta statue recently unveiled at Santa Anita, a canvas from acclaimed equine artist Jaime Corum featuring Zenyatta entitled “Breeders’ Cup Gold,” an original halter from Zenyatta’s foal, and a trip to see Zenyatta at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, KY.

The After-Party Celebration will be from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 2, allowing race-goers a relaxing environment to toast the day’s winners and gather to celebrate the past and present of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at the Frontrunner Lounge. Amenities include a California buffet, a cash bar featuring Z-cocktails, and race replays from Friday’s Breeders’ Cup program. Tickets are $50 for admission only, or $95 for admission combined with the buffet. A limited number of tickets are still available for sale at Zenyatta Shop.

As an added benefit for “The Queen’s” most loyal fans, reserved seating for the Breeders’ Cup Championship races in the specially designated Zenyatta Section is also available for $150 on Friday and $250 on Saturday. See Zenyatta Shop for sales and details.

About Breeders’ Cup
The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships.  The Breeders’ Cup also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup Web site, BreedersCup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

590 Comments

  2. / Reply

    Ann NC:

    Thanks for the link to Rachel Alexandra’s career, she was one powerful horse! In a way I am glad Zenyatta and Rachel never raced, because I have such love for both for such different reasons, if one had beat the other I would have felt bad for the filly that lost, this way I can love and appreciate their individual accomplishments. I actually started following RA’s career before Zenyatta’s, I first learned about Zenyatta when someone was talking about RA’s stablemate Zenyatta, and then I stated following her too! I know this sight is all about Zenny, but I do think Rachel is pretty special and gorgeous looking too!

    Hope you are safe in NC

    GirlSaratoga

    • / Reply

      Dear GS,
      That was both Ann and I, great minds think alike
      especially when we both have expert crow hoppers
      And this cool weather keeps them hopping.

      Bet Zenny is a good crow hopper, I know she has
      Always been a great one for bucking on the track
      And at Lanes End, too

      • / Reply

        LOL, Sign.
        Zenny was a good crow hopper,wasn’t she? Love hearing about her adventures w/ the crow hopping and Steve Willard!
        Sign,you ready to leave and get on the Big Bird? Have fun!!!!

        • Dear Ann,
          Getting ready to get onto that BIG BIRD heading for that BIG City LA.
          Hope everyone stays safe in the NORTH EAST AND EAST. I hate
          these storms. I was going to ask you something and just had a
          brain infart, too much crow hopping. Will think of it and get back
          to you.

          Love to Moose and Goose, Jethro was deathly afraid of cows, a real good
          TB guy, HA HA HA !!!

          Oh yes, now I remember, how did you like 12 Z learning his lead rope lesson. I think he was doing the leading, HA HA HA !!!! I think he thinks the camera is another horse !!! It must be sooo fun teaching those weanlings, but you have to have a lots and lots of patience. Did you train your horses?

          XXXXXOOOOO

    • / Reply

      GS,
      Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you,Sign for the lovely photos and extra coverage.
      GS, please stay safe during the storm. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and all folks in the path of Sandy.

  3. / Reply

    Well Sandy is here, and it’s been windy and cold the entire day. I’ve seen some pictures of the beaches along our coast, and those ways are insanely high. Everyone on or near the coast, stay safe! Brace yourselves New England! You guys are in the path of the perfect storm. I hope all is well for them too, because I’m very worried about how the horses at Belmont and Aqueduct will fare.

    • / Reply

      Pati:

      The east coast is in trouble! Hope the horses have left NY by now, or they may not get out until Wednesday? Some states and towns are going to start evacuating as early as tomorrow afternoon! YIKES!!!!!! i CAN’T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING AGAIN!

      Not a Happy Camper!
      GirlSaratoga

  4. / Reply

    HERE WE GO AGAIN:

    One year ago today the east was hit with an awful pre-halloween storm, wet snow, mixed with high winds bending branches and of coarse loss of power!

    Now we are about to be hit again!

    Last year I lost my power one hour after the storm started (My area was the first to loose power) and needless to say 12 days later finally got it back! (We were the last area to get power back)! I did not leave my house as many of my neighbors did, I stayed to take care of the animals, especially the two older cats ages 17 and 20 respectfully at that time! I was graciously invited to stay at relatives and friends house but I respectfully declined to care for my 2 older cats. Although, it was cold and dark and very quiet at night it was my choice, but 12 days with no heat, hot water, tv or radio was a lot to bare. Now I did leave the house to work, shower, and eat an occasional hot meal, but returned home every night to be with the animals. As the Breeders Cup drew closer, I became more anxious as to whether I would be able to see the end to a fine racing season. As luck would have it my brother, who would get power and then loose it decided he had had enough and got a hotel at the casino for the weekend, to my good fortune he got his power back and gave me the room for the weekend, to enjoy a warm bed, hot shower and descent food. It was a weekend I will never forget!

    Now here we are one year later and it looks like a possible repeat, minus my 20 year old cat who would now be 21! (I still have the 17 year old cat who is now 18)! Everyone keeps saying prepare for this Frankenstorm, but how does one prepare? Don’t buy food, in case we loose power, buy candles, bottled water and peanut butter and bread! Ugh!

    Wishing all the Z-family safety during this uncertain and unpredictable weather.

    GirlSaratoga

    • / Reply

      Stay safe. I heard that Animal Kingdom was supposed to travel West on Monday but he was put on a plane this afternoon instead. I bet others are doing the same. He flew out of Louisville per Graham’s assistant.

      • / Reply

        Bobbie
        Posted story from Daily Racing Form on page 3.
        It is quite a feat of logistics getting all the New York area horses & those in Kentucky to the West Coast.
        Worth the read.
        Keta

    • / Reply

      GirlSaratoga,
      You have to be heartsick knowing this storm is headed your way.
      Stay Safe! Thoughts & prayers are with you and yours.
      Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      Dear GS,
      It is such a difficult time when these storms hit
      No matter what form. We here in Houston were
      Hit with Tropical Storm Allison in June and the
      Wake of Katrina and Rita in the same year. No food
      Just peanut butter and packages of tuna so I can
      Defiantly empathize. And listening the the storm roaring
      Outside and wondering what is going to happen to
      My home is very unnerving.

      Thoughts and prayers to all in Sandy’s path.

    • / Reply

      GirlSaratoga, I will be praying hard for you and thinking of you during and AFTER the storm!! As a Katrina survivor, I feel your pain and your worry. We were weeks without power and I swore if we ever have another one, Montana here I come!! Don’t know why there, I’ve just always loved it. I’ve never been without power in cold weather, what is that like? I hope you don’t have to worry about water or anything inside your house. Nevertheless, we will be thinking of you and hope you can stay in touch! It sounds frightening! Also, Pati and anyone else in the path, please keep us informed! I hope all the horses hurry up and fly out soon! Stay safe all!!

      • / Reply

        Louise:

        Being without power in colder weather is AWFUL! and here is the reason why….It gets dark earlier, so the sun if there is any goes down early, but the worst is you get in your car which is warm especially if you turn the heat on and you go to maybe work and it too is warm, and then you drive home to a dark cold house and trying to stay home becomes a game! I will say “thank God” last year’s storm was not in dead of winter like December of January, when it’s bitter cold.

        Thanks for your prayers and kind thoughts!

        GirlSaratoga

      • / Reply

        Dear Louise,
        I felt the same after Ike, get our of dodge,
        Montana sounds like a great idea

        Prayers for all in the path of Sandy, GS,
        Thinking of you and lots of prayers hope it bypasses
        You.

    • / Reply

      Dear GirlSaratoga,
      Hope you do not have to endure the power outage and damage again this year.
      Please stay safe, both you and your cat.
      Hang tough with best wishes for your safety.
      Take care and lots of hugs!

    • / Reply

      Hope you and your elderly charges are okay?! It sounds like an awful storm. Hope your power comes on real quick.

  5. / Reply

    Dear Z fans,

    Very nice piece on HRTV today of Dale Romans
    Showing off his BC contenders. Little Mike was looking
    Like, what is going on. Dullahan was a real “bad
    Boy” as Rosie N says. Head up in the air and really
    Dragging the groom around. Then Shack came out
    With a very confident showing like “the Man” he is.
    Dale Romans was really funny he said Shack is a real
    Man so don’t try to love on him, but he will be sweet
    For a peppermint. A couple of fans then feed him mints.

    Gary Stevens was commenting on today’s works, he said
    Shack is ready to go, looks great and is in great form.
    He said Dullahan did not have a good work, his head was up
    High, which meant he was uncomfortable and his ears
    Were pinned like he was unhappy. The dirt surface sting
    Horses feet, don’t think Dullahan likes the stinging. Gary thought
    The turf would be a better fit for him, but the competition
    Is greater their with Wise Dan and Point of Entry.

    Decision on where Dullahan runs will be made tomorrow
    Morning.

    • / Reply

      Sign,
      Thanks for the great description of the interview.
      How can Dullahan (the headless horseman) not run on Halloween weekend? : )
      Maybe turf will be the best choice.
      Glad the rain has stopped in your area.
      Prayers for those in the path of the Frankenstorm–may all be safe!
      Keta

      • / Reply

        Dear Keta,

        Soo true, the headless horseman is right.
        It is soo hard when horse are foaled in the
        Same years with other more talented ones.

        Dullahan is sure a character, will definitely
        Look to see what they decide. Would that
        Not be great if he could win in Dubai, he loves
        The feel of the poly track on his beating hooves.

        • Thanks, Sign, Love that he Dale let the guys have a meet and greet.
          Love me some Shack,Mr. gorgeous,big ole chestnut!

        • Dear Ann and Keta,

          Wondered what Shack would do if someone tried to love on him,
          maybe a bite, or a head twist. Can’t help but think he would love
          to have that beautiful white and chestnut forehead rubbed.

          All equines love that, will have to ask Dale this question ???

    • / Reply

      Keta:

      What a nice video, they are sooooooooo gorgeous! I just hope I will have power to see them race! I hope our east coast guys and dolls are on their way there because things are looking pretty scarey here, starting tomorrow!

      GirlSaratoga

  7. / Reply

    Morphettville Racing‏ tweet Oliver delighted to secure Americain ride

    Here is the opening of the story–link is below.
    Damien Oliver says his spring racing carnival is alive again after he won the prized ride aboard 2010 Melbourne Cup winner Americain.
    The owners of the French-trained galloper who will be lining up for his third Melbourne Cup, sacked regular jockey Gerald Mosse, replacing him with Oliver.
    “It’s given me a huge lift,” Oliver said
    Read more: http://www.justhorseracing.com.au/news/australian-racing/oliver-delighted-to-secure-americain-ride-2/171661 #ixzz2AYNPVsAJ

    • / Reply

      Keta: The securing of Damien to ride Americain is interesting given the circumstances – he’s under investigation for betting (undefined) on a race around 2 years ago, and was recently dumped by the top stables here (such as Darley). His placing on Americain is credited with giving the horse a boost in the betting stakes – an Australian jockey being seen by some as a much safer proposition that Mosse who doesn’t have much support over here. We’ll just have to wait until the first Tuesday in November to see how it all pans out!

      • / Reply

        Kathy R
        One story which I did not post said that the replacement was to put
        an Aussie in the saddle.
        Interesting!
        Keta

        • Keta: have heard the Americain connections hint that was the case in an interview with Andrew Bensley on Skysportsradio. I think they’re getting very keen for another Melbourne Cup win for Americain, given that they intend to send him to stud (maybe Australia, maybe France is the talk). And there is certainly a fair amount of contempt for Mosse and the way he has handled the horse. But then again, there were more than a few questions regarding the way David Hayes handled him when he was placed in that stable for a time, before being returned to France. At the moment the horse has plunged in the betting, which is attributed to the Oliver ride. Just hope the scandal surrounding Oliver doesn’t come back to haunt them all. But Americain is a magnificent animal! Cheers KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R,

      Oh boy an Aussie guy at the BC !!!
      Yeah !!!
      Wish SYT would have come here !!

  9. / Reply

    Dear everyone: just a question (I’m looking at the New York Times/Washington Post websites to follow this filthy storm) – how do the Chincoteague ponies manage in these sorts of conditions? The Post is saying the island might be in the direct path of the Thing.

    • / Reply

      Kathy R:

      Thanks for your kind thoughts regarding this Frankenstorm we about to get! I was so hoping it was a Big to do about nothing , but after watching the recent local news, I’m afraid we won’t be so lucky to escape with a little wind and rain!

      Evacuations will be starting tomorrow as early as 6am for the shoreline residents, and then from there like every 2 hours. Schools are already being cancelled for Mon and Tues and they have already got shelters set up.

      So tomorrows plan is stock up on candles, fill the gas tank, get a few snacks, and pray that he goes off to sea!

      They have already predicted that 70 percent of the state will loose their power! (Now thats something to look forward too!

      Montana is looking real good about now!

      GirlSaratoga

      • / Reply

        Maybe I should also think about having a Hot meal tomorrow too! (just in case it’s peanut butter and chips for the next couple of days)!

        GirlSaratoga

        • Dear GirlSaratoga: I’m feeling really bad now – it’s a very pleasant sunny, calm day here in Canberra, Australia, and I just wish I had the magic want to whisk all you folk (and assorted animals) down here for a while to escape the Thing. But prayers will just have to do, and hugs to all round. You’re all very brave!

      • / Reply

        Dear Girl Saratoga:

        I guess we’re in for it this time. Will be thinking of you and yours. Stay safe. Hugs, JB

        • Dearest Judy B:

          Yea we are gonna get it, it’s just a matter of how hard we will get hit! Things already under way here, evacuations, school closings, shelters, we are not gonna get caught off guard this year!

          My daughter is flying out to Alaska in 2 weeks, so glad it isn’t this week! I’m already a nervous wreck about her going, I don’t need the threat of some Frankstorm to add to my worry! It will be the first time my daughter has flown any where alone, and she has to change planes in Dallas Texas, which I have never flown into. (But I understand Dallas airport is HUGE!)

          So lets get this storm out of the way so I can move on to my next worry!

          Be Safe my friend

          Lots of hugs to you
          GirlSaratoga

        • Dear Girl Saratoga:

          Glad your daughter isn’t traveling now too. As I’m writing this, the wind is really picking up. I hope we don’t lose power, but there are very strong wind gusts. Stay safe. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear GS,
      I think all of the horses find shelter to stand
      Under or around or huddle together with the
      Young ones in the middle.

      Thoughts and prayers go with you and everyone
      On the east coast.

  10. / Reply

    Keta,

    I know everyone is thinking about the Breeders Cup now, me too. But if you ever see any links anywhere of my beautiful Invigorate (Acutally Michael Blowen’s horse) please I wish so hard you would post them here. So everyone could just share seeing this beautiful horse. I know this is a tall order to fill and I know if Judy sees anything she will post it too.

  11. / Reply

    Thoughts and prayers to all in the path of the storm. Really worried about the Chincoteague ponies as they appear to be in the main part of it. Hope all will be well.

    • / Reply

      Dear Peppermint:

      Worried about all the animals in the path of the storm too. Hope they can find shelter. Hugs, JB

        • Dear Ann NC: Thanks so much for that link on the ponies! Have very fond memories of visiting the islands and viewing the ponies – such a unique experience. Prayers for all the folk on the island, and of course to everyone in the path of the filthy Thing. Hugs and love KathyR.

  12. / Reply

    Dear Z fans,
    Unable to post link about Sandy, computer at
    The shop. However, they are stating that it
    May be worse the Katrina, hitting As far south as
    North Carilina and as far north as Boston. The storm
    Surge may be higher than the barriers ( 5 feet)
    In Manhatten, concern is subway system me be
    flooded. And EVEN SNOW IS PREICTED with the
    Cool weather in the Northeast.. Sandy will join with
    Another storm earlier in the week, which makes
    It the FRANKENSTORM, such a huge spread !!

    Thoughts and lots of prayers for those in the east, and
    On the east coast.

  13. / Reply

    HRTV

    Zenyatta Special

    Friday, November 2, 2012

    The preview video/photos are lovely.

    Hope everyone can watch.

  14. / Reply

    Different analysis of Dullahans work yesterday
    As Gary Stevens did not see his work on the back
    Stretch which was fast and smooth. Gary now thinks
    He may have been tired down the stretch and used
    His turn of foot at the beginning of the work rather
    Than the end.

    Still no decision for Dullahan, turf or BCC

    • / Reply

      I love this horse. He was right there in the KY Derby,sure hope he can stay sound and keep racing. He is a go getter and can still be a great one!

  15. / Reply

    Special stall for Emcee, on behalf of Richard Mandella.
    Kind of a nervous guy couped up is a stall
    Without windows.

    RM arranged for him to be in a pony stall, where he
    Can walk out and look at everyone in the shed row.

    Great partnerships in racing !!!

    • / Reply

      AHHH, that is great. He is a nosey thing,isn’t he? I love a horse that wants to stay “in the know”! Good for him and great caring for all.

  16. / Reply

    best of everything to any and all in the path of the storm….please remain safe…
    its been many yrs…but while i lived in Louisiana a lifetime ago….there was Diana

    • / Reply

      Oh yes, Diana was treacherous!!!

      Utah/Arkansas must look much better
      Weather wise for you !!

  17. / Reply

    dear sign thinking and praying for all of the folks ( especially girl saratoga) in the pathway of this dreadful storm praying for animals caught up in it as well we’re back to normal today rain and cold (wish we were all in canberra with kathy)!!! dont know if max has seen lovely photo of denman out with the beaufort hunt on alice plunkett’s twitter page he looks magnificent!! no news of kauto yet all of you keep safe hugs sheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      Thanks so much for the words of concern for
      Our northeast and east coast Z family. Soo I very
      Concerned, too. And the animals !!!. Yes to be
      Down Under, summertime would be wonderful.
      Will look up Denmans photo, too. If Kauto is retired
      Will he also be retrained? Sorry to hear about the
      Rain and cold, we have been quite chilly in Texas
      This past week, too.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the repost !!! From previous 2 pages,
      A narration of the event with Dales own words
      Was also posted.

      Love this guy, you are soo luck to be close.

    • / Reply

      Just love Shackleford and I’ll be rooting for him to win. Also think that this will be his last race before they retire him. Go big Shack!

  19. / Reply

    Dear Peggy N

    Have you contacted Old Friends to see if they
    have any archived pictures of Invigorate?
    I do not know if it will be any of his race days, but they
    may have some when he was residing there before his death.
    I have written to them via e-mail in the past and they
    are very good at answering questions.
    Just another avenue to try.

    Hugs
    Janet

    • / Reply

      Hey Janet,

      I did contact them and I got the nicest response back from Michael and he told me what heppened to him. I would like to have some more pictures of him. I hope they do have some archived.
      I hope to get back up there sometimes in the future. I will visit his grave.
      I am so glad I got to know him. LOL, Peggy

  20. / Reply

    Sign:

    Sorry I forgot to mention your link to the beautiful slide show of my Rachel A, like I said if it weren’t for her I would have not found our precious Zenyatta! Things are pretty calm here now, quiet, cold and dreary, I guess it’s calm before the storm!

    Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers, we should need them!

    GirlSaratoga

    • / Reply

      Glad you are prepared but sorry you must go thru this storm.
      Keeping you in my prayers and all others.
      Keep us posted on your situation,if able!
      Take care,GS!!!!!!!

  21. / Reply

    Everyone in Sandy’s path, please stay safe and if you have to evacuate, please do!! Life isn’t worth risking in situations like this one. I feel horrible. It’s a lovely, sunny, warm day here in Vallejo, Ca.
    I’ve been worried all weekend about the horses being transported in this weather but, at least, BC too has a plan just in case. Still, nerve racking though.

  26. / Reply

    WHOO HOO. !!!

    Sign wins after a slow start, great ride by Rosie.

    Maybe Zenny should go to Pulpit for her next date,
    He is an older Guy, 18 yo, but has some precious
    Progeny !!!

  28. / Reply

    dear max kauto must miss denman a lot they’d been together so many years imagine they’d want kauto tohave similar retirement do you remember a trainer from britain called michael dickinson (he came out to the US in the 80’s) I never realised he had been so successful he was well known over here for training the 1st five horses in the cheltenham gold cup in 1983 I think he’s retired now hpoe you are far away from the storms hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena. I googled Michael Dickinson. He has an impressive resume. I read that he worked with Vincent O’Brien and he was also the trainer of Da Hoss. Apparently he did not renew his training license in 2007, but he is working on projects relating to synthetics for tracks

      As for that horrible storm, I am hoping that the forecasts are worse than the reality. Scary business and very widespread throughout eastern US and Canada.

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