Zenyatta Captures Thoroughbred Essence, Says Photographer Neil Latham
For fine art photographer Neil Latham, his mum was the most powerful and soulful woman he had ever encountered, so when he noticed similar qualities among grazing horses in upstate New York while grieving his mum’s passing, he did what came naturally: he took a few photographs.
The shots captivated Latham – there was strength yet fragility, athletic supremacy with graceful movement, determination yet peaceful confidence. He sensed his mother’s presence. He was struck by a compulsion to capture the essence and mystique of the Thoroughbred on film, honoring these magnificent animals and his mother at the same time.
Yet over thousands of miles, 100-plus horses, 6,000 images, and countless equipment trials and set rotations, it wasn’t until Latham met Zenyatta that the original objective crystalized for him.
The Challenge of Essence
In order to reveal the profound, transcendent element he sensed beneath the surface of these complex animals, Latham fine-tuned his artistic vision, resolved technical issues and sorted logistics. He convinced horse owners and trainers to let him photograph their multi-million-dollar racehorses, and crisscrossed the country loaded with equipment. He slept in the groom dorms at Saratoga Race Course and camped in a tent at Kentucky Horse Park. “I had to live it and wait for the special moments,” he says.
To achieve absolute perfection, Latham experimented with photographic equipment, light, exposure and large-scale sets. He built a portable studio with a black backdrop 20 feet tall and 36 feet wide that had to be rotated every 15 minutes to maintain the perfect angle to the sun. He also shot stampeding horses to capture intrinsic wildness, with the swirling dust giving a magical element.
In the process, Latham visited storied horse farms including Lane’s End, Gainesway, Stonestreet, Coolmore, Spendthrift, Ramsey, and Adena Springs. He photographed Thoroughbred legends such as A.P. Indy, Curlin, Tapit, Rachel Alexandra, Ghostzapper and American Pharoah. Black-and-white images revealed isolated musculature after a good breezing, architectural lines and curves, frenzied running, and more as he pushed the artistic limits of the subject matter. Some images nearly resemble equine versions of Robert Mapplethorpe photographs.
And Then There Was Zenyatta
Latham and his assistant were shooting in California when approval came in to photograph Zenyatta. Excited, they drove for 34 hours straight, swapping driving and sleeping, arriving at Lane’s End Farm just four hours before the start of the scheduled session.
“By that time I had shot more than 6,000 images of the best Thoroughbreds in the country, yet she was the most glorious creature I had ever seen,” says Latham. “She was nearly posing…she seemed to know her best position. She loved to be photographed and looked right at the lens. She was so alluring. I was fully aware that what I had in front of me was an iconic animal – a horse with soul. I felt a tremendous amount of joy photographing her and didn’t want to stop.”
As the moment ended, Latham knew it was the end of the journey, too. He had captured the essence of the Thoroughbred.
“All of my photos portrayed the power and dominance of the breed, but it wasn’t until Zenyatta that I was able to reveal the emotional, fragile side,” says Latham. “It was the missing piece. I felt the finality, and then a wave of sadness. I never wanted it to be over; it’s hard to stop an obsession. But it seemed like there was nothing else to say – it had all been said with Zenyatta.”
Zenyatta Forever
Latham’s iconic portrait of Zenyatta is currently featured in an exhibition, “Neil Latham: American Thoroughbred,” at Steven Kasher Gallery in New York City through July 30. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Address: 515 W. 26th St. in Chelsea. www.stevenkasher.com/artists/neil-latham.
Limited edition prints are available in a few sizes ranging up to 50 x 60 inches for maximum impact. They are numbered, finished on archival paper with museum framing, and signed by the artist.
Zenyatta is also a highlight of the limited edition fine art coffee table book “American Thoroughbred” by Neil Latham published by Twin Palms. It features 182 pages with 80 duotones, and is casebound and slipcased for quality presentation. It retails for $95 and is available from the publisher at https://twinpalms.com/books-artists/american-thoroughbred/ or from Amazon (ISBN: 978-1-936611-12-6). It can also be purchased at the Steven Kasher Gallery in New York through the end of July.
American Thoroughbred has developed quite a following on Instagram, see @neil_american_thoroughbred. The photographer’s website is www.neillatham.com.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.Yet another late night for me with the breaking news about the attempted coup in Turkey.I wonder what will happen tonight??Poor Wimbley is very patient but has plenty ob snacks now.I posted a pic of Manthlet and Sebastian Parrot on my FB.Zoe is excited her Chicago Cubs won.What an incredible post from that policewoman.Larry was busy tweeting last night has over 80,000 followers now.Did you see the post about the bear and the cat living together.Really heartwarming.De Coronado running later.Wishing him well.We have some hurdle races on today from Market Rasen.Very dull and humid here today,no signs of Teg fledging yet.Cirrus is having the time of his life.He has a friend called Musir who turned out to be infertile so Christophe brought him home.Someone has had a heavy fall.Hope all will be well.Enjoy your weekend.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Angel Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO I forgot it was St Swithin’s yesterday and it rained!!!
sheena.davies(wales)
C’est La Vie.Sheena
http://www.facebook.com/cirrusdesaigles/
Jan S. / Houston
She is truly “Angelic”
sheena.davies(wales)
A nice win for The Tinman at Newbury this afternoon under Tom Queally.He rode a very patient race.Owned by the Tinman racing Syndicate he was back to his best on better ground.Tom is looking forward to riding some of Frankel’s offspring.
@Max you will be happy to know one of Big D’s daughters won at Newmarket called Forever Popular.She is by Pussycat Doll.Sheena
sheena.davies(wales)
Out of Pussycat Doll!!
Max
His fillies are tough like Big D’s boys. I used to follow Blue Bunting. She was a good racer.
Ann Maree / Tennessee
That “essence” that Latham talks about was mentioned several years ago, when the Breeders Cup Championship, took Steve Haskin and Richard Migliore to visit Zenyatta in November, 2011, just prior to the Breeders Cup. Both Richard and Steve Haskin talk about her electricity and her “charisma”. Richard said he had had that feeling only one other time and that was with Seattle Slew. Here is the link at YouTube: https://youtu.be/AKEfDX4WTn4
Ann Maree / Tennessee
As a further tribute to how much the Breeders Cup Championships was impacted when Zenyatta retired, in 2011, it was reported after the event the numbers for that year’s event were down by 11%, for attendance, handle and TV viewers. She had Star Power, and for three years her presence dominated the Breeders Cup. Her race in 2009 is still ranked #1 for the history of the Breeders Cup, and her narrow loss in 2010 ranked #2. Long Live Queen Z!!
One of her biggest fans was Bob Baffert, who prior to the Triple Crown last year had said the biggest moment he had ever witnessed, and his favorite, was the crowd reaction in 2009 after she won the Classic. I have watched many YouTube videos of Zenyatta, including interviews, and some of the best are when Zenyatta held court at Barn 55 for the many visitors who came in a constant stream to see her, to touch her, to experience her “essence”. Among those visitors, “groupies”, were the likes of Baffert, Chris McCarron, and others at the top echelon of the sport, as well as thousands of her “regular” fans. Indeed Zenyatta does have “soul”. She quite literally takes my breath away!
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Ann Maree,
Just beautiful! Your post has given me “misty eyes”.
Now just as then, she is breathtaking!
Thank you.
Hugs and Love
sheena.davies(wales)
A fairytale win for Mrs Danvers the grey who has just won the Wetherby’s supersprint.Owned by the turf club she was bought to run in this particular race.Out of Rebecca De Winter who else? and only cost 1000gns I think.Sheena
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Sheena,
Congratulations to Mrs. Danvers and her connections! Someone is a fan of Daphne du Maurier, it seems. I enjoyed the book and the movie, too.
Hugs and Love
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Marshall.I always watch the film when it comes around.Judith Anderson was brilliant as Mrs Danvers and Joan Fontaine plus Laurence Olivier well what can you say about them.Mrs Danvers the horse was such a bargain Love and hugs Sheena
Marshall (NC Broad)
Yes indeed — she was a Big bargain! That was a “bargain basement” price.
Nice job, grey girl!
Hugs and Love
sheena.davies(wales)
A 5th Irish Oaks for Aidan O’Brien with Seventh Heaven,Seamie Hefferman on board.Barry Geraghty broke his arm at Market Rasen this afternoon and will be off 2-3 months.Sheena
Max
At first I thought that you were talking about Seven Heaven, the Juddmonte horse. I wondered how he had managed to get into that race. Now get it. Sorry to hear about Barry. That’s a long layover. Hope he’s okay.
sheena.davies(wales)
Yes,very similar names A colt would have had great fun in the Oaks.I saw Barry’s fall brought down another horse.He will be fine no doubt.Jump jockeys are made of steel.
sheena.davies(wales)
I am not sure where De Coronado finished but he wasn’t in the first 4 according to Deana.Aidan had said he was still very green.We shall see what he and Ryan have to say.Sheena
Marshall (NC Broad)
De Coronado should do better next time — it’s a learning experience.
Congratulations to SH with Hefferman up and all connections!
Cheers and Hugs
Max
He was 9 of 12.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max and Marshall.I saw the replay and he was very green veered left then faded.He’s such a massive horse.I am sure he will have learned a lot today though.Sheena
Max
Irish papers said that he was unimpressive except in size. Looks like he was not paying any attention to Moore. He was more interested in the fans. Next time.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
What a wonderful post – the pictures, the narrative, the feelings conveyed!!!! Thank you so much to Team Z for sharing these Zenyatta moments with us ♥♥♥
Ingrid Arnone
This is why, she is our Queen Zenyatta!
So beautiful ! So sweet !
Love you !!!
Ingrid.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.We have been promised some hot weather next week maybe Tegid will have fledged by then.Sickening to hear some tourists call the attempted coup in Turkey so inconvenient for their holiday plans.250 died last night.are they so self centred they have no ounce of sympathy.God help us if they had been alive during the war and suffered the inconvenience of air-raids!Better luck next time for De Coronado.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Max
During WWII, Nearco had his own bomb shelter. He is Northern Dancer’s grand sire.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Thanks. Just saw your post on where DC finished. Next time.
Thanks for this very interesting fact on Nearco. If not for him, there would be no ND. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
More sad deaths. RIP.
Wishing Tegid well. How did DC finish; is there a video replay of the race? Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Ann Maree posted the re-play from At the Races.You could try their site.Love and hugs Sheena
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Thank you and Ann Maree. I did find DC’s race replay. He was No. 3 and he certainly has the Roberto ears. If I heard correctly, as Max said he finished ninth. Here’s the replay. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Curragh/16-July-2016/1850
Max
Compared to Zenyatta’s brother, the other horses look like little ponies. He might be still growing too.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Yes, indeed. I think he is still growing. Beautiful boy. Love and Hugs, JB
Darlene Daniels
“And then there was Zenyatta”!!!!!! What a perfect sentence. My life hasn’t been the same since there was Zenyatta. What a magnificent blessing for Mr Latham. I am thrilled for him. He has a great talent which will bless many people and only help TB racing. Thank you Team Z and Mr. Latham for this awesome post.
Dearest Z. Congratulations on being in foal and your continued fame. You will be loved for many generations to come. Zenyatta, my angel, I love you forever.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Beautiful Mama Z, COZ, ZI and DC:
Sleep well and Happy Dreams. Love all of you so much. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.
quarterhossgal
Neil discovered the soul of Queen Z. She is so special class,talent, heart! When you question your faith just take a moment and observe a horse….a truly wonderful experience! God bless this special creature.
Donna Alsabrook
She’s Not Here, Zenny’s niece a winner again in The Yellow Ribbon at Del Mar. It was a whale of a finish. She defended her title valiantly. You go girl.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Donna and Judy B.,
Big Congratulations to She’s Not Here for the win in the Yellow Ribbon at Del Mar!
Sounds as if she ran a big race. Zenny will be proud of you.
Hugs and Love
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Congrats to Z’s sister’s girl, She’s Not Here (Street Cry/Where’s Bailey). She won today at Del Mar, paying $20.40. Drayden Van Dyke aboard. Love and Hugs, JB
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
And John’s horse, Fresh Feline (a REAL long-shot) came in second!!! I went with the wrong JS horse :-(
Marshall (NC Broad)
YAY!
Thanks for the info, Sandy. Congratulations to Fresh Feline and John S.!!
Impressive.
Hugs and Love
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sandy:
Wow, that must have been some Exacta. Congrats to Fresh Feline and JS. Love and Hugs, JB
Sally Blank (cherishes Z and her foals)
Judy B, Yahoo!
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sally and Z Fans:
Indeed, the She’s Not Here/Fresh Feline $1.00 Exacta paid $161.90. Love and Hugs, JB
Elizabeth in New Mexico
Dear Zenny and Z Family,
Haven’t had the chance to say ‘Hello’ for a day or so. Hope everyone’s having a good weekend. Will look forward to catching up tomorrow or Monday. Love to you all,
Elizabeth
PS Pacing in pink and blue shoes! Will be a surprise to see which it will be, Zenny!
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Elizabeth:
Love and Hugs, JB
Debbie G
What a beautiful post. It brought tears to my eyes. Mr. Latham found out firsthand what us Zsters already knew – Zenyatta is an extraordinary, otherworldly being. The picture of her with her head in his arms says it all. She’s so very special. Mr. Latham is a lucky man. Thanks for sharing, Team Z! ?
Kathy
July 17 Cherokee Devotional
How do we become wise? At one time we thought we knew it all, and later on we wished we had kept our mouths shut until we had learned something. When we hunger to learn,we discover that dipping into the depths of one thing is a way of tapping into the reservoir of all knowledge, because all of life is connected.
We begin to touch on wisdom when we see how much more there is to learn. Churchill said he was always ready to learn-he just didn’t like being taught. So it is with most of us, yet we need to put our resistance aside and then listen and learn from life. Wisdom comes from observing and examining life not only with the intellect, but with the spirit. All wisdom comes from life itself, and from the One who created life.
I have heard that the earth is round like a ball, and so are the stars.
-Black Elk, Oglala Sioux
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Happy Sunday! I hope you are having an enjoyable weekend. Loved Zoe’s account of her visit to the library yesterday afternoon. She even gave out bookmarks and cards with her picture on the. She must be wildly popular with the kids! Two of them kept getting in line to read to her. So cute. Take care. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Angel Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO
Lise from Maine
Bonjour Zenyatta,
Such lovely photos of you.
Love to you and your sons.
Lise from Maine
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.There are many times I have wished I had kept my mouth shut but we live and learn.We are expecting a mini heatwave this week temps reaching 90F by Tuesday.It’ll be a huge shock to the system!No signs of Tegid fledging yet but he is busy”helicoptering” today.Now it seems to be clearing here very dull and muggy this morning.Mango was very tired last night.I cannot believe they have driven all that way to get a new RV.They have got to meet a lot of friends though.Cirrus had a surprise visitor who else but Corine?I have posted the photo on my FB.Galieo sired his 30th Classic winner with Seventh Heaven.Aidan is now 3 off the record with 277.There was a memorial service for Woolfall Treaure at the stables children laid flowers and read poems.The police are no nearer finding the murderer.He was such a gentle giant.I hear Mick Jagger is to become a dad again at 73 He is already a great-granddad!This is his 8th child(that we know of)!Ronnie Wood’s wife Sally gave birth to twin girls back in may.Mother Theresa went to church this morning.Peter Hitchens said she is very cunning but didn’t think much of her new cabinet.Too poorly educated!Have a blessed Sabbath.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Angel Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO
sheena.davies(wales)
Gordon Lord Bryon rolled by the years by winning the Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh today.Age has obviously not dimmed his enthusiasm as he had to dig deep to beat Sovereign Debt and Toscanini.Sheena
Max
Interesting result is that the two oldest horses were 1 and 2. Good for them.
sheena.davies(wales)
Yes I think so and Megalala was a very close 3rd last week.He is 15.You cannot keep the “oldies”down.
Max
Compared to age 15, Gordon Lord Byron is a mere baby at 8. It is great to see these horses doing well at what they like best. It’s also a tribute to their caregivers.
sheena.davies(wales)
Rolled back the years!
sheena.davies(wales)
An enthralling finish to the British Open (golf)with Henrik Stenson hitting a sensational 8 under par round of 63.He beat America’s Phil Mickelson.Wonderful open by both men.Congratulations.Sheena
Max
That is one great golf course. Very tough.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Yes, incredible final round by Stenson!! Congratulations to him! Hard to believe that Phil played so well (I think they said his best final round in a major ever) and lost!
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max and Sandy.Everyone is talking about the phenomenal final round.Both lovely guys and Phil always so gracious.Sheena
Randy
As others have said, this article by Neil Latham made me cry. His description of Zenyatta and his experience photographing her was so lovely and confirms what we’ve known all along… that she’s an amazing gentle soul living in a quiet corner of Kentucky and if she could impart her wonderful qualities to the human race we probably wouldn’t have to read all the horrific news that seems to be happening almost daily.
She’s definitely one of a kind.
Rosie
It is Zenyatta and her magic!!
There is nothing to add to it…
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Yet more sadness in Baton Rouge today with 3 policemen killed and 3 injured,Very sad and a group of 100 left-wing loonies gathered outside Bojo’s house Friday evening .He wasn’t in but they threatened to kill him if he returned.What is wrong with peeps?
On a lighter note we are due to have higher temps than Hawaii tomorrow and Tuesday Not my cup of tea.Tegid is home alone tonight I should imagine he will go soon or maybe he’s a mummy’s boy.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
sheena.davies(wales)
Cirrus got some visitors today including a pretty special lady.Sheena
http://www.facebook.com/cirrusdesaigles/
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
CdA likes the children; beautiful smiles on their faces. So happy for him; he has a well deserved good life. Love and Hugs, JB