-I have been going to the races since I was a child and I have never experienced anything close to what you have given us. You epitomize grace, endurance, beauty, love and compete at a level untouched by any other horse. I hope your owners keep you here in California with your extended family that loves you so much. Thanks for sharing your wonderful spirit with us all.
When I wrote two days ago, I omitted a very important thing: “A million thanks to the entire Zenyatta team for the love,
care, training and riding. What a responsible example and what a thrill!”
I had to take a day or two and read over again a comment from one person. She said that Mike Smith’s ego lost Zenyatta the race. She went on about Mike being a “wonder rider”. Also about her being better able to win the Classic having no experience as a jockey or knowing how to ride. ??? Maybe this Old Adage will help – ” It is better to remain silent and be thought the fool then to spesk and remove all Doubt”. Let the facts speak for Mike Smith: He has won 4,918 races and counting. He has won the Espy,Eclipse, George Woolf awards and is in the National Museum of racing hall of fame. There’s too much more to mention but you get the point. For Mike Smith to have an ego, it would have to be surgically implanted. I have followed his career from his first years in California. He has always been a gentleman, never one to go on about himself. He will soon enough have 5,000 wins, not too many have done that. It might just make him a ” wonder rider”. I have been training and showing horses for a long time, all over the world. I know the heart break of not winning with a horse that is your everything. Things happen and nobody is at fault. You have to move forward. Mike Smith will always ride to win, to say otherwise is pure nonsense. Keep the faith, Mike.
Queen Z would have won this Breeder’s Cup, NO DOUBT, if she had not been bunched up and crowded out in the middle of the other horses at that certain point. We all know she does her thing coming into finish when she’s on the outside! EVERYONE knows that she is faster than Blame and had those things not interfered, she would have won! No matter what, Zenyatta is undefeated and holds the VICTORY!! She is AMAZING and gorgeous and showed her brilliance yet again. Even in retirement age, she proves such strength and stamina that blows even the others away, that are half her age! I will NEVER forget her race on Aug.7th at DelMar. Seeing that live was one unbelievable thrill as I stood in such awe when she came up from the back and smoked them all! People were screaming and yelling, crying, banners and signs cheering her, photographers and the media were swarming the fence! I have NEVER seen that kind of reaction for a racehorse EVER! It was truly a surreal moment and I was crying, with such a endearing love and happiness for her when she won that! I was honored to be a part of HISTORY IN THE MAKING THAT DAY! Don’t think I have ever screamed that loud as I did that day! ha ha! There is something definitely MAGIC about this raven-maned beauty. Her name is Arabic, and means: “The Beauty of Life”! How truly that fits her! Zenyatta, you are FOREVER the champion in horseracing, and we adore YOU with all our hearts! Be happy and peaceful now, revel in your glory, Beloved… and relax in the green pastures…you deserve it, Majesty! There will NEVER be another like you in speed, grace, intelligence and such CHARM! Long live and reign QUEEN ZENYATTA!!!
Zenyatta and Mike. What a lady…You made the horse racing industry of America proud. I come from a family of horse trainers, both you & Mike did your best. There is always RACING LUCK to contend with, and it happens. I hope you have a wonderful retirement, and Mike, do not blame yourself in any way. You did your best, and our hearts went out to you that day. Best wishes in your career, as you have ridden the best.
zenyatta, i have cried buckets of tears for you. they have been mostly happy tears.. you were so much fun to watch! before, during and after a race, i told my husband before you ran the breeder’s cup race, i would love to see you win, but most of all i wanted you to be healthy after it was all over. you’ve made us so proud and happy. we would love to see you race again, but all good things must come to an end. you are beautiful in so many ways. our thanks to mike, john, the moss’s, and everyone involved make some beautiful babies, you will be a great mom. don’t forget to teach them how to dance!!!!!
Zenyatta, you are beautiful! And in all of your fans hearts you won that race on Saturday. None of those other boys would have been able to come from the distance and be in second place by mere inches! You are an amazing and fierce competitor, Wishing you a happy retirement and tons of fun in the field and sun!
Please people, before you start blaming a jockey for a poor ride and his ego getting the best of him do your research. Mike Smith is one of the classiest most respected jockeys of our time. If you knew anything about racing and Zenyatta for that matter – don’t fix what isn’t broken. Her style is her style, she has won 19 races that way. Many a great champion was beat by the jockey changing the style in a big race. Had he pushed her too early and lost everyone would be blaming him for that. There is no one to blame. It is what it is. I was there in person at the rail when she came by the first time under the finish. Ill tell you, many gasped as she was not striding well the first time under the wire. Churchill is known for the dirt track being tough for some to get used to. The most impressive thing is we all thought at the track, in person, only yards away something was wrong. The composure, trust and patience he had with this mare was extraordinary. Several factor’s in the race could have made the difference of the “nose” she gallantly missed further perfection by. This is horse racing. The best horse doesn’t always win on the tote board or in the history books. This mare has done something only a few horses have ever done. Win 2 Breeders cup races (Ladies classic and THE Classic, ( and came back and missed by a nose) competed, sound at the top level for 3+ years and won 19 consecutive races without defeat. The traditionalists in this sport had better recognize male or female, those accomplishments are rarely paralleled in this sport today. She did her job and than some. For those purists that think fillies are less accomplished than colts, doesn’t she deserve that much more credit for doing what she did? All my respect and admiration go to her and her connections for keeping her racing which so many great horses don’t get the opportunity to do anymore…. The best part is she can retire sound, healthy, at the top of her game and loved by so many!!!
…… I have been a horse racing fan since my father first took me to the track when I was very young….
The 2010 Classic was by far the most exciting horse race I have ever seen…. I am still in awe at her presence on the track, win or lose she is a rare gem, any one of those trainers would be dying to train… The very nature that this was her third season, undefeated at Grade I level narrowly missing in the most important race of the year under those conditions with the handicap of being a mare (god forbid). Zenyatta, I am so glad I can say I saw you up close and in person, now if only I could have been so lucky to get my picture taken with you:)
I think Z. was startled to get a snootful of mud in the face at the beginning of the Breeders’ Cup. Another chance and she might really kick butt. That said, I’m glad she’s retiring since I’m terrified of racing accidents
You know, I know that your guys minds are set on retiring her now, and sending Zenyatta to the breeding shed, but to let you know, I seriously don’t believe that Zenyatta is ready for the breeding shed yet. Yea, she lost the Breeders Cup Classic to Blame on Saturday, but, you guys just have to look at Zenyatta and ask yourself, is she ready to retire and go to the breeding shed to make babies. I believe from the bottom of my heart, that Zenyatta is not ready to become a mother yet. She still has that fire in her eyes, that says, let me race, let me run. And seeing that she is going to be retired now, your telling her that, she is done, when she is trying to tell you, no she’s not. So, please reconsider unretiring her again and race her as a 7 year old? And okay, I’m not a big huge Zenyatta fan, as much as I am a big huge Rachel Alexandra fan, but watching Zenyatta on television, and watching her lose by a head or nose, whatever the margin is to Blame, you could tell that she still has that fire in her. So, please reconsider unretiring her once again and race her as a 7 year old? It would be better for her and the racing industry.
We love you Zenyatta!!! All you haters on here – go to Jason’s Blog on the Bloodhorse site and you can hate hate hate all you want – there are people there who still think she can’t beat males on dirt – hilarious!!!!
I just watched Secretariat yesterday. WHAT A GR8T STORY. I loved Seabiscuit as well. What a horse did not realize that he trashed the other horse by 37 lengths. So much for getting tired. I was truly amazed to C so much determination from one horse.
Thank you for bringing Zenyatta to us! It is always a thrill to see her run and even when she comes out just for show. I know that no announcements have been made but please know that she will always be remembered. I don’t think that the critics understand her influence and effect on people. I always found it amazing to watch her in the post parade and the way she would look down the stretch as if to say okay that’s where I have to go. And that people would go to the track just to see her – well, what more can be said. To all the Zenyatta camp, you did a great job!
Zenyatta, You are a mare for the ages, truly a legend in your own time. The way you run is mythical, the way you connect with your fans is spiritual. Blessings and thanks to your owners, trainer and all who cared for you.
Zenyatta is & always will be Zenyatta. A great race horse, as a filly & as a mare. A mare who could , not only run with the “Boys”, but a mare who could beat the “Boys”. We love you Zenyatta. Fine ridin` David Flores & of course you, Mike Smith. Congratulations to John Shirreffs for outstandin` trainin` & to the Ross`s, Congat, & take good care of a truly special animal, the great “Zenyatta”
I apologize to Jerry Moss & his Lady for the misspellin` of their name. I mistakenly put Ross. And I meant to say congrats, not congat. Job well done by all of you guys, John Shirreffs, Dave , Mike , & least but not least, you two guys. There will never be another “Zenyatta” & she ran her heart out at kentuky`s Louisville Downs at the Breeders Cup. A race well run, by both Zenyatta & Mike Smith.
America finally has a Queen! As for the Breeders Cup 2010; that’s horse racing. My concern for Zenyatta is the potential psychological trauma that retirement may bring. She basks in the limelight of attention and obviously loves the crowds; she dances for them. So let her dance!!!! Retirement has been proven to be difficult for humans and I hate to think what retirement may do to Zenyatta’s spirit. Many retired racehorses are being rescued and re-trained for dressage and hunt competitions; I hope her owners consider this possibility. Of course we all eagerly await her offspring, but what stallion today is worthy of Queen Zenyatta? Long live the Queen!
I became a huge Z fan just by watching her on TV since I live in KY. To have the opportunity to see her in person was unbelievable. I can’t thank Jerry and Ann and all of the Z family enough for sharing her with us. Thanks to the generosity and kindness and patience of Ann and Jerry I spent hours the Sunday after BC just watching and being mesmerized by Zenyatta. I think I was the only one there without a camera. What a treat. It was priceless. Thanking you for giving all of us that precious time with Z. I loved what Ann said about Z when she comes to Ky to have her baby. She said they will negotiate with whatever farm they choose for Zenyatta to always be allowed visitors. I thought that was so special because Zenyatta is used to that and would miss it so much. Of course it would be great for all of us, too. I just don’t know how to express it enough but thank you again for sharing Z with us. I want whatever is best for Zenyatta and hope and pray she will always be happy. She is very special. Another good thing Ann said that Sunday. Z is a gift from God. Very true. May she always be dancing and running and living life the Zenyatta way!!!! I think Queen Z thought she won the race and in all our hearts she did.
A horse from ancient times has been used and prized in value by many cultures and civilizations. From the heart of the spirit, and an eye of a champion, Zenyetta was born. Some of us are blessed enough to be able to say we have ridden or trained or been around such equine energy. They become our teachers. How grateful we all can be to have witnessed the beauty and the grace of all her best performances.
Michelle Benes
Hey you all, here’s a link to a lovely article in the Thoroughbred Times: “Commentary: Some Down Under perspective on Horse of the Year debate – Thoroughbred Times”
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2010/november/10/zenyatta-commentary-horse-of-the-year-debate.aspx
maggie
-I have been going to the races since I was a child and I have never experienced anything close to what you have given us. You epitomize grace, endurance, beauty, love and compete at a level untouched by any other horse. I hope your owners keep you here in California with your extended family that loves you so much. Thanks for sharing your wonderful spirit with us all.
Mike Relva
My thanks to ALL connections to the wonderful Zenyatta. As a fan,she took me places no other horse ever had.
Marshall Perry
When I wrote two days ago, I omitted a very important thing: “A million thanks to the entire Zenyatta team for the love,
care, training and riding. What a responsible example and what a thrill!”
laura
I had to take a day or two and read over again a comment from one person. She said that Mike Smith’s ego lost Zenyatta the race. She went on about Mike being a “wonder rider”. Also about her being better able to win the Classic having no experience as a jockey or knowing how to ride. ??? Maybe this Old Adage will help – ” It is better to remain silent and be thought the fool then to spesk and remove all Doubt”. Let the facts speak for Mike Smith: He has won 4,918 races and counting. He has won the Espy,Eclipse, George Woolf awards and is in the National Museum of racing hall of fame. There’s too much more to mention but you get the point. For Mike Smith to have an ego, it would have to be surgically implanted. I have followed his career from his first years in California. He has always been a gentleman, never one to go on about himself. He will soon enough have 5,000 wins, not too many have done that. It might just make him a ” wonder rider”. I have been training and showing horses for a long time, all over the world. I know the heart break of not winning with a horse that is your everything. Things happen and nobody is at fault. You have to move forward. Mike Smith will always ride to win, to say otherwise is pure nonsense. Keep the faith, Mike.
DJ
Queen Z would have won this Breeder’s Cup, NO DOUBT, if she had not been bunched up and crowded out in the middle of the other horses at that certain point. We all know she does her thing coming into finish when she’s on the outside! EVERYONE knows that she is faster than Blame and had those things not interfered, she would have won! No matter what, Zenyatta is undefeated and holds the VICTORY!! She is AMAZING and gorgeous and showed her brilliance yet again. Even in retirement age, she proves such strength and stamina that blows even the others away, that are half her age! I will NEVER forget her race on Aug.7th at DelMar. Seeing that live was one unbelievable thrill as I stood in such awe when she came up from the back and smoked them all! People were screaming and yelling, crying, banners and signs cheering her, photographers and the media were swarming the fence! I have NEVER seen that kind of reaction for a racehorse EVER! It was truly a surreal moment and I was crying, with such a endearing love and happiness for her when she won that! I was honored to be a part of HISTORY IN THE MAKING THAT DAY! Don’t think I have ever screamed that loud as I did that day! ha ha! There is something definitely MAGIC about this raven-maned beauty. Her name is Arabic, and means: “The Beauty of Life”! How truly that fits her! Zenyatta, you are FOREVER the champion in horseracing, and we adore YOU with all our hearts! Be happy and peaceful now, revel in your glory, Beloved… and relax in the green pastures…you deserve it, Majesty! There will NEVER be another like you in speed, grace, intelligence and such CHARM! Long live and reign QUEEN ZENYATTA!!!
Jane Hallmark Bunyard
Zenyatta and Mike. What a lady…You made the horse racing industry of America proud. I come from a family of horse trainers, both you & Mike did your best. There is always RACING LUCK to contend with, and it happens. I hope you have a wonderful retirement, and Mike, do not blame yourself in any way. You did your best, and our hearts went out to you that day. Best wishes in your career, as you have ridden the best.
marsha roliardi
zenyatta, i have cried buckets of tears for you. they have been mostly happy tears.. you were so much fun to watch! before, during and after a race, i told my husband before you ran the breeder’s cup race, i would love to see you win, but most of all i wanted you to be healthy after it was all over. you’ve made us so proud and happy. we would love to see you race again, but all good things must come to an end. you are beautiful in so many ways. our thanks to mike, john, the moss’s, and everyone involved make some beautiful babies, you will be a great mom. don’t forget to teach them how to dance!!!!!
Robin
Zenyatta, you are beautiful! And in all of your fans hearts you won that race on Saturday. None of those other boys would have been able to come from the distance and be in second place by mere inches! You are an amazing and fierce competitor, Wishing you a happy retirement and tons of fun in the field and sun!
Michelle Carter
Love Zenyatta, she will always be my favorite.
Susan
The Girl ran a beautiful race everytime.
She is indeed a Queen!
Kelly F
Please people, before you start blaming a jockey for a poor ride and his ego getting the best of him do your research. Mike Smith is one of the classiest most respected jockeys of our time. If you knew anything about racing and Zenyatta for that matter – don’t fix what isn’t broken. Her style is her style, she has won 19 races that way. Many a great champion was beat by the jockey changing the style in a big race. Had he pushed her too early and lost everyone would be blaming him for that. There is no one to blame. It is what it is. I was there in person at the rail when she came by the first time under the finish. Ill tell you, many gasped as she was not striding well the first time under the wire. Churchill is known for the dirt track being tough for some to get used to. The most impressive thing is we all thought at the track, in person, only yards away something was wrong. The composure, trust and patience he had with this mare was extraordinary. Several factor’s in the race could have made the difference of the “nose” she gallantly missed further perfection by. This is horse racing. The best horse doesn’t always win on the tote board or in the history books. This mare has done something only a few horses have ever done. Win 2 Breeders cup races (Ladies classic and THE Classic, ( and came back and missed by a nose) competed, sound at the top level for 3+ years and won 19 consecutive races without defeat. The traditionalists in this sport had better recognize male or female, those accomplishments are rarely paralleled in this sport today. She did her job and than some. For those purists that think fillies are less accomplished than colts, doesn’t she deserve that much more credit for doing what she did? All my respect and admiration go to her and her connections for keeping her racing which so many great horses don’t get the opportunity to do anymore…. The best part is she can retire sound, healthy, at the top of her game and loved by so many!!!
Kelly F
…… I have been a horse racing fan since my father first took me to the track when I was very young….
The 2010 Classic was by far the most exciting horse race I have ever seen…. I am still in awe at her presence on the track, win or lose she is a rare gem, any one of those trainers would be dying to train… The very nature that this was her third season, undefeated at Grade I level narrowly missing in the most important race of the year under those conditions with the handicap of being a mare (god forbid). Zenyatta, I am so glad I can say I saw you up close and in person, now if only I could have been so lucky to get my picture taken with you:)
Kelly F
PS…I also witnessed Cigar winning his 16th consecutive win in a row at Arlington Park in Chicago, her only loss was more phenomenal than that.
PS Cigar still won Horse of the Year the year he lost to Alphabet Soup in the BC Classic…….
caressa mann
kelly f thank you for saying that i was at the rail myself and agree 100 percent
Lynette Jones
Z, I hope you get to race again–only because I know you will miss it so much. We will miss you too.
Praise to the owners and trainers who did not rush her…thanks for the ride!
jeanne
I think Z. was startled to get a snootful of mud in the face at the beginning of the Breeders’ Cup. Another chance and she might really kick butt. That said, I’m glad she’s retiring since I’m terrified of racing accidents
Robin Moore
You know, I know that your guys minds are set on retiring her now, and sending Zenyatta to the breeding shed, but to let you know, I seriously don’t believe that Zenyatta is ready for the breeding shed yet. Yea, she lost the Breeders Cup Classic to Blame on Saturday, but, you guys just have to look at Zenyatta and ask yourself, is she ready to retire and go to the breeding shed to make babies. I believe from the bottom of my heart, that Zenyatta is not ready to become a mother yet. She still has that fire in her eyes, that says, let me race, let me run. And seeing that she is going to be retired now, your telling her that, she is done, when she is trying to tell you, no she’s not. So, please reconsider unretiring her again and race her as a 7 year old? And okay, I’m not a big huge Zenyatta fan, as much as I am a big huge Rachel Alexandra fan, but watching Zenyatta on television, and watching her lose by a head or nose, whatever the margin is to Blame, you could tell that she still has that fire in her. So, please reconsider unretiring her once again and race her as a 7 year old? It would be better for her and the racing industry.
Michelle
We love you Zenyatta!!! All you haters on here – go to Jason’s Blog on the Bloodhorse site and you can hate hate hate all you want – there are people there who still think she can’t beat males on dirt – hilarious!!!!
MeKyle WhoSane
I just watched Secretariat yesterday. WHAT A GR8T STORY. I loved Seabiscuit as well. What a horse did not realize that he trashed the other horse by 37 lengths. So much for getting tired. I was truly amazed to C so much determination from one horse.
Linda Flores
Thank you for bringing Zenyatta to us! It is always a thrill to see her run and even when she comes out just for show. I know that no announcements have been made but please know that she will always be remembered. I don’t think that the critics understand her influence and effect on people. I always found it amazing to watch her in the post parade and the way she would look down the stretch as if to say okay that’s where I have to go. And that people would go to the track just to see her – well, what more can be said. To all the Zenyatta camp, you did a great job!
Bonnie Manissero
Thank you Zenyatta for putting the joy back in my life.
MaryAnn
Zenyatta, You are a mare for the ages, truly a legend in your own time. The way you run is mythical, the way you connect with your fans is spiritual. Blessings and thanks to your owners, trainer and all who cared for you.
William Dippel aka Willie "D"
Zenyatta is & always will be Zenyatta. A great race horse, as a filly & as a mare. A mare who could , not only run with the “Boys”, but a mare who could beat the “Boys”. We love you Zenyatta. Fine ridin` David Flores & of course you, Mike Smith. Congratulations to John Shirreffs for outstandin` trainin` & to the Ross`s, Congat, & take good care of a truly special animal, the great “Zenyatta”
William Dippel aka Willie "D"
I apologize to Jerry Moss & his Lady for the misspellin` of their name. I mistakenly put Ross. And I meant to say congrats, not congat. Job well done by all of you guys, John Shirreffs, Dave , Mike , & least but not least, you two guys. There will never be another “Zenyatta” & she ran her heart out at kentuky`s Louisville Downs at the Breeders Cup. A race well run, by both Zenyatta & Mike Smith.
Dorothy Hopper
America finally has a Queen! As for the Breeders Cup 2010; that’s horse racing. My concern for Zenyatta is the potential psychological trauma that retirement may bring. She basks in the limelight of attention and obviously loves the crowds; she dances for them. So let her dance!!!! Retirement has been proven to be difficult for humans and I hate to think what retirement may do to Zenyatta’s spirit. Many retired racehorses are being rescued and re-trained for dressage and hunt competitions; I hope her owners consider this possibility. Of course we all eagerly await her offspring, but what stallion today is worthy of Queen Zenyatta? Long live the Queen!
Glenda M.H.
I became a huge Z fan just by watching her on TV since I live in KY. To have the opportunity to see her in person was unbelievable. I can’t thank Jerry and Ann and all of the Z family enough for sharing her with us. Thanks to the generosity and kindness and patience of Ann and Jerry I spent hours the Sunday after BC just watching and being mesmerized by Zenyatta. I think I was the only one there without a camera. What a treat. It was priceless. Thanking you for giving all of us that precious time with Z. I loved what Ann said about Z when she comes to Ky to have her baby. She said they will negotiate with whatever farm they choose for Zenyatta to always be allowed visitors. I thought that was so special because Zenyatta is used to that and would miss it so much. Of course it would be great for all of us, too. I just don’t know how to express it enough but thank you again for sharing Z with us. I want whatever is best for Zenyatta and hope and pray she will always be happy. She is very special. Another good thing Ann said that Sunday. Z is a gift from God. Very true. May she always be dancing and running and living life the Zenyatta way!!!! I think Queen Z thought she won the race and in all our hearts she did.
redhead 1
A horse from ancient times has been used and prized in value by many cultures and civilizations. From the heart of the spirit, and an eye of a champion, Zenyetta was born. Some of us are blessed enough to be able to say we have ridden or trained or been around such equine energy. They become our teachers. How grateful we all can be to have witnessed the beauty and the grace of all her best performances.
jahlgren
Hope you’re having a good Sunday rest, Z. Stay safe and healthy! Lotsa love.
Mike Relva
MICHELLE
Totally agree with you regarding Zenyatta haters. They need to go somewhere.