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Zenyatta Statue Unveiling: Live from Santa Anita



Live video for mobile from Ustream

The Zenyatta statue will be unveiled in Santa Anita’s Paddock Gardens area at noon (PDT), Saturday September 29. Watch the ceremony live here on Zenyatta.com courtesy of HRTV.

LEGENDARY MARE ZENYATTA TO BE HONORED FOR ALL-TIME WITH LIFE-SIZED STATUE IN SANTA ANITA’S PADDOCK GARDENS AREA, UNVEILING SET FOR SEPTEMBER 29

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2012)—The legendary Zenyatta, winner of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita and Horse of the Year in 2010, will be honored for all-time by Santa Anita Park as a life-sized statue of the great mare will be unveiled in Santa Anita’s Paddock Gardens area on the first Saturday of Santa Anita’s upcoming Autumn Meet, on Sept. 29.

Zenyatta. AP photo.
Additionally, the inaugural Grade I, $250,000 Zenyatta Stakes (formerly the Lady’s Secret), a race won by Zenyatta over three consecutive years from 2008 through 2010, will be run on Sept. 29.

Zenyatta, who at the age of eight is currently enjoying her role as a broodmare at Lane’s End Farm in Kentucky, will be joining two of the greatest horses of all-time, John Henry and Seabiscuit, as her statuary likeness will now join these legends of the American Turf adjacent to the track’s grandstand.

Named after The Police’s blockbuster album “Zenyatta Mondatta,” Zenyatta is owned by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jerry Moss and his wife, Ann.

“Like the song written by Sting and performed by The Police, everything Zenyatta did here will always be magic for the entire Thoroughbred industry,” said Santa Anita President George Haines. “Her win against the boys in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic is considered by many to be the greatest moment in Santa Anita history.”

The incomparable Zenyatta retired with a remarkable 19 wins from 20 career starts and $7,304,580 in earnings. Although she was defeated by a head in her final start, the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic, her stature as one of the sport’s all-time greats remained undiminished as she was voted the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year for 2010.

“The breadth of her accomplishments at Santa Anita alone is astonishing,” said Haines. “She won a total of seven races here, all stakes and six of them were in Grade I competition. Her story will forever resonate with our fans and we know we’ll have many thousands of people coming here over the years to admire her statue, which will be situated on south side of the Kingsbury Fountain, directly across from John Henry.”

Trained by John Shirreffs and ridden in her final 17 starts by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, Zenyatta made her third career start on Jan. 13, 2008, winning Santa Anita’s Grade II El Encino Stakes by 1 ¾ lengths under David Flores.

As was the case in her 2009 Classic victory, all nineteen of Zenyatta’s wins came in last-to-first fashion.

After winning the El Encino, Zenyatta’s subsequent Grade I wins at The Great Race Place came in the 2008 & ’09 Lady’s Secret Stakes, the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic, the 2009 Classic and the 2010 Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap.

“We’d again like to thank the Mosses for running Zenyatta here and we look forward to welcoming them back as we again honor ‘the big mare’ on Sept. 29,” said Haines.

Sculpted by Nina Kaiser, who also created the statue of John Henry, Zenyatta’s likeness stands at her height of 17.2 hands, and weighs 1,200 pounds, which is approximately what Zenyatta weighed throughout her racing career. Commissioned by Santa Anita, the world-renowned Kaiser worked on the project for more than two years.

Santa Anita’s 2012 Autumn Meet gets underway on Friday, Sept. 28. For more information or to make dining and seating reservations, fans are encouraged to visit www.santaanita.com or call (626) 574-RACE.

Reader Interactions

1,273 Comments

    • / Reply

      Sign,
      I liked your comments on Mr. Common.
      They were so positive.
      When you see a jockey change, there is a tendency to think negative.
      So, good job, good reminder
      Keta

      • / Reply

        Keta,
        John Sherriffs is such a very positive, supportive person and
        MIke is soooo busy. Glad they found someone who is really good with
        him and interested in riding. Mike is a tough act to follow, but sooo glad
        someone is giving some one else a chance. Mr Commons is very talented, but like the Artie Schiller’s are, “very hard headed” as JS would say.

        And you are right jockey changes are often more negative than positive.

        • This situation is similar to the one surrounding Zenyatta, except that Mike replaced David Flores.

        • Thanks TC and I bet David Flores kicks himself
          Everyday.

          I also think Mike is a really great rider and admire his
          Riding skill. Sounds like this new jockey really
          Specializes in the turf, which would be great for
          Mr C. I remember Mike saying in a video when he
          Was working “E” that Mr C is very very very fast.

          Look forward to Mr C next race.

  2. / Reply

    Paytner Update Wed. Oct 3 More Details on Surgery
    These tweets from A. Zayat were before the Champ is standing
    I wanted to share the most important news-first.

    we just received this from dr. Louise. “He is in recovery. It was what we expected (abscess in cecal apex) which was very resectable. I am not superstitious ….but….. can I wait to call you until he is standing?
    We will update later when we hear more from the doctors

    the champ is standing. He is in recovery room.
    Surgery want as plan.
    Dr. Southwood is very happy with it more later #warrior

  3. / Reply

    To All Z fans:

    HRTV will have informatation on the final line up and post positions
    for the Arc tomorrow on Pursuit of the Cup around 9:00 pm central time.

    Should be very exciting so see who is running as sooo many are not !!!

  4. / Reply

    Dear Ann in NC,

    9 and 1/2 cm for the ARC course, no wonder I can never see the Euro horses FEET, they are all covered up !!!!

  5. / Reply

    Dear Max,
    Left you a few comments on page 11.

    Thanks for all of your great insight !!

  7. / Reply

    I’ve been in contact with the college swim coach and I sent him a copy of my times. He likes them and said I would be one of their top freestylers! Now I’m really nervous!

    Doing lots of pacing and a lot less sleeping! I’ma have grey hair by Breeders’ Cup!

  9. / Reply

    Thanks to all my dear friends who have been praying for Money. This morning, Dr. Kelly said, “Let’s go one more round (of antibiotics). That ought to do it. We’ve cut the bute in half and will run out this weekend. Won’t get back on it unless the swelling gets worse. Thanks for your continued prayers! Love you all. This plus the 2 offers to buy our house, have our heads spinning. Will get back on track soon, I hope. Sorry if I miss important posts.

    PUP, PUT, PUM. Praying for Paynter to come out of surgery whole and himself again.

  10. / Reply

    dear max maybe with frankie riding camelot it might help we’ llsee i always felt young joesph gave him toomuch to do especially in the st leger then of course I could be wrong!!he’s entered in frankels race too on oct20th would’nt be fantastic if prince khalid changed his mind about retiring him well we can all dream cant we?hugs sheena

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        As TC would say, “Even when you know, you never know”! It’s a line from the horse racing movie Let It Ride. Hugs, JB

        • JudyB. My fav horse racing movie is A Day at the Races with the Marx Brothers. Hugo Z. Hackenbush, horse doctor, masquerading as a psychiatrist. The horse in that movie was a great jumper.

        • Dear Max:
          I’ve seen that movie a long time ago. Have you ever seen “Let It Ride”?

          I think you would enjoy it. Hugs, JB

        • JudyB. Have not seen it, but if you and Terry quote from it, it has to be good. Will try to find it. October 2 was Groucho’s birthday and TCM showed A Day at the Races in celebration. The scene at the betting window is priceless.

        • LOL…Max, great movie.
          Judy, I must watch let It Ride,asap!
          Going to the races w/ my brother was like being w/ Groucho!! never a dull moment.
          Happy Belated Birthday Groucho…so many GREAT Libras…..right TC!

        • Right you are, Ann. When you see Let it Ride, you will recognize most of the characters. At one time or another I have met the actual guys that are being depicted. On second thought, I am one of them.

        • Dear Max and Ann:

          Please let us know what you think of “Let It Ride” after you’ve seen it. There are some of my favorite stars in it: Richard Dreyfuss, Jennifer Tilly, Terri Garr and Robbie Coltrane to name a few. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Interesting Sheena,
      There were some very discouraging comments
      About Camelot today and I agree with you.
      With the field for the Arc so depleted, he may
      Have a chance. He is #2 with the handicappers.
      (see a previous post on page 9).

      I am afraid Joseph is growing too large in size to ride as
      He anticipated and spoke of happening last year
      When he won the Breeders Cup. He was five feet 11
      Inches last year sorry I am not sure what that converts
      To meters. Frankie may give Camelot a good ride!!!

      • / Reply

        The UK is only partially metric. They use the imperial system for body measurements. Sheena probably understands 5 ft 11 inches without any conversion to meters. And Camelot is now favored to win. Dettori has not won an Arc since 2002. Only the racing gods however know for certain who will win.

        • That is true as with all races, Max.

          We shall see and now we in the US can on TVG !!!
          I somehow thing the Japanese Champion will win, he is older,
          and more experienced, but may be not consistent in his wins???

        • I really think if Orfevre brings his A Game He will win…I have seen him loose and that time just looked like he really just wasn’t into it.
          But, in his good races, OH dear lord, Watch Out

    • / Reply

      Oh yes, Sheena.
      We can always dream of another year of
      The Great Champion Frankel.

  11. / Reply

    Last night I decided that I was inspired by “Paynter!” And doodled around and low and behold, it was HIM!!! I can even feel his eyes stairing right through me. However, the paper it’s on, well, has light sketches and stains. After pulling an “all nighter” working on this, it’s back to the drawing board (literally) to try and duplicate what I already did. Mr. Zayat, you would love this piece!!!
    It’s a head and neck shot and he’s looking at the camera like he’s ready to pounce! The photo is on Paynter’s fb page. I hope that I can do justice for The Zayat Warrior! Love you Paynter!

    https://www.facebook.com/messages/?action=read&tid=XR%2B%2Bi7jjzvbhr17Lo6WUaw#!/photo.php?fbid=305232966225646&set=a.305232312892378.72421.305232092892400&type=3&theater

    • / Reply

      Dear Heidi:

      What a gorgeous photo of Paynter. His star kind of reminds me of our Prince’s. Please post your painting of this shot when you are finished. Are you doing it in pastels? Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Oh My Gosh Heidi K,

      These are absolutely gorgeous !!!
      You are such a talented artist.

    • / Reply

      Americain is gorgeous, Good luck to all of the racers in Austrailia.
      A little different approach to racing confidence, huh, Max !!!

      Thanks Kathy R.

      • / Reply

        Sign. I have two sacrosanct rules: no acceptance of negative comments about Zenyatta and 12Z, and nothing which is negative about Big D and his babies. Z and Big D are my 17 hand heroes. Americain: run like the wind.

        • Negative ?????
          HUH ?????

          Misperception, guess so Max, as usual !!!

        • Judy and Max,

          Who is paying/supporting this site ???
          I guess the Mosses and Lanes End ????

      • / Reply

        Sign. My rule comment is a general one and is not directed at you. I do not recall any criticism of Z or Big D from you ever.

        • Dear Sign, Max and Z Fans:

          I do not think Max was directing his rules at anyone. I just think they are a playful way of saying how much Zenyatta and The Prince are loved by all of us and I so agree with that.

          We are all of one mind when it come to Zenyatta and horses in general; we love them and I don’t believe I have ever read negative comments here about any horse. Also, I think we respect each others opinions even when they differ on occasion. Love and Hugs, JB

  15. / Reply

    dear sign I dont know how young joesph manages to keep his weight down to 8st 13lbs he’s at least 6 foot now most likely he could turn to steeplechasing if he wants to carry on with racing such a shame that danedream cant defend her title she would have had a good chance I think she was sooo good at ascot in the summer good news about paynter all our prayers must have helped him!hugs sheenaX

    • / Reply

      Yes, it was such a thrill when young Joseph won the BC 2011 on St. Nicholas Abbey for him and his father. A very touching interview. Will try to find and post it for you.
      I think he realized that he would have to stop riding at sometime and his dad is probably giving his lots and lots of tips on training. I must say riding is sooo very very special as you and the horse become one. I rode hunter/jumpers and I bet steeplechase is very fun. Interesting that you can weigh more and be larger to ride
      in that. Not sure why it has not taken off more in the US.

      Soo disappointed about Danedream, last year was the first time I saw the Arc and it
      was sooo exciting because the terrain is sooo very different and challenging. Everyone was sooo very surprising when Danedream crossed the finish line and everyone said “a mare won the ARC”, as Workforce was defending his title. And he is one very gorgeous horse, too. One of our US riders, Gary Stevens, rode in the Arc, once and he talked about how the turns are so different and hard to navigate.

      One baby step at a time for dear Paynter !!!

  16. / Reply

    How is our Zenyatta? I think we need some current photos of her with her baby bump and her sweet, sweet, face!! Kisses on that soft nose.

  21. / Reply

    Dear Judy and Barbara,

    Thank you for the email, I have just been so worried about all these horses.
    I think I have just been about asleep on my feet lately.

  24. / Reply

    Orfevre’s last workout before the ARC
    ________________________________________________________________

    “Jockey Christophe Soumillon was delighted with Orfevre after he put the Japanese Triple Crown winner through his final serious workout before Sunday’s race.

    Orfevre worked over a mile at Chantilly on the grass gallop and having taken a lead inside the final two furlongs, Soumillon let his mount quicken up and stretch out close home.

    A big crowd had gathered to see the work, after which Soumillon said: “This morning’s workout was similar to the one he did for the Prix Foy, which was in the first week he arrived and was very satisfactory. He is in better condition than he was three weeks ago.”

    The rider added: “We are very happy with his preparation. He seems in much better physical condition – more reactive – and his coat is beautiful.”

    • / Reply

      From what I have seen of Orfevre, his coat certainly lives up to his name. He reminds me of I’ll Have Another. IHA has a fantastic color and coat. I hope he’s still doing okay in his new home.

        • JudyB. I had missed this one. He’s very vocal in his paddock like Z and 12Z. He looks well and in prime condition. That coat is specatucular. Glad that he has a nice home, but it is too bad that it is so far away.

        • Thanks, Judy, I really enjoyed that. I noticed a photographer said he was very happy, but I couldn’t tell, and thought maybe he was p.o.’d. I guess I haven’t been around horses enough to have a clue.

        • Dear Max and Vicki B.:

          I wish IHA was in the States too. I think he’s getting used to his new surroundings in the video and whinnying to the other horses he could see and smell.

          Z, whinnied quite a bit in the video we saw when she was allowed to run free for the first time in the paddock at Lane’s End. In fact, Papa Charlie did the same thing on the first day he arrived at Angela’s farm. He was running in the round pen and whinnying at all the horses. I think it’s more the strangeness of the surroundings than it is happiness. I do believe as they become used to the new place and are treated with love and attention, they become very happy horses indeed. I wish that for IHA. Z and Papa Charlie have found that happy place. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Keta. I love this photo. Horses are just so great and brave beyond belief. If that were me, I would be out cold. How about that Paynter!!!

      • / Reply

        Max:

        You can’t keep a good horse down! Gorgeous pic of our brave new addition to the Z family! It looks like our prayers maybe answered! We may all actually get some good sleep tonight!

        GirlSaratoga

        • Dear Girl Saratoga:

          Yes, things are looking so much better for our Paynter. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        One day at a time Paynter, one day at a time – just keep positive. And keep up the good work St Francis! (and thanks so much for your efforts Keta – hugs Kathy.

    • / Reply

      Wow. You would think that either the writer or the copy editor would have caught the mistake when Jerry Moss was quoted. The word should be quite, not quiet. The mistake, I am sure, was not made by Mr. Moss.

  27. / Reply

    Paynter Pulls Through Surgery, Zayat Reports
    By Claire Novak, @BH_CNovak
    Updated: Wednesday, October 3, 2012 10:02 PM
    Doctors at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton Center removed a 15-inch external growth from the intestines of Haskell Invitational (gr. I) winner Paynter, owner Ahmed Zayat confirmed Oct. 3.
    The 3-year-old Awesome Again colt, who has been battling illness since late August, went into surgery around 9:15 a.m. EDT and was in recovery by approximately 1 p.m. EDT. Dr. Louise Southwood, who headed up the operation, said he woke up from the anesthetic and stood “like a champ.”
    Paynter began spiking fevers after the Haskell and had been hospitalized at Upstate Equine Medical Center in Schuylerville, N.Y., since the week of Aug. 26 while fighting an infection of his colon, and later, a bout of laminitis in three feet. After recovering from the laminitis, he was transported to New Bolton in Kennett Square, Pa. on the afternoon of Oct. 2 to be operated on by Southwood, a leading equine intestine surgeon and specialist in the area of colitis.
    “Just think about the resilience of this guy,” Zayat said.
    The owner described the growth Southwood removed as “full of puss and bacteria—really nasty stuff,” and expressed relief that “we finally got to the bottom of why he was spiking the fever.”
    “Thank God nothing went wrong,” Zayat remarked. “Things went exactly as Dr. Southwood expected; she said it was easy for her to remove the growth, and there were no problems with his breathing or the anesthesia during the surgery or coming out of it.”
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/73250/paynter-pulls-through-surgery-zayat-reports#ixzz28IFAtZmp

    • / Reply

      Keta:

      Thank you so much for keeping us all updated on “our precious boy Paynter’s” condition, if it weren’t for you I would be frantically looking for any information I could find. To me…….You are the “Queen” of twitter! Thank you for sharing any and all information along with any links, articles, and pic’s! (This truly is a miracle!)

      Please know that I appreciate all your hard work to keep us all informed, and try to lessen our worries. Some of us may actually get a good night’s sleep tonite!!!!!!

      TO THE QUEEN OF TWITTER, I SALUTE YOU!

      With Much Appreciation Always

      GirlSaratoga

      • / Reply

        GirlSaratoga,
        You are welcome! I had avoided Twitter until just a few months ago.
        Now, I am so glad that i joined.
        It is a source of instant information. And, the one Zayat is using to share Paynter’s story. After I put Tweets on the Z site, writers for The Blood-Horse & Ray Paulick of Paulick Report will publish a story. What I have found out is their stories are pretty much what I have shared with you.
        So, I am glad I have been able to help in the update process on Paynter.
        We can all sleep a little easier now.
        Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      Keta
      Thanks for the updates. have been thinking about Paynter all day. Saw the picture too and he is truly a warrior. PUP!

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta:

      Thank you for this update on our Boy, Paynter. Hope he recovers fully. Will light another candle. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta:

      Thank you for this update on our Boy, Paynter. Will light another candle. Hugs, JB

  28. / Reply

    Fun fact! Look how rare it is to have a Triple Crown if any kind.

    1937 was the only time that Baseball and Horse Racing had Triple Crown winners in the same year: Joe Medwick and War Admiral.

  29. / Reply

    @Keta and Marshall (NC broad)–thank you so much. You too, Peggy. Good report tonight. Katherine Wheeler had told me she would pray until he can run to his dinner. I said, “Well, he’s been doing that for quite a while now”–lol! He is very food-motivated.

    Way to go, Paynter. Praying for you too big time. Traveller as well.
    ‘Night all. Hugs.

    • / Reply

      So very true, Kathy R and scary.
      Hope all settles with it soon for all of us.

    • / Reply

      Kathy R

      I think the incidence of EAI is low in US as horse
      Who go to show or race are required to have a
      Yearly Coggins test. This test show whether the
      Horse has the active disease. If the horse does not
      Have a yearly negative Coggins test, they are not
      able to go to the show or the track. Stables also
      Require it for boarding as well.

      • / Reply

        Sign: as much as these sorts of tests can irritate some owners, they are an excellent way of containing viruses like this. Here’s hoping some clever scientist comes up with a good solution to the problem.

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