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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, 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.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
SNOW FAIRY IS OUT OF THE ARC AND THE BREEDER’S CUP.
NOT ABLE TO FIND YOUR ANYTHING IN PRINT.
KETA ???
JUST HEARD ON WESTROCK COFFEE, HRTV, FROM SANTA ANITA.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Found it:
Snow Fairy Injured, out of the ARC,
http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/supermare-snow-fairy-to-miss-the-arc-with-injury/1123868/latest/#newsArchiveTabs=last7DaysNews
Abigail from Montreal, Canada
Hi there sign: I’ve been down with the flu (although I did watch the statue unveiling on my computer!) and am late getting into the action here. I’m so disappointed she’s out but I do understand. I was actually getting ready to publish something on her pre-Arc on THE VAULT (Danedream is already up)….but think I might wait now, leave up the Danedream until the Arc is done, and then do the magical Snow Fairy a little later on……
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
SNOW FAIRY INJURED, NO ARC THIS YEAR, WILL COME BACK NEXT YEAR AFTER RESTING THE REMAINDER OF 2012
ttp://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/horse-racing/19770119
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
RACE COURSE GALLOP FOR FRANKEL, PREP FOR LAST START
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/horse-racing/19573540
rachel
it already looks amazing. John Henry in the background, water fountain between the two greatest horses to walk our planet and run that track. can anyone notice that already her statue stands out from all the rest? she is an amazing horse and is totally worth this tribute. thank you Zenyatta.com for this video :)
Abigail from Montreal, Canada
I thought this was VERY CLEVER of CECIL & company, I must say. And I was just reading recently that this was done to “gallop” other famous horses — namely, Brown Jack & The Tetrarch!
Diana Stuart - Wish I Could Be There!
All – I’m getting sound with feed (when my dang buffering is done) it’s the sound of the fountain water falling. Just saw Auntie Judy JAG in front of the drapped statue with a pink sign! She said that was her via text. TOO CUTE!
diastu in tempe
Maryp NY
It is a generous and most considerate gift that the Moss’ have provided for Zenyatta’s devoted fans. A million thank yous are not enough!
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Acutally Santa Anita, paid for the statue, so it is there tribute to the great mare and
her fans !!!
Perky Green
I will be watching, what a great day for Racing.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Just saw the live feed, looks not too crowded yet. I recognized Judy (JAG) & Nina up front, meeting people. Nina just walked offscreen, left. Zenny’s statue looks so big, but great covered in Moss turquoise!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
For any who don’t know her, JAG is the blond head just right of the black unbrella, someone’s holding.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Nina just came in from the left, holding a yardstick.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Ann and then Nina finally just left. Ann was taking even more pics at the last. Jerry had left about 10 min. before, and Dottie & John left maybe 20 min. before. I was amazed they all stayed so long, talking to fans, each other, posing for pictures, and more pictures. The biggest endorsement was when Ann wanted to kiss Zenny’s nose. When she walked around the whole statue, with Nina, Ann touched every leg, stroked all the legs, and tail. She & Nina did some of that later too. Can’t wait to see it in person myself.
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
You did not go Vicki B??
Hope those grapes are growing!!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Sign, Like I told on the last blog, I wanted to, but my leg is just not healed enough, I had to accept that. At least we had this wonderful live feed.
Sue Fl CPRC
I am watching and wondering if the folks around the statue are Dumplings. I wish they would way to us. Hello all you lucky people.
Diana Stuart - Wish I Could Be There!
Lots of Dumplings! Trina is in a full-length turquoise dress with a pink sash and a turquoise umbrella. Karen was in an earlier shot – black umbrella and her signature red hair. TC was in a cobalt blue shirt with his racing forms stuffed in his back pocket and kept his back to the camera mostly. Saw Anne from Paramount, Delia, Jane Wade and Madison – I’m missing a bunch I know, but I so feel almost like I’m there! What a beautiful day!
diastu in tempe
Keta
Hi Dumplings
A beautiful day in so many ways!
Enjoy
Keta
annieb_in_MA
thank you, thank you to Team Z for enabling the Queen’s fans all across the country to watch the unveiling live. She’s one in a million and deserves this wonderful recognition. This is almost as good as being there!
Annie B in MA
Keta
Pati,
Are you there?
Keta
Diana Stuart - Wish I Could Be There!
Fabulous! Loved watching from here in AZ and seeing all my SoCal Dumpling peeps! You all looked like you were having fun. On my laptop, the Live “Stream” is more like hiccups, but I got the good parts. Can’t wait to see the beautiful statue in person at BC! Signing off for the rest of the day.
diastu in tempe
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Thank you, TEam Z and HRTV for providing this video. Your weather there is way better than ours–lol!. We are so privileged to be a part of the festivities. Looking forward to being there in person soon. Hugs.
Tatia
Beautiful! Will this video be available somewhere later if we want to watch again? I missed the very beginning and am kicking myself for the bad timing on my part. The only thing that would have made this event even more perfect is if Mike Smith could have been there. Alas, work calls. Best of luck to him at Belmont today!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
If Mike had been there, everyone would have wanted a picture of him “riding” her!
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada, President RNC, Canada
Thanks to everyone who made is possible for us to see this momentous occasion, especially for those of us who couldn’t be there in person. I’m looking forward to seeing the statue in person very soon, less than five weeks to go.
Abigail from Montreal, Canada
Hi there Brenda! As I said earlier, I’ve been down with a nasty bug so being able to watch this LIVE was a treat! Miss you & love to you & your super grandaughter!
AJ from CA
It’s stunning! Thanks to all who made it possible for allowing us all to share in such a proud moment of tribute to our “Queen!”
sharon in seattle
how fantastic!! truly (un)believeable!
JAG – is that you with the white blouse and dark sunglasses?
sharon in seattle
who’s the person close to the statue wearing Moss silks??
How sweet that Ann climbed up to kiss Z’s nose!!! I want a picture of me doing that!!! : )
Trina Nagele in SoCal
Good question, Sharon–many people wondered who it was, but none of us knew the woman.
Ann Maree / Tennessee
Unveiling was awesome!!! Thank you so much for providing the live-feed. It was fun seeing some of the Zenny gang there. Thanks Jerry for letting us know you are working on the “name” for Z12!!!! The statue is absolutely wonderful, and I could even see the dapples…Nina got it right. Love the raised right leg….just so typical of Z. Thank you again!! Hugs to all.
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Very much like the Zenny desk top bronze.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Very similar. The life-size has more flair at the end of her tail, and her hind left leg is a bit more forward. She looks more detailed, naturally, but otherwise seems much the same.
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Whoo Hoo
Royal Delta wins the Beldame by 8
Mikey learned she is a mare that
Wants to do it her way.
He took care of her in her last race and she
Did not win.
He compared her to the great mare Inside Infirmation.
Bill Mott said Ladies Classic for RD this year, maybe
BCC for her next year.
annieb_in_MA
Nina is a genius — this is a gorgeous representation of Z. Ann Moss looked right at home giving her a kiss on the nose. Also — Mike Smith is having a good day today at Belmont — he won on Royal Delta, easily defeating It’s Tricky.
Hugs to all Z’sters.
A
Carol W
Beautiful is all I can say. Thanks for the memories!
Jan S. / Houston
One word. BREATHTAKING.
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Jerseytown wins the Kelso, winless since 2010.
THS did not fire.
Shack set blistering fractions and held on
For second!!!
Marty R / Colorado
Just lovely!!!! Thank you again to all involved for providing this special occasion for all of us. What a sight for everyone going to Santa Anita. Spectacular
sharon in seattle
Judy G. I just saw you for sure, backing away from the statue with our poster in hand!! The other person wasn’t you, I think.
How cool to see Mario and John – that was Mario, right?!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
I thought so, too, Sharon, especially when Ann & Nina had pictures taken with him.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Absolutely fantastic!!! The live feed worked super well, and it was great to see some of our SoCal peeps as well as the unveiling! I can’t say THANK YOU enough for doing this for all of Zenny’s fans who couldn’t be there in person. From the number of comments already posted, she had a legion of fans watching from all across the continent! This was just a WONDERFUL experience. I am SO looking forward to seeing this in person.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ to everyone involved!
Maryp NY
I watched for just under 1 hr and I know that there were dumplings there but I don’t know who they were.
It looks (the statue) wonderful and Team Z were so cordial and spent time with the people there. I do hope some close up shots will be posted by some who were there.
What a Z DAY!!!
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Hey, who of the Cali Dumplings are eating
At the Food truck!!!
Food described as savory by HRTV!!!