Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Zenyatta News

Zenyatta Voted to Hall of Fame

April 9, 2010, Zenyatta and jockey Mike Smith race down the stretch on the way to winning the $500,000 Apple Blossom Invitational horse race at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)
April 9, 2010, Zenyatta and jockey Mike Smith race down the stretch on the way to winning the $500,000 Apple Blossom Invitational horse race at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)

We’re excited and honored to share that Zenyatta has been elected to the 2016 class of the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place Friday, August 12 in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Zenyatta began her racing career as a three year-old, under trainer John Shirreffs, winning her maiden race in 2007 at Hollywood Park. She rewrote racing history by beating the all-male field in the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2009, becoming the first mare ever to win that race and the first horse ever to win two different Breeders’ Cup races. Zenyatta retired in 2010 with a record of 19-1-0, having won a total of 17 graded stakes, including 13 Grade 1s. She was named Champion Older Female in 2008, 2009 and 2010 as well as 2010 Horse of the Year.

We’d like to give a big thanks to everyone involved in Zenyatta’s career including John Shirreffs, Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs, Mike Smith, David Ingordo, Jeannie and April Mayberry, Mario Espinoza, Carmen, Michelle Jensen, Frank Leal, Cheva, Dawn Hunkin, the late Steve Willard, the rest of Barn 55, and Zenyatta’s fans around the world.

Reader Interactions

256 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Bonjour Zenyatta,

    Congratulations on the Hall of Fame!

    You deserve it.

    At least that is one joy that we, as your fans, can be happy about.

    Love you and I think of you often.

    Lise from Maine

  2. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI and DC:

    Peaceful, restful dreams to all of you. Love You. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy and Max,
      Fascinating history. Loved the names of the horses during that time. Also, shows what happens when a trainer and a jockey never give up – even if some say they may be ‘too old’. Ferdinand should be remembered for the great horse that he was.
      ‘Unbelievable’ does not even begin to describe what happens to so many horses when people deem them ‘not useful’ or ‘too much trouble’ anymore. Ferdinand deserved to be honored at the end of his life instead of what he got. Agree with you also, Max – Ferdinand will not be forgotten, and all horses deserve much better than what he endured. with love, Elizabeth

    • / Reply

      Judy,
      Saw that on Bloodhorse.com but could not bring myself to read about him again. As you did comment, thanks to him Old Friends and other rescue groups exist. We just have to say “Never Again!” Think the owners in other countries are very aware that we are out here watching and asking questions.

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy B.,
      Thanks for this link. It is a fine tribute to a noble horse.
      A tragic demise which should never have happened nor should it ever happen again.
      Beautiful Ferdinand, so sorry. RIP

      Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        Dear Max, Elizabeth, Shirlee and Marshall:

        Sadly, some of our beloved horses are still slipping through the cracks and are being sent to slaughter. More and more people are aware and are working to end this brutality. Ferdinand’s tragic death truly brought the horrible truth to the attention of the Public and has saved many horses. RIP Champ. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      I COMPLETELY AGREE, JB! He is one overlooked champion, I’d say.
      He’s the one who DESERVES to be honored. What kind of HUMAN BEING, allowed this to have happened?

    • / Reply

      Judy–Truer words were never written. Ferdinand’s victory in the Derby was an example of Bill Shoemaker at his very best.

  6. / Reply

    April 29 Cherokee Devotional

    Trouble troubles every person who listens to it. Think of it this way: if trouble has troubled you at every turn, you must be in the process of getting to a new and higher level. Have there been signs of descending or ascending? Are you higher now than five years ago?
    Look at what obstacles you have overcome-not without tears and not without stress, of course. But you can turn stress into victory by taking another step upward. Soon you will see the sunrise before anyone else can.

    We return thanks to the moon and stars, which have given us their light when the sun was gone.
    -Iroquois

    • / Reply

      Kathy,
      Thanks for the reminder. He sure was a fighter. Cried when he lost his battle. His last full brother, Pennmarydel has been gelded and is now a riding horse. Too bad none of his brothers had his talent.

    • / Reply

      Kathy and Shirlee,

      I loved Barbaro too. I was so worried when he broke through the gate at the Preakness. I was wishing they would not put him back in and then when he broke his leg I was heartbroken. He was such a fighter and I too believed he would make it. It was such a sad story; he was so beautiful. There surely are a lot of amazing horses in horse heaven. They must be having a blast!

    • / Reply

      I’ve been thinking about Barbaro a lot today on his 13th birthday – and this year marks 10 years since he won the Kentucky Derby. I hope they (NBC Sports) pays tribute to him in their coverage this year… such a brave beautiful boy.

    • / Reply

      Happy Birthday, Barbaro. Truly unforgettable, your beauty, talent and fighting spirit. Still missing you. RIP brave one.

      Hugs and Love

  8. / Reply

    Dear Shirlee,

    Yes, he fought so valiantly. I had started to believe that he was going to make it and then everything came tumbling down. The heartbreak of it is still with me. It was indeed too bad that his brothers were not as great as he was.

  9. / Reply

    Godspeed to the 2 horses in the 2 Thousand Guineas who are by American sires. Air Force Blue out of War Front and Stormy Antarctic out of Stormy Atlantic. Safe trip to all the horses.

  10. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.I remember following the story of Barbaro in the H& H and was so sad when he lost his battle for life.Always reminds me of Sir Nick.I have had the plumber here all morning fixing my bathroom problems!5 years ago today I was watching a royal wedding so Happy anniversary to Will and Kate.Well Delyth wasn’t true to her man Dai they have no idea who the new male is but he is almost certain to have destroyed the eggs.Dai was a good partner for 2 seasons.I hope he will pair with Blue she is still fishing for herself.He has blood on his wing but it seems to be nothing serious fingers or talons crossed.A great story about the dog and the humming bird.I love animal stories.Karen is thinking of us all It’s very cold in Lincolnshire so I hope Hovis is indoors or at least he has his duvet!A message from Boo at last.Going is soft for the Guineas meeting this weekend.Hopefully Vroum-Vroum Mag will win today.Zoe was happy her Chicago Cubs won last night but has heard others are leaving FB because of trolls.The ratties had a feast when they got home.You do need a strong healthy President.Lovely videos of the new pom.Have a great Friday.Our holiday weekend starts here.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Angel Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO

    • / Reply

      Vroum Vroum Mag wins the Champion Hurdle today at Punchestown for Willie Mullins. A replacement for super star mare Annie Power, VVM proved that she can beat males without very much effort. VVM is unbeaten since joining the Mullins army.

        • Dear Max.A great win for Mag today.Shorty will have so many decisions come festival time next March.Also a 2nd consecutive festival treble for On the Fringe with Nina.Very emotional scenes as Enda spoke about JT McNamara who used to ride him.Great to see the ‘Fly’ parading.Sheena

        • Dear Max:

          Thank you for posting the replay of VVM. Wow, she’s a spunky, determined little girl. Took the lead and gave it her all. Congrats to her and to Ruby. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Thank you Max. JB, she is a spunk bug! Willie must be very proud. Wonder if she is a biter? May she continue to have much success.

        • Ann NC. Mullins says that she has a lovely temperament. He used to say that Douvan was docile like a little pony. This week Douvan had to be removed from the post parade for acting up. He next showed a good set of molars during the victory celebrations. Who knows? Mag might go the same route. They have The Fly as a role model.

  11. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Barbaro’s life was way too short. Every race he finished, he won. Will never forget the images of him after having shattered his leg. I followed his struggle to recover throughout the days. So heartbreaking. Oh no, plumbing troubles! They’re the WORST. Happy anniversary to Will and Kate! So much drama going on with the ospreys. Yes, I loved the dog and hummingbird story. Precious! I hope Hovis is indoors, too. He may be good-sized and manly, but give him a break! Loved seeing a new message from Boo. He was looking like he’s been to the groomer’s recently. Godspeed to all horses and jockeys running this weekend. Was glad for theCubs’ win, but sorry for Zoe’s friends leaving FB. Seems we must have thick skins to be on there! The kale and ‘nanners should keep the ratties in top health. Dr. Jill is keeping us updated on little Mouse. She’s a beauty! Have a great holiday weekend. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Angel Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO

  12. / Reply

    Hi Zenny:
    Of course you were famous before, but now your name will forever be displayed amongst the greats. You and your history will be carried forward forever. And, as long as I am on this earth, I will be able to tell of the time I saw the GREAT Zenyatta race at Del Mar.

    How exciting it was to see you as you came around the corner from the paddock into the tunnel. Seeing you was so magical, you were so myjestic!! I hope someday I will have the opportunity to see you one more time.

    I’ll tell you another thing Zenny, in my very humble opinion, I saw American Pharoah win the Preakness Stakes and the Triple Crown. That was. extremely exciting; but those races can’t compare to the thrills you gave us at the Breeders Cup Classic.

    Again Zenny, congratulations to you, and thanks for all the memories!! You are lovely. As a race horse, you were stunning!

    I will love you always.
    Linda

  13. / Reply

    A hard-earned and well-deserved honor bestowed on a truly GREAT horse (distaff)! Congratulations to Zenyatta and all who worked tirelessly to make her a champion!

  14. / Reply

    Queen Z, you are so deserving of this wonderful Honor. You truly are one of the GREATS, YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED LIKE THE IMMORTAL SECRETARIAT, AND THE BEAUTIFUL AND TALENTED RUFFIAN.

  15. / Reply

    Dearest Zenyatta, Iwant to congratulate you going into the Hall Of Fame. This is so wonderful for you and it is well deserved. I was so happy to hear the news and I know you will always be remembered for all your great racing days. You are so extra special and I can never forget all of your exciting racing days. I hope all is going well for you now and will keep up with how you are doing. I love you today as much as yesterday and spend much time thinking of you and how great you really were in your racing days. I believe your greatness has expanded in you with every day of your life. Sending love and kisses, take care my sweet Zenyatta. Love Irene.

  16. / Reply

    April 30 Cherokee Devotional

    When something doesn’t seem possible, it may well be that our vision is off center. What we cannot see-can’t see, that is, with the inner eye-we cannot understand. Nothing happens without our seeing with inner vision. Nothing can happen without our acknowledging the possibility of inner vision.
    However intelligent we may be, however clever and experienced, there exists a world of things we know nothing about. Yet if we are open to our inner vision, we may suddenly come to understand something that we could not understand before. So be open to your inner vision, open to the possibility of your most desired dream coming true. Talk with your inner vision. Invite it to come in more clearly-and then expect something wonderful to happen!

    We should understand that all things are the works of the Great Spirit.
    -Black Elk, Oglala Sioux

  17. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Working today. The furbabies I’ve visited are doing okay. Have a wonderful Saturday! Love and hugs from me, kisses from Angel Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO

  18. / Reply

    May 1 Cherokee Devotional

    MAY

    PLANTING MONTH

    ANA-SKU ‘TEE

    May 1

    The woods are dense and colored in many shades of green. So many plants zipped through the blooming stage that perhaps they’ve given the foliage more energy and power. Because the foliage is so thick, everything is covered up and hidden. As a result, even the wild animals wander into strange territory.
    Last night I was sitting outside to watch the cats eat their late evening snack. All three were eating at their individual dishes when another one brushed my knee. I thought, “I don’t have a cat that color.” But this wasn’t a cat-it was a raccoon! Both of us were surprised, but neither was scared. He lingered for a long time to see if the cats might leave a bit of food, but his wait was fruitless. I went to bed, the cats went on their nocturnal prowl, and the raccoon headed home to the woods. That is the country way.

    Outwardly, the stone is not beautiful but it is solid, like a solid house in which one my dwell safely.
    -Chased-By-Bears, Santee Sioux

  19. / Reply

    Congratulations to Queen Zenyatta, the BEST Trainer EVER John Shirreffs, the BEST Racing manager Dottie Shirreffs, the BEST groom Mario, and the Greatest Owners EVER Mr. & Mrs. Moss !!!! We are so happy for you!!! Zenyatta is a racing legend and she will always be “The Queen of racing”. Thank you again for all you do for her fans!! We all love her and could be happier to see her name in the Racing Hall of Fame!!! Thanks again to the world’s greatest Team Z!!!

  20. / Reply

    Congratulations!!! There was never a doubt that Zenyatta would be a first ballot inductee into the Hall of Fame. She is one of a kind. What a horse, what a mare!! Love her.

  21. / Reply

    Coz and Zi all days care of legs, Zi because of your legs are more thin than legs of Coz and mates, Coz because of long common distance of quick breezing, Zenny breezed one race in month, may be one workout in two weeks is well, Coz and Zi your videos on course are continue of videos of mom Zenny :-) , google ” youtube 2016 California Chrome stakes ” , dry hard course, sand storm under legs of horses, Dalmore 5th, and hind horse, he feeled himself not top healthy before race, quickly became tired and refused by himself to increase speed after second turn, worry about his health, Coz and Zi follow your usual everyday routine, have bath, eat apples, walk on air with groom, Zenny do all quietly and not quickly, walk on air with Vixana, eat apples, care of health, beautyfull Zenny Zi Coz and mates stay comfy and cozy, eat apples, kiss your soft noses, lil 16z, lil 14z filly Dubai im remembering you

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