zenyatta (foaled April 1, 2004 in Kentucky) is a retired American champion Thoroughbred racehorse, winner of 19 consecutive races in a 20-race career which culminated with the 2010 Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year.
Owned by Jerry Moss and his wife Ann and trained by John Shirreffs, Zenyatta was ridden by American Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith for 17 of 20 starts. Jockey David Flores rode Zenyatta in her first three starts. She towered over most of her opponents at 17.2 hands (183 cm or 5' 7") tall, and carried 1,200 pounds on her frame while racing. According to a 2010 60 Minutes report, Zenyatta was purchased as a yearling at the low price of $60,000 because she suffered from a form of ringworm.[1] During her career she won purses totaling over $7 million[1] making her the all-time North American female money-earner. She has been featured in W magazine,[1] and the New York Times called her "hard to beat, and harder to ignore" in the 2010 racing season.
Zenyatta winning the Lady's Secret Stakes.
Sire Street Cry
Dam Vertigineux
Damsire Kris S.
Sex Mare
Foaled April 1, 2004
Country United States
Colour Dark Bay/Brown
Breeder Maverick Productions, Limited
Owner Jerry & Ann Moss
Trainer John Shirreffs
Record 20: 19–1–0
Earnings $7,304,580
Major wins
El Encino Stakes (2008)
Apple Blossom Handicap (2008, 2010)
Milady Handicap (2008, 2009)
Vanity Handicap (2008,2009,2010)
Clement L. Hirsch Handicap (2008, 2009, 2010)
Lady's Secret Stakes (2008, 2009, 2010)
Santa Margarita Handicap (2010)
Breeders' Cup wins:
Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (2008)
Breeders' Cup Classic (2009)
Awards
American Champion Older Female Horse
(2008, 2009, 2010)
American Horse of the Year
(2010)
Secretariat Vox Populi Award
(2010)
Honours
Zenyatta Stakes (2010)
NTRA "Moment of the Year" (2008, 2009)
SI - Top 10 Female Race Horses of All Time
Zenyatta was sired by Street Cry, who also sired in the same crop 2007 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense, multiple Group 1 Australian Weight for Age (WFA) champion Whobegotyou, and 2009 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking. Out of Vertigineux, the mare is half-sister to multiple Grade I winner Balance. Her damsire is the outstanding stallion Kris S. She was named after the album Zenyattà Mondatta, by The Police, who were signed to A&M Records by Zenyatta's owner, Jerry Moss.
[edit]Overview
Zenyatta won 17 Graded stakes races including 13 Grade I events and defeated 4 champions of 8 different awards: Gio Ponti (2009 American Champion Older Male Horse and 2009, 2010 American Champion Male Turf Horse), Sealy Hill (2007 Canadian Horse of the Year, Canadian Champion Three-Year-Old Filly and Canadian Champion Female Turf Horse), Summer Bird (2009 American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse) and Ginger Punch (2007 American Champion Older Female Horse).
In Zenyatta's 20:19-1-0 racing record she defeated multiple Grade I winners including: Colonel John (2008 Santa Anita Derby, 2008 Travers Stakes); Richard's Kid (2009, 2010 Pacific Classic and 2010 Goodwood Stakes); Einstein (2009 Santa Anita Handicap, 2008, 2009 Turf Classic Stakes, 2008 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap); Tough Tiz's Sis (2007 Lady's Secret Stakes, 2008 Ruffian Handicap); Cocoa Beach (2008 Matriarch Stakes , 2008 Beldame Stakes); Music Note (2009 Beldame Stakes, 2009 Ballerina Stakes, 2008 Gazelle Stakes, 2008 Coaching Club American Oaks and 2008 Mother Goose Stakes), Life Is Sweet (2009 Santa Margarita Handicap, 2009 Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic), Switch (2010 La Brea Stakes and 2011 Santa Monica Handicap). European Multiple Group I winners Rip Van Winkle (2009 Sussex Stakes, 2009 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, 2010 International Stakes) and Twice Over (2009, 2010 Champion Stakes, 2010 Eclipse Stakes).
Grade 1 winners: Awesome Gem (2010 Hollywood Gold Cup); Girolamo (2010 Vosburgh Stakes); Mine That Bird (2009 Kentucky Derby); Hystericalady (2007 Humana Distaff Handicap), Romance Is Diane (2006 Hollywood Starlet Stakes), Double Trouble (2008 Santa Maria Handicap), Santa Teresita (2009 Santa Maria Handicap), and Carriage Trail (2008 Spinster Stakes).
[edit]Race record
Zenyatta did not begin her racing career until late in her three-year-old season.
[edit]2007 season
On November 22, 2007, Zenyatta won her first start and defeated eleven opponents. She broke her maiden in a Maiden Special Weight going 6½ furlongs at Hollywood Park and stopped the tele-timer in 1:15.22. She was ridden by David Flores, carried 122lbs and won by 3 lengths. She earned $25,200 of the $42,000 purse and paid $13.00 to win, $9.20 to place and $6.00 to show.
On December 15, 2007, Zenyatta won a 1 1/16 miles allowance race by 3½ lengths at Hollywood Park in a running time of 1:40.97.
[edit]2008 season
On January 13, 2008, Zenyatta stopped the tele-timer in 1:40.61 and broke the stakes record in the 1 1/16 miles Grade 2 El Encino Stakes at Santa Anita. She was ridden by David Flores and won by 3/4 of a length carrying 116 lbs.
On April 5, 2008, Zenyatta traveled to Oaklawn Park for her first start on dirt and her first Grade 1 attempt. There she defeated the 2007 older female champion Ginger Punch and won the Apple Blossom Handicap for her first Grade 1 victory. She won by 4½ lengths and completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.64. She was ridden by Mike Smith for the first time, a partnership that would continue for the last 17 races of her career. She earned 300,000 of the 500,000 purse and paid $5.60 to win, $3.60 to place and $2.20 to show.
Zenyatta went on to win the Grade 2 Milady Handicap and the Grade 1 Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park.
She then set a track record of 1:41.48 for 1 1/16 miles and won the Grade 2 Clement L. Hirsch at Del Mar.
On September 27, 2008, Zenyatta won the Grade 1 Lady's Secret Stakes at Santa Anita Park. She clocked negative splits throughout the race, running each quarter faster than the one before it. Her splits were :24 4/5, :23 4/5, :23 1/5, :22 3/5, and a final sixteenth in :06 flat. She finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:40.30 and established herself as the heavy favorite for the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic in October.
On October 24, 2008, Zenyatta was sent off as the 1-2 favorite for the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic at Oak Tree at Santa Anita Park. Zenyatta circled the field at the top of the stretch and won easily, capping an undefeated season and making a case for herself as Horse of the Year. Her Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic was the second-fastest in Breeders Cup history at 1:46.85 for 1 1/8 miles. She posted a 1 1/2 length victory over Cocoa Beach.
[edit]2009 season
On January 26, 2009, Zenyatta won the Eclipse Award for top Older Female of the 2008 season. She was voted runner-up to 2008 Horse of the Year Curlin.
On May 23, 2009 Zenyatta won the Grade 2 Milady Handicap at Hollywood Park. Zenyatta carried 126lbs and defeated stablemate and Grade I winner Life Is Sweet. She finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.30 and and won by 1 3/4 lengths.
On June 27, 2009, Zenyatta won the Grade 1 Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park for the second straight year. She carried 129lbs, spotting her rivals from 13 to 18 pounds, and became the first horse to win under such a weight assignment since 1977. Though she appeared to be in trouble at the top of the stretch, she was able to build her momentum to run by the leaders and win by 2 1/2 lengths with a final time of 1:48.15 at the 1 1/8 mile distance. In 2008, she won the Vanity under 126 pounds.
On August 9, 2009, Zenyatta overcame a strong aversion to the Del Mar track surface, which she had been reluctant to even train over, and won the Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch Handicap at Del Mar. With a furlong left to run, she still had four lengths to make up, but continued to close ground with each stride to win by a furious head over Anabaa's Creation. She finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.24.
On October 10, 2009, Zenyatta won the Lady's Secret at Oak Tree at Santa Anita Park with ease, and on October 28, 2009 it was announced that she would compete in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park.
On November 7, 2009, Zenyatta became the first female to win the Grade I Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park. She carried 123lbs and won by 1 length over Gio Ponti. She earned $2,700,000 of the $5,000,000 purse. She became the first horse to win two different Breeders' Cup races, improving her winning record to 14 out of 14.[3] The field of 12 horses she triumphed over included 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and 2009 Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird, as well as European Group 1 winners Twice over and Rip Van Winkle, and Pacific Classic winner Richard's Kid. The runner-up, Gio Ponti, was the brilliant winner of four Grade 1 Stakes in 2009 including the Arlington Million, and went on to be named Champion Older Male and Champion Grass horse. Zenyatta finished the 1 1/4 miles in 2:00.62 and surpassed the 2002 "Horse of the Year" Azeri in North American female earnings. Azeri, who retired in 2004, accumulated earnings in excess of $4,079,820.
On December 22, 2009, Zenyatta was runner-up to tennis player Serena Williams for 2009 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year.[4]
On December 26, 2009, opening day of the 75th year of Santa Anita meet, Zenyatta bid farewell to her admirers with a jog around the grandstand in what at the time appeared to be the final parade of her career.
[edit]2010 season
On January 16, 2010, it was announced that Zenyatta would not be retired, and would race during the 2010 season.[5]
On January 18, 2010, Zenyatta won the Eclipse Award for top Older Female of the 2009 season. She was voted runner-up to 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra.[6]
Early in 2010, it was announced that Zenyatta would meet Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, who had not raced since winning the Woodward on September of 2009, on the track in the Apple Blossom Invitational on April 9 at Oaklawn Park, and would not race in the Dubai World Cup. The Apple Blossom Handicap was changed to an invitational for the renewal of the race. There was also talk of a series of three races over the 2010 racing season in which Zenyatta and Rachel would meet. However, following Rachel Alexandra's loss in the New Orleans Ladies Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course on March 13, it was announced that she would not run in the Apple Blossom Invitational.
On March 13, 2010, Zenyatta captured her 15th straight victory in the Grade 1 $250,000 Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap at Santa Anita Park. She was assigned 127lbs and spotted her seven rivals 11 to 16 pounds. She wove through traffic mid-stretch to get clear and won under a hand ride, eased before the wire. She completed the 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.20 and won by 1 1/4 lengths.
On April 9, 2010, Zenyatta romped in the Grade I $500,000 Apple Blossom Invitational at Oaklawn Park and increased her undefeated record to 16–0. With the win, Zenyatta tied Cigar, Citation, Ormonde, and Ribot for consecutive victories without a loss. She completed the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.71.
On June 13, 2010, Zenyatta captured her 17th straight victory and won the Grade I $250,000 Vanity Invitation Handicap at Hollywood Park by a 1/2 length under 129 pounds. She nabbed a determined St. Trinians, to whom she conceded 9 pounds, at the wire to surpass the records of Citation and Cigar for consecutive victories in unrestricted races. With the victory, Zenyatta tied the world record set by Rock of Gibraltar for consecutive Grade/Group I victories. She earned $150,000 of the $250,000 purse. She paid $3.00 to win, $2.10 to place. There was no show wagering.
On August 7, 2010, Zenyatta broke the world record set by Rock of Gibraltar for consecutive Grade/Group I victories. She won her eighth consecutive Grade/Group I victory and increased her undefeated record to 18–0. Zenyatta carried 123lbs and won her third Clement L. Hirsch Handicap. She was ridden by Mike Smith. She finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.03 and won by a neck. Zenyatta's 18th win tied the legendary Eclipse for consecutive victories without defeat. With the win, Zenyatta captured her twelfth Grade/Group I race and tied the All-time North American record (set by two-time champion Bayakoa) for Grade/Group I victories by a filly/mare.
On October 2, 2010, Zenyatta broke the North American record for Grade/Group I victories by a filly/mare. She won her thirteenth Grade/Group I race at Oak Tree at Hollywood Park. She won her ninth consecutive Grade/Group I victory and ran her unbeaten streak to 19–0 (List of Undefeated Thoroughbreds). In addition, she broke the All-time North American female earnings record (formerly held by Ouija Board, who retired in 2006 with earnings in excess of $6,312,552). Zenyatta (who carried 123 lb) won her third Lady's Secret Stakes by a half length over Grade I La Brea Stakes winner Switch. She finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.97 and pushed her total career earnings to $6,404,580.
On November 6, 2010 Zenyatta attempted to become the first North American horse to retire undefeated with 20 wins, and the second horse to repeat in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Classic. She never appeared comfortable in the 1 1/4 mile race at Churchill Downs, and looked hopelessly out of the race at the top of the stretch. In what some veteran horsemen later called one of the greatest racetrack performances ever, Zenyatta unleashed her devastating run and charged after Stephen Foster Handicap and Whitney Handicap winner Blame, who looked to be in the clear. Zenyatta engaged the 4-year-old colt with 100 meters left to run, but Blame prevailed by a head. Other horses in the Breeders' Cup Classic included Preakness and Haskell Invitational winner Lookin at Lucky, Quality Road, dominant winner of the Metropolitan Handicap, Donn Handicap, and Woodward Stakes, Japanese shipper Espoir City, winner of the 2009 Japan Cup Dirt, and Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Haynesfield. Zenyatta's second-place finish earned $900,000[7] and surpassed Tiznow, John Henry and Alysheba in All-time North American earnings (male or female) with earnings in excess of $7,304,580.
On December 18, 2010, Zenyatta was runner-up to skier Lindsey Vonn for 2010 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year.[8]
On January 17, 2011 Zenyatta won the Eclipse Award for top Older Female and Horse Of The Year of the 2010 season. The voting for Horse of the Year was 128 for Zenyatta to 102 for Blame, with 5 votes for Goldikova. It was Zenyatta's third nomination for Horse of the Year, and her first win.
On January 20, 2011, Penny Chenery announced that Zenyatta was named the 2010 recipient of the Secretariat Vox Populi Award. In February Zenyatta will be bred to Bernardini.
Races
Finish Race Distance Jockey Time Margin Grade Runner up Track Notes
2nd Breeders' Cup Classic 1 1⁄4 mi M E Smith 2:02.28 head I Blame (winner) Churchill Downs
1st Lady's Secret Stakes 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:42.97 1⁄2 I Switch Oak Tree at Hollywood Park [13]
1st Clement L. Hirsch Handicap 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:45.03 neck I Rinterval Del Mar Race Track [12]
1st Vanity Invitational Handicap 1 1⁄8 mi M E Smith 1:49.01 1⁄2 I St. Trinians Hollywood Park [11]
1st Apple Blossom Invitational Handicap 1 1⁄8 mi M E Smith 1:50.71 4 1⁄4 I Taptam Oaklawn Park [10]
1st Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap 1 1⁄8 mi M E Smith 1:48.20 1 1⁄4 I Dance to My Tune Santa Anita Park
1st Breeders' Cup Classic 1 1⁄4 mi M E Smith 2:00.62 1 I Gio Ponti Oak Tree at Santa Anita [9]
1st Lady's Secret Stakes 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:42.89 1 1⁄4 I Lethal Heat Oak Tree at Santa Anita [8]
1st Clement L. Hirsch Stakes 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:43.24 head I Anabaa's Creation Del Mar Race Track [7]
1st Vanity Handicap 1 1⁄8 mi M E Smith 1:48.15 2 1⁄2 I Briecat Hollywood Park [6]
1st Milady Handicap 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:42.30 1 3⁄4 II Life Is Sweet Hollywood Park [5]
1st Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic 1 1⁄8 mi M E Smith 1:46.85 1 1⁄2 I Cocoa Beach Oak Tree at Santa Anita [4]
1st Lady's Secret Stakes 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:40.30 3 1⁄2 I Hystericalady Oak Tree at Santa Anita [3]
1st Clement L. Hirsch Handicap 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:41.48 1 II Model Del Mar Race Track [2]
1st Vanity Handicap 1 1⁄8 mi M E Smith 1:49.51 1⁄2 I Tough Tiz's Sis Hollywood Park
1st Milady Handicap 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:41.17 2 1⁄2 II Santa Teresita Hollywood Park
1st Apple Blossom Handicap 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:42.64 4 1⁄2 I Brownie Points Oaklawn Park
1st El Encino Stakes 1 1⁄16 mi D. Flores 1:40.61 1 3⁄4 II Tough Tiz's Sis Santa Anita Park [1]
1st Allowance 1 1⁄16 mi D. Flores 1:40.97 3 1⁄2 None Quite a Stormkat Hollywood Park
1st Maiden 6 1⁄2 fur D. Flores 1:15.22 3 None Carmel Coffee Hollywood Park
13.^ Broke the all-time North American record for Grade/Group I victories by a filly/mare. Tied the all-time North American record for consecutive victories without defeat. Broke the all-time North American female earnings record. First mare to win this race 3× (consecutive years).
12.^ Broke the world record with 8 consecutive Grade/Group 1 wins. Tied Eclipse with 18 consecutive victories without defeat. First mare to win this race 3× (consecutive years).
11.^ 17 wins in 17 starts, setting a new record for consecutive wins. First mare to win this race 3× (consecutive years).
10.^ 16th wins in row. Tying the record held by Cigar and Citation for consecutive victories.
9.^ First filly or mare to win Breeders' Cup Classic; first horse to win two different Breeders' Cup races. *on synthetic race track*
8.^ Tied for most wins
7.^ Tied for most wins
6.^ Tied for most wins
5.^ Tied for most wins
4.^ Stakes record on synthetic race track. Second fastest Breeders' Cup Distaff/Ladies' Classic.
3.^ Stakes record time (on synthetic race track)
2.^ New track record (on synthetic race track)
1.^ Stakes record time
Retirement/Breeding
Owned by Jerry Moss and his wife Ann and trained by John Shirreffs, Zenyatta was ridden by American Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith for 17 of 20 starts. Jockey David Flores rode Zenyatta in her first three starts. She towered over most of her opponents at 17.2 hands (183 cm or 5' 7") tall, and carried 1,200 pounds on her frame while racing. According to a 2010 60 Minutes report, Zenyatta was purchased as a yearling at the low price of $60,000 because she suffered from a form of ringworm.[1] During her career she won purses totaling over $7 million[1] making her the all-time North American female money-earner. She has been featured in W magazine,[1] and the New York Times called her "hard to beat, and harder to ignore" in the 2010 racing season.
Zenyatta winning the Lady's Secret Stakes.
Sire Street Cry
Dam Vertigineux
Damsire Kris S.
Sex Mare
Foaled April 1, 2004
Country United States
Colour Dark Bay/Brown
Breeder Maverick Productions, Limited
Owner Jerry & Ann Moss
Trainer John Shirreffs
Record 20: 19–1–0
Earnings $7,304,580
Major wins
El Encino Stakes (2008)
Apple Blossom Handicap (2008, 2010)
Milady Handicap (2008, 2009)
Vanity Handicap (2008,2009,2010)
Clement L. Hirsch Handicap (2008, 2009, 2010)
Lady's Secret Stakes (2008, 2009, 2010)
Santa Margarita Handicap (2010)
Breeders' Cup wins:
Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (2008)
Breeders' Cup Classic (2009)
Awards
American Champion Older Female Horse
(2008, 2009, 2010)
American Horse of the Year
(2010)
Secretariat Vox Populi Award
(2010)
Honours
Zenyatta Stakes (2010)
NTRA "Moment of the Year" (2008, 2009)
SI - Top 10 Female Race Horses of All Time
Zenyatta was sired by Street Cry, who also sired in the same crop 2007 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense, multiple Group 1 Australian Weight for Age (WFA) champion Whobegotyou, and 2009 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking. Out of Vertigineux, the mare is half-sister to multiple Grade I winner Balance. Her damsire is the outstanding stallion Kris S. She was named after the album Zenyattà Mondatta, by The Police, who were signed to A&M Records by Zenyatta's owner, Jerry Moss.
[edit]Overview
Zenyatta won 17 Graded stakes races including 13 Grade I events and defeated 4 champions of 8 different awards: Gio Ponti (2009 American Champion Older Male Horse and 2009, 2010 American Champion Male Turf Horse), Sealy Hill (2007 Canadian Horse of the Year, Canadian Champion Three-Year-Old Filly and Canadian Champion Female Turf Horse), Summer Bird (2009 American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse) and Ginger Punch (2007 American Champion Older Female Horse).
In Zenyatta's 20:19-1-0 racing record she defeated multiple Grade I winners including: Colonel John (2008 Santa Anita Derby, 2008 Travers Stakes); Richard's Kid (2009, 2010 Pacific Classic and 2010 Goodwood Stakes); Einstein (2009 Santa Anita Handicap, 2008, 2009 Turf Classic Stakes, 2008 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap); Tough Tiz's Sis (2007 Lady's Secret Stakes, 2008 Ruffian Handicap); Cocoa Beach (2008 Matriarch Stakes , 2008 Beldame Stakes); Music Note (2009 Beldame Stakes, 2009 Ballerina Stakes, 2008 Gazelle Stakes, 2008 Coaching Club American Oaks and 2008 Mother Goose Stakes), Life Is Sweet (2009 Santa Margarita Handicap, 2009 Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic), Switch (2010 La Brea Stakes and 2011 Santa Monica Handicap). European Multiple Group I winners Rip Van Winkle (2009 Sussex Stakes, 2009 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, 2010 International Stakes) and Twice Over (2009, 2010 Champion Stakes, 2010 Eclipse Stakes).
Grade 1 winners: Awesome Gem (2010 Hollywood Gold Cup); Girolamo (2010 Vosburgh Stakes); Mine That Bird (2009 Kentucky Derby); Hystericalady (2007 Humana Distaff Handicap), Romance Is Diane (2006 Hollywood Starlet Stakes), Double Trouble (2008 Santa Maria Handicap), Santa Teresita (2009 Santa Maria Handicap), and Carriage Trail (2008 Spinster Stakes).
[edit]Race record
Zenyatta did not begin her racing career until late in her three-year-old season.
[edit]2007 season
On November 22, 2007, Zenyatta won her first start and defeated eleven opponents. She broke her maiden in a Maiden Special Weight going 6½ furlongs at Hollywood Park and stopped the tele-timer in 1:15.22. She was ridden by David Flores, carried 122lbs and won by 3 lengths. She earned $25,200 of the $42,000 purse and paid $13.00 to win, $9.20 to place and $6.00 to show.
On December 15, 2007, Zenyatta won a 1 1/16 miles allowance race by 3½ lengths at Hollywood Park in a running time of 1:40.97.
[edit]2008 season
On January 13, 2008, Zenyatta stopped the tele-timer in 1:40.61 and broke the stakes record in the 1 1/16 miles Grade 2 El Encino Stakes at Santa Anita. She was ridden by David Flores and won by 3/4 of a length carrying 116 lbs.
On April 5, 2008, Zenyatta traveled to Oaklawn Park for her first start on dirt and her first Grade 1 attempt. There she defeated the 2007 older female champion Ginger Punch and won the Apple Blossom Handicap for her first Grade 1 victory. She won by 4½ lengths and completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.64. She was ridden by Mike Smith for the first time, a partnership that would continue for the last 17 races of her career. She earned 300,000 of the 500,000 purse and paid $5.60 to win, $3.60 to place and $2.20 to show.
Zenyatta went on to win the Grade 2 Milady Handicap and the Grade 1 Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park.
She then set a track record of 1:41.48 for 1 1/16 miles and won the Grade 2 Clement L. Hirsch at Del Mar.
On September 27, 2008, Zenyatta won the Grade 1 Lady's Secret Stakes at Santa Anita Park. She clocked negative splits throughout the race, running each quarter faster than the one before it. Her splits were :24 4/5, :23 4/5, :23 1/5, :22 3/5, and a final sixteenth in :06 flat. She finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:40.30 and established herself as the heavy favorite for the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic in October.
On October 24, 2008, Zenyatta was sent off as the 1-2 favorite for the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic at Oak Tree at Santa Anita Park. Zenyatta circled the field at the top of the stretch and won easily, capping an undefeated season and making a case for herself as Horse of the Year. Her Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic was the second-fastest in Breeders Cup history at 1:46.85 for 1 1/8 miles. She posted a 1 1/2 length victory over Cocoa Beach.
[edit]2009 season
On January 26, 2009, Zenyatta won the Eclipse Award for top Older Female of the 2008 season. She was voted runner-up to 2008 Horse of the Year Curlin.
On May 23, 2009 Zenyatta won the Grade 2 Milady Handicap at Hollywood Park. Zenyatta carried 126lbs and defeated stablemate and Grade I winner Life Is Sweet. She finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.30 and and won by 1 3/4 lengths.
On June 27, 2009, Zenyatta won the Grade 1 Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park for the second straight year. She carried 129lbs, spotting her rivals from 13 to 18 pounds, and became the first horse to win under such a weight assignment since 1977. Though she appeared to be in trouble at the top of the stretch, she was able to build her momentum to run by the leaders and win by 2 1/2 lengths with a final time of 1:48.15 at the 1 1/8 mile distance. In 2008, she won the Vanity under 126 pounds.
On August 9, 2009, Zenyatta overcame a strong aversion to the Del Mar track surface, which she had been reluctant to even train over, and won the Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch Handicap at Del Mar. With a furlong left to run, she still had four lengths to make up, but continued to close ground with each stride to win by a furious head over Anabaa's Creation. She finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.24.
On October 10, 2009, Zenyatta won the Lady's Secret at Oak Tree at Santa Anita Park with ease, and on October 28, 2009 it was announced that she would compete in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park.
On November 7, 2009, Zenyatta became the first female to win the Grade I Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park. She carried 123lbs and won by 1 length over Gio Ponti. She earned $2,700,000 of the $5,000,000 purse. She became the first horse to win two different Breeders' Cup races, improving her winning record to 14 out of 14.[3] The field of 12 horses she triumphed over included 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and 2009 Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird, as well as European Group 1 winners Twice over and Rip Van Winkle, and Pacific Classic winner Richard's Kid. The runner-up, Gio Ponti, was the brilliant winner of four Grade 1 Stakes in 2009 including the Arlington Million, and went on to be named Champion Older Male and Champion Grass horse. Zenyatta finished the 1 1/4 miles in 2:00.62 and surpassed the 2002 "Horse of the Year" Azeri in North American female earnings. Azeri, who retired in 2004, accumulated earnings in excess of $4,079,820.
On December 22, 2009, Zenyatta was runner-up to tennis player Serena Williams for 2009 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year.[4]
On December 26, 2009, opening day of the 75th year of Santa Anita meet, Zenyatta bid farewell to her admirers with a jog around the grandstand in what at the time appeared to be the final parade of her career.
[edit]2010 season
On January 16, 2010, it was announced that Zenyatta would not be retired, and would race during the 2010 season.[5]
On January 18, 2010, Zenyatta won the Eclipse Award for top Older Female of the 2009 season. She was voted runner-up to 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra.[6]
Early in 2010, it was announced that Zenyatta would meet Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, who had not raced since winning the Woodward on September of 2009, on the track in the Apple Blossom Invitational on April 9 at Oaklawn Park, and would not race in the Dubai World Cup. The Apple Blossom Handicap was changed to an invitational for the renewal of the race. There was also talk of a series of three races over the 2010 racing season in which Zenyatta and Rachel would meet. However, following Rachel Alexandra's loss in the New Orleans Ladies Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course on March 13, it was announced that she would not run in the Apple Blossom Invitational.
On March 13, 2010, Zenyatta captured her 15th straight victory in the Grade 1 $250,000 Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap at Santa Anita Park. She was assigned 127lbs and spotted her seven rivals 11 to 16 pounds. She wove through traffic mid-stretch to get clear and won under a hand ride, eased before the wire. She completed the 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.20 and won by 1 1/4 lengths.
On April 9, 2010, Zenyatta romped in the Grade I $500,000 Apple Blossom Invitational at Oaklawn Park and increased her undefeated record to 16–0. With the win, Zenyatta tied Cigar, Citation, Ormonde, and Ribot for consecutive victories without a loss. She completed the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.71.
On June 13, 2010, Zenyatta captured her 17th straight victory and won the Grade I $250,000 Vanity Invitation Handicap at Hollywood Park by a 1/2 length under 129 pounds. She nabbed a determined St. Trinians, to whom she conceded 9 pounds, at the wire to surpass the records of Citation and Cigar for consecutive victories in unrestricted races. With the victory, Zenyatta tied the world record set by Rock of Gibraltar for consecutive Grade/Group I victories. She earned $150,000 of the $250,000 purse. She paid $3.00 to win, $2.10 to place. There was no show wagering.
On August 7, 2010, Zenyatta broke the world record set by Rock of Gibraltar for consecutive Grade/Group I victories. She won her eighth consecutive Grade/Group I victory and increased her undefeated record to 18–0. Zenyatta carried 123lbs and won her third Clement L. Hirsch Handicap. She was ridden by Mike Smith. She finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.03 and won by a neck. Zenyatta's 18th win tied the legendary Eclipse for consecutive victories without defeat. With the win, Zenyatta captured her twelfth Grade/Group I race and tied the All-time North American record (set by two-time champion Bayakoa) for Grade/Group I victories by a filly/mare.
On October 2, 2010, Zenyatta broke the North American record for Grade/Group I victories by a filly/mare. She won her thirteenth Grade/Group I race at Oak Tree at Hollywood Park. She won her ninth consecutive Grade/Group I victory and ran her unbeaten streak to 19–0 (List of Undefeated Thoroughbreds). In addition, she broke the All-time North American female earnings record (formerly held by Ouija Board, who retired in 2006 with earnings in excess of $6,312,552). Zenyatta (who carried 123 lb) won her third Lady's Secret Stakes by a half length over Grade I La Brea Stakes winner Switch. She finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.97 and pushed her total career earnings to $6,404,580.
On November 6, 2010 Zenyatta attempted to become the first North American horse to retire undefeated with 20 wins, and the second horse to repeat in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Classic. She never appeared comfortable in the 1 1/4 mile race at Churchill Downs, and looked hopelessly out of the race at the top of the stretch. In what some veteran horsemen later called one of the greatest racetrack performances ever, Zenyatta unleashed her devastating run and charged after Stephen Foster Handicap and Whitney Handicap winner Blame, who looked to be in the clear. Zenyatta engaged the 4-year-old colt with 100 meters left to run, but Blame prevailed by a head. Other horses in the Breeders' Cup Classic included Preakness and Haskell Invitational winner Lookin at Lucky, Quality Road, dominant winner of the Metropolitan Handicap, Donn Handicap, and Woodward Stakes, Japanese shipper Espoir City, winner of the 2009 Japan Cup Dirt, and Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Haynesfield. Zenyatta's second-place finish earned $900,000[7] and surpassed Tiznow, John Henry and Alysheba in All-time North American earnings (male or female) with earnings in excess of $7,304,580.
On December 18, 2010, Zenyatta was runner-up to skier Lindsey Vonn for 2010 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year.[8]
On January 17, 2011 Zenyatta won the Eclipse Award for top Older Female and Horse Of The Year of the 2010 season. The voting for Horse of the Year was 128 for Zenyatta to 102 for Blame, with 5 votes for Goldikova. It was Zenyatta's third nomination for Horse of the Year, and her first win.
On January 20, 2011, Penny Chenery announced that Zenyatta was named the 2010 recipient of the Secretariat Vox Populi Award. In February Zenyatta will be bred to Bernardini.
Races
Finish Race Distance Jockey Time Margin Grade Runner up Track Notes
2nd Breeders' Cup Classic 1 1⁄4 mi M E Smith 2:02.28 head I Blame (winner) Churchill Downs
1st Lady's Secret Stakes 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:42.97 1⁄2 I Switch Oak Tree at Hollywood Park [13]
1st Clement L. Hirsch Handicap 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:45.03 neck I Rinterval Del Mar Race Track [12]
1st Vanity Invitational Handicap 1 1⁄8 mi M E Smith 1:49.01 1⁄2 I St. Trinians Hollywood Park [11]
1st Apple Blossom Invitational Handicap 1 1⁄8 mi M E Smith 1:50.71 4 1⁄4 I Taptam Oaklawn Park [10]
1st Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap 1 1⁄8 mi M E Smith 1:48.20 1 1⁄4 I Dance to My Tune Santa Anita Park
1st Breeders' Cup Classic 1 1⁄4 mi M E Smith 2:00.62 1 I Gio Ponti Oak Tree at Santa Anita [9]
1st Lady's Secret Stakes 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:42.89 1 1⁄4 I Lethal Heat Oak Tree at Santa Anita [8]
1st Clement L. Hirsch Stakes 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:43.24 head I Anabaa's Creation Del Mar Race Track [7]
1st Vanity Handicap 1 1⁄8 mi M E Smith 1:48.15 2 1⁄2 I Briecat Hollywood Park [6]
1st Milady Handicap 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:42.30 1 3⁄4 II Life Is Sweet Hollywood Park [5]
1st Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic 1 1⁄8 mi M E Smith 1:46.85 1 1⁄2 I Cocoa Beach Oak Tree at Santa Anita [4]
1st Lady's Secret Stakes 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:40.30 3 1⁄2 I Hystericalady Oak Tree at Santa Anita [3]
1st Clement L. Hirsch Handicap 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:41.48 1 II Model Del Mar Race Track [2]
1st Vanity Handicap 1 1⁄8 mi M E Smith 1:49.51 1⁄2 I Tough Tiz's Sis Hollywood Park
1st Milady Handicap 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:41.17 2 1⁄2 II Santa Teresita Hollywood Park
1st Apple Blossom Handicap 1 1⁄16 mi M E Smith 1:42.64 4 1⁄2 I Brownie Points Oaklawn Park
1st El Encino Stakes 1 1⁄16 mi D. Flores 1:40.61 1 3⁄4 II Tough Tiz's Sis Santa Anita Park [1]
1st Allowance 1 1⁄16 mi D. Flores 1:40.97 3 1⁄2 None Quite a Stormkat Hollywood Park
1st Maiden 6 1⁄2 fur D. Flores 1:15.22 3 None Carmel Coffee Hollywood Park
13.^ Broke the all-time North American record for Grade/Group I victories by a filly/mare. Tied the all-time North American record for consecutive victories without defeat. Broke the all-time North American female earnings record. First mare to win this race 3× (consecutive years).
12.^ Broke the world record with 8 consecutive Grade/Group 1 wins. Tied Eclipse with 18 consecutive victories without defeat. First mare to win this race 3× (consecutive years).
11.^ 17 wins in 17 starts, setting a new record for consecutive wins. First mare to win this race 3× (consecutive years).
10.^ 16th wins in row. Tying the record held by Cigar and Citation for consecutive victories.
9.^ First filly or mare to win Breeders' Cup Classic; first horse to win two different Breeders' Cup races. *on synthetic race track*
8.^ Tied for most wins
7.^ Tied for most wins
6.^ Tied for most wins
5.^ Tied for most wins
4.^ Stakes record on synthetic race track. Second fastest Breeders' Cup Distaff/Ladies' Classic.
3.^ Stakes record time (on synthetic race track)
2.^ New track record (on synthetic race track)
1.^ Stakes record time
Retirement/Breeding