Zenyatta
Encyclopedia
Zenyatta is a retired American champion
Thoroughbred
racehorse
, winner of 19 consecutive races in a 20-race career and American record-holder for consecutive victories without defeat in unrestricted races.
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 stood taller than most of her opponents (male or female) at 17.2 hands tall (70 inches, or 5 feet 9.5 inches) at the shoulder, 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. During her career she won purses totaling over $7 million making her the all-time North American female money-earner. She has been featured in W magazine
, and the New York Times called her "hard to beat, and harder to ignore" in the 2010 racing season. Zenyatta won the Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year
in 2010.
Zenyatta was sired by Street Cry
, who also sired in the same season as 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
.
Zenyatta was named after the album Zenyattà Mondatta
, by The Police
, who were signed to A&M Records
by her owner, Jerry Moss.
in 2010 prior to her historic attempt at 20 consecutive victories in the 2010 Breeders Cup Classic. In a public opinion poll by the Daily Racing Form
, 87% of people voted for her to be the 2010 Eclipse Horse of the Year. Thousands appeared for her retirement ceremonies at Hollywood Park and Keeneland Race Track despite frigid 18-degree temperatures at Keeneland.
s 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 (Canadian Horse of the Year, Canadian Champion 3 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
; Richard's Kid; Einstein
; Ginger Punch
; Tough Tiz's Sis; Cocoa Beach
; Music Note
, Life Is Sweet
, Switch, Lookin at Lucky
and Summer Bird
. She also defeated European Multiple Group I winners Rip Van Winkle
and Twice Over
.
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).
, carried 122 lbs and won by 3 lengths. She earned $25,200 of the $42,000 purse.
On December 15, 2007, Zenyatta won a 1 1/16 miles allowance race by 3½ lengths at Hollywood Park.
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 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 a stakes-record 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 1⅛ miles. She posted a 1½ length victory over Cocoa Beach.
for top Older Female of the 2008 season. She was voted runner-up to 2008 American Horse of the Year Curlin.
On May 23, 2009 Zenyatta won the Grade 2 Milady Handicap at Hollywood Park. Zenyatta carried 126 lbs and defeated stablemate and Grade I winner Life Is Sweet. She finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.30 and won by 1¾ lengths.
On June 27, 2009, Zenyatta won the Grade 1 Vanity Handicap
at Hollywood Park for the second straight year. She carried 129 lbs, 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 2½ lengths with a final time of 1:48.15 at the 1⅛ 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 124 lbs 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. The field of 12 horses she triumphed over included 2009 Kentucky Derby
winner Mine That Bird
and 2009 Belmont Stakes
, Travers Stakes
and Jockey Club Gold Cup
hero 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 Male Grass horse. Zenyatta finished the 1¼ 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
.
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.
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
.
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 127 lbs 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 1⅛ miles in 1:48.20 and won by 1¼ lengths.
Early in 2010, it was announced that Zenyatta would meet 2009 American Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra
, who had not raced since winning the Woodward on September 2009, on the track in the Apple Blossom Invitational
on April 9 at Oaklawn Park. 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 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 1⅛ 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 123 lbs 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 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 1¼ mile race, losing touch with the field by at least 8 lengths in the early going at Churchill Downs
, and looked hopelessly out of the running at the top of the stretch. In what some later called one of the most legendary racetrack performances ever, Zenyatta unleashed her devastating "turn of foot" and closed in on 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
dug in and held on by a desperate and diminishing head. Other horses in the Breeders' Cup Classic included Preakness
and Haskell Invitational winner Lookin at Lucky
, Quality Road
, dominant winner of the Florida Derby
, 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 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
.
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.
On March 23, 2011, Zenyatta became the first horse to win the William H. May award. The award honors an individual or group that has provided "meritorious service" to the industry. Past recipients include racing industry greats such as John R. Gaines (Breeders' Cup founder), Joe Hirsch (founder of the National Turf Writers Association), Bob and Beverly Lewis, Stanley Bergstein and Richard Duchossois.
in Versailles, Kentucky
on December 6, 2010. On February 23, 2011 Zenyatta traveled by van to Darley Stud
where she was bred to Bernardini
.
On March 29, 2011, after coming up negative on a 45-day pregnancy checkup, Zenyatta was bred again to Bernardini
.. She was announced to be back in foal to Bernardini
60 days later.
Champion
A champion is the victor in a challenge, contest or competition.There can be a territorial pyramid of championships, e.g. local, regional / provincial, state, national, continental and world championships, and even further divisions at one or more of these levels, as in soccer. Their champions...
Thoroughbred
Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed...
racehorse
Horse racing
Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...
, winner of 19 consecutive races in a 20-race career and American record-holder for consecutive victories without defeat in unrestricted races.
Owned by Jerry Moss
Jerry Moss
Jerome S. "Jerry" Moss is an American recording executive, best known for being the co-founder of A&M Records, along with trumpeter and bandleader Herb Alpert....
and his wife Ann and trained by John Shirreffs
John Shirreffs
John A. Shirreffs is an American Thoroughbred racehorse trainer.Based in California, Vietnam War veteran John Shirreffs began training Thoroughbreds in 1978. He has won a number of stakes races with his most important coming in the 2005 Kentucky Derby when Giacomo scored a major upset...
, Zenyatta was ridden by American Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith for 17 of 20 starts. Jockey David Flores
David R. Flores
David Romero Flores is a jockey in American Thoroughbred horse racing.His father was a jockey and an exercise rider in Southern California....
rode Zenyatta in her first three starts. She stood taller than most of her opponents (male or female) at 17.2 hands tall (70 inches, or 5 feet 9.5 inches) at the shoulder, and carried 1,200 pounds on her frame while racing.
According to a 2010 60 Minutes
60 Minutes
60 Minutes is an American television news magazine, which has run on CBS since 1968. The program was created by producer Don Hewitt who set it apart by using a unique style of reporter-centered investigation....
report, Zenyatta was purchased as a yearling at the low price of $60,000 because she suffered from a form of ringworm. During her career she won purses totaling over $7 million making her the all-time North American female money-earner. She has been featured in W magazine
W (magazine)
W is a monthly American fashion magazine published by Condé Nast Publications, who purchased original owner Fairchild Publications in 1999. It was created in 1971 by the publisher of sister magazine Woman's Wear Daily, James Brady. The magazine is an oversize format – ten inches wide and...
, and the New York Times called her "hard to beat, and harder to ignore" in the 2010 racing season. Zenyatta won the Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year
Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year
The American Award for Horse of the Year is the highest honor given in American thoroughbred horse racing. It has been awarded since 1887 to the horse, irrespective of age, whose performance during the racing year is deemed the most outstanding....
in 2010.
Zenyatta was sired by Street Cry
Street Cry
Street Cry is a Thoroughbred racehorse, winner of the 2002 Dubai World Cup, the 2002 Stephen Foster Handicap and runner up in the 2002 Whitney Handicap...
, who also sired in the same season as 2007 Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is one and a quarter mile at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry...
winner Street Sense
Street Sense (horse)
Street Sense is an American Thoroughbred racehorse, U.S. Champion 2-Yr-Old Colt and winner of the 2007 Kentucky Derby, the 2007 Travers Stakes and runner up in the 2007 Preakness Stakes by a head. Owned and bred by James B...
, multiple Group 1 Australian Weight for Age
Weight for Age
Weight for Age is a term in Thoroughbred horse racing which is one of the conditions for a race. It means that a horse will carry a set weight in accordance with the Weight for Age Scale. This weight varies depending on the horse’s age, its sex, the race distance and the month of the year...
(WFA) champion Whobegotyou
Whobegotyou
Whobegotyou is a good Australian-bred Thoroughbred racehorse that has now won nine races, including the Group One Caulfield Guineas and Yalumba Stakes for $3,115,450 in prize money....
, and 2009 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking
Shocking
Shocking is an Australian bred Thoroughbred racehorse, trained by Mark Kavanagh, who won the 149th Melbourne Cup on 3 November 2009 by three-quarters of a length.-Pedigree:...
. Out of Vertigineux
Vertigineux
Vertigineux is an American Thoroughbred mare racehorse. She is out of the stakes-winning Forlì mare For The Flag, by the outstanding sire Kris S. Her owner is Eric Kronfeld, who bought back Vertigineux for $120,000 after she failed to meet her reserve at the 1996 Keenland yearling sale...
, the mare is half-sister to multiple Grade I winner Balance. Her damsire is the outstanding stallion
Stallion (horse)
A stallion is a male horse that has not been gelded .Stallions will follow the conformation and phenotype of their breed, but within that standard, the presence of hormones such as testosterone may give stallions a thicker, "cresty" neck, as well as a somewhat more muscular physique as compared to...
Kris S
Kris S.
Kris S. was an American Thoroughbred race horse who is best known as a highly successful sire. He was a son of the 1972 Epsom Derby winner Roberto who was a sire of international influence descending from the Hail to Reason branch of the Nearco sire line...
.
Zenyatta was named after the album Zenyattà Mondatta
Zenyatta Mondatta
Zenyattà Mondatta went to #5 in the U.S. and #1 in the UK and Australia, spurred by the success of the Sting-penned singles "Don't Stand So Close to Me" and "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da"...
, by The Police
The Police
The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For the vast majority of their history, the band consisted of Sting , Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland...
, who were signed to A&M Records
A&M Records
A&M Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that operates under the mantle of its Interscope-Geffen-A&M division.-Beginnings:...
by her owner, Jerry Moss.
Popularity
Zenyatta was selected three years in a row (2008–2010) for NTRA's Moment of the Year Award, for her 2008 Ladies' Classic victory, historic 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic victory, and narrow defeat in the 2010 Breeders' Cup Classic. During her years of racing, she was noted to be the "Queen" by her trainer. Zenyatta also has her own Facebook page and has well over 90,000 followers. She finished second in the voting for AP Female Athlete of the Year in both 2009 and 2010. She was featured in O and W Magazine and in a profile on 60 Minutes60 Minutes
60 Minutes is an American television news magazine, which has run on CBS since 1968. The program was created by producer Don Hewitt who set it apart by using a unique style of reporter-centered investigation....
in 2010 prior to her historic attempt at 20 consecutive victories in the 2010 Breeders Cup Classic. In a public opinion poll by the Daily Racing Form
Daily Racing Form
The Daily Racing Form is a tabloid newspaper founded in 1894 in Chicago, Illinois by Frank Brunell. The paper publishes the past performances of race horses as a statistical service for bettors on horse racing in the United States....
, 87% of people voted for her to be the 2010 Eclipse Horse of the Year. Thousands appeared for her retirement ceremonies at Hollywood Park and Keeneland Race Track despite frigid 18-degree temperatures at Keeneland.
Racing Overview
Zenyatta won 17 Graded stakes raceGraded stakes race
A graded stakes race is a term applied since 1973 by the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association to thoroughbred horse races in the United States and Canada to describe races that derive their name from the stake, or entry fee, owners must pay...
s including 13 Grade I events and defeated 4 champions of 8 different awards: Gio Ponti
Gio Ponti (horse)
Gio Ponti is a United States race horse and a specialist on the turf course. He was sired by Tale of the Cat, a son of Storm Cat, out of the stakes-placed Alydar mare Chipeta Springs, making him half-brother to stakes-winner Fisher Pond...
(2009 American Champion Older Male Horse and 2009, 2010 American Champion Male Turf Horse), Sealy Hill (Canadian Horse of the Year, Canadian Champion 3 Year Old Filly and Canadian Champion Female Turf Horse) Summer Bird
Summer Bird
Summer Bird is a retired American Thoroughbred racehorse, son of 2004 Belmont Stakes winner Birdstone. He was bred by retired cardiologist Kalarikkal Jayaraman and his wife, retired pathologist Vilasini Jayaraman, at their Tiffany Farm near Ocala, Florida...
(2009 American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse) and Ginger Punch
Ginger Punch
Ginger Punch is an American Thoroughbred filly racehorse. Owned and bred by operations belonging to automotive parts magnate, Frank Stronach, she is out of the mare Nappelon and sired by the Canadian-bred Awesome Again, winner of his country's 1997 Queen's Plate and the 1998 Breeders' Cup Classic...
(2007 American Champion Older Female Horse).
In Zenyatta's 20:19–1–0 racing record she defeated multiple Grade I winners including: Colonel John
Colonel John
Colonel John is an American Thoroughbred racehorse and the winner of the 2008 Santa Anita Derby.Bred and raced by WinStar Farm, he was sired by Tiznow, the 2000 American Horse of the Year and a two-time winner of the Breeders' Cup Classic...
; Richard's Kid; Einstein
Einstein (horse)
Einstein is a Thoroughbred racehorse competing in the United States. Bred by Fazenda Mondesir, he was sired by the 1985 American Horse of the Year, Spend A Buck. His dam, Gay Charm, was the 1988 Brazilian Champion Three-Year-Old Filly...
; Ginger Punch
Ginger Punch
Ginger Punch is an American Thoroughbred filly racehorse. Owned and bred by operations belonging to automotive parts magnate, Frank Stronach, she is out of the mare Nappelon and sired by the Canadian-bred Awesome Again, winner of his country's 1997 Queen's Plate and the 1998 Breeders' Cup Classic...
; Tough Tiz's Sis; Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach (horse)
Cocoa Beach is a notable Chilean bred Thoroughbred racehorse who won races in the United Arab Emirates, Chile and two Grade 1 races in the United States.Cocoa Beach was bred by Haras La Obra and owned by Godolphin Racing.-2008:...
; Music Note
Music Note
Music Note is an American Thoroughbred racehorse sired by A.P. Indy and out of the Sadler's Wells mare Note Musicale...
, Life Is Sweet
Life Is Sweet (horse)
Life Is Sweet is an American Thoroughbred racehorse who in early 2009 was thought to be a threat to her unbeaten stablemate, Zenyatta. She was bred by her owners, Pam & Martin Wygod. Sired by Storm Cat, she is out of the Kris S...
, Switch, Lookin at Lucky
Lookin at Lucky
Lookin At Lucky is an American Thoroughbred racehorse and winner of the 2010 Preakness Stakes. Sired by Smart Strike, a half brother to Canadian Triple Crown Winner Dance Smartly, his dam, Private Feeling, was sired by Belong To Me by the North American Leading Sire of 1993, Danzig.Lookin At...
and Summer Bird
Summer Bird
Summer Bird is a retired American Thoroughbred racehorse, son of 2004 Belmont Stakes winner Birdstone. He was bred by retired cardiologist Kalarikkal Jayaraman and his wife, retired pathologist Vilasini Jayaraman, at their Tiffany Farm near Ocala, Florida...
. She also defeated European Multiple Group I winners Rip Van Winkle
Rip Van Winkle (horse)
Rip Van Winkle is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse sired by the great dual Derby winner Gallieo. Like his sire Rip Van Winkle was also trained by Aidan O'Brien.-2008: two-year-old season:...
and Twice Over
Twice Over
Twice Over is a thoroughbred racehorse trained by Henry Cecil and owned by Prince Khalid Abdullah of Juddmonte Farms. Twice Over was bred in Great Britain.-2008 Season:...
.
Grade 1 winners: Awesome Gem
Awesome Gem
Awesome Gem is a Thoroughbred racehorse. This son of Awesome Again was sold by Crupi's New Castle Farm to West Point Thoroughbreds for $150,000 in California at the 2005 Barretts March 2-year-old sale. His partnership includes Paul Blavin, Scott Cadwallader and Patrice Arundel of Vista, CA, and...
(2010 Hollywood Gold Cup
Hollywood Gold Cup
The Hollywood Gold Cup is an American Grade I stakes race for thoroughbred horses inaugurated in 1938 at Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood, California. It was run as a handicap race until 1997 when it was switched to weight-for-age conditions...
); Girolamo
Girolamo
Girolamo is an Italian variant of the name Hieronymus. Its English equivalent is Jerome.It may refer to:* Girolamo Cardano , Italian Renaissance mathematician, physician, astrologer and gambler* Girolamo da Cremona Girolamo is an Italian variant of the name Hieronymus. Its English equivalent is ...
(2010 Vosburgh Stakes
Vosburgh Stakes
The Vosburgh Stakes is an American thoroughbred horse race held annually at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Run at the end of September/early October, it is open to horses three-years-old and up of either gender...
); Mine That Bird
Mine That Bird
Mine That Bird is a retired American racehorse. He is best known for being one of only nine geldings to win the Kentucky Derby, and the second gelding to win the race since 1929...
(2009 Kentucky Derby
2009 Kentucky Derby
The 2009 Kentucky Derby was the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby. The value of the race was $2,177,000 in stakes. The race was sponsored by Yum! Brands and hence officially was called Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands. The race took place on May 2, 2009, and was televised in the United...
); Hystericalady
Hystericalady
Hystericalady , is a multiple stakes winning American Thoroughbred race horse. Bred in Kentucky by Abbott Properties, Hystericalady is the best daughter of the leading sire Distorted Humor, a half sister to dual Classic winner Funny Cide, and still racing at five. She’s a daughter of 1991 Chilean...
(2007 Humana Distaff Handicap
Humana Distaff Handicap
The Humana Distaff Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually on the first Saturday in May as part of Derby Day at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky...
), Romance Is Diane (2006 Hollywood Starlet Stakes
Hollywood Starlet Stakes
The Hollywood Starlet Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race for two-year-old fillies run each December at Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood, California. Currently offering a purse of $400,000, the Grade I event, it was raced on dirt until 2006 when the new synthetic Cushion Track was...
), Double Trouble (2008 Santa Maria Handicap
Santa Maria Handicap
The Santa Maria Handicap is an American Grade I Thoroughbred horse race run annually in early February at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California...
), Santa Teresita (2009 Santa Maria Handicap
Santa Maria Handicap
The Santa Maria Handicap is an American Grade I Thoroughbred horse race run annually in early February at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California...
), and Carriage Trail (2008 Spinster Stakes).
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 FloresDavid R. Flores
David Romero Flores is a jockey in American Thoroughbred horse racing.His father was a jockey and an exercise rider in Southern California....
, carried 122 lbs and won by 3 lengths. She earned $25,200 of the $42,000 purse.
On December 15, 2007, Zenyatta won a 1 1/16 miles allowance race by 3½ lengths at Hollywood Park.
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 StakesEl Encino Stakes
The El Encino Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. Open to four-year-old fillies, it is raced over a distance of 1/16 miles on the synthetic Cushion Track surface...
at Santa Anita. She was ridden by David Flores
David R. Flores
David Romero Flores is a jockey in American Thoroughbred horse racing.His father was a jockey and an exercise rider in Southern California....
and won by 3/4 of a length carrying 116 lbs.
On April 5, 2008, Zenyatta traveled to Oaklawn Park
Oaklawn Park
Oaklawn Park is an American thoroughbred racetrack in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is the home to The Racing Festival of the South.In 2009, the Horseplayers Association of North America introduced a rating system for 65 Thoroughbred racetracks in North America. Of the top Ten, Oaklawn was ranked...
for her first start on dirt and her first Grade 1 attempt. There she defeated the 2007 older female champion Ginger Punch
Ginger Punch
Ginger Punch is an American Thoroughbred filly racehorse. Owned and bred by operations belonging to automotive parts magnate, Frank Stronach, she is out of the mare Nappelon and sired by the Canadian-bred Awesome Again, winner of his country's 1997 Queen's Plate and the 1998 Breeders' Cup Classic...
and won the Apple Blossom Handicap
Apple Blossom Handicap
The Apple Blossom Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run each year in early April during the Racing Festival of the South at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Grade I race is open to Fillies and Mares, four years old and up...
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 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
Vanity Handicap
The Vanity Invitational Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually in July at Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood, California....
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
Clement L. Hirsch Handicap
The Clement L. Hirsch Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run each year at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California. The race is open to filles and mares, age three and up, willing to race one and one-sixteenth miles on Polytrack synthetic dirt...
at Del Mar
Del Mar Racetrack
Del Mar Racetrack is an American Thoroughbred horse racing track at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in the seaside city of Del Mar, California, 20 miles north of San Diego. Operated by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, it is known for the slogan: "Where The Turf Meets The Surf." It was built by a partnership...
.
On September 27, 2008, Zenyatta won the Grade 1 Lady's Secret Stakes at Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park is a thoroughbred racetrack in Arcadia, California, United States. It offers some of the prominent racing events in the United States during the winter and in spring. With its backdrop of the purple San Gabriel Mountains, it is considered by many as the world's most beautiful race...
. 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 a stakes-record 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
Oak Tree
Oak Tree may refer to:*Oak, the tree*Oak Tree, County Durham, a village in County Durham, England*The Oaktree Foundation, a youth-run aid and development agency*Oak Tree National, golf club in Edmond, Oklahoma...
at Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park is a thoroughbred racetrack in Arcadia, California, United States. It offers some of the prominent racing events in the United States during the winter and in spring. With its backdrop of the purple San Gabriel Mountains, it is considered by many as the world's most beautiful race...
. 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 1⅛ miles. She posted a 1½ length victory over Cocoa Beach.
2009 season
On January 26, 2009, Zenyatta won the Eclipse AwardEclipse Award
The Eclipse Award is an American thoroughbred horse racing award named after the 18th century British racehorse and sire, Eclipse. The Eclipse Awards, honoring the champions of the sport, are sponsored by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association , Daily Racing Form and the National Turf Writers...
for top Older Female of the 2008 season. She was voted runner-up to 2008 American Horse of the Year Curlin.
On May 23, 2009 Zenyatta won the Grade 2 Milady Handicap at Hollywood Park. Zenyatta carried 126 lbs and defeated stablemate and Grade I winner Life Is Sweet. She finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.30 and won by 1¾ lengths.
On June 27, 2009, Zenyatta won the Grade 1 Vanity Handicap
Vanity Handicap
The Vanity Invitational Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually in July at Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood, California....
at Hollywood Park for the second straight year. She carried 129 lbs, 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 2½ lengths with a final time of 1:48.15 at the 1⅛ 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
Clement L. Hirsch Handicap
The Clement L. Hirsch Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run each year at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California. The race is open to filles and mares, age three and up, willing to race one and one-sixteenth miles on Polytrack synthetic dirt...
at Del Mar
Del Mar
- Places :In the United States* Del Mar, California* Del Mar, Texas* Del Mar High School, located in San Jose, California* Del Mar Racetrack, located in Del Mar, California* Del Mar Fairgrounds located in Del Mar, California- People :...
. 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
Lady's Secret
Lady's Secret was an American Eclipse Award winning Thoroughbred racemare that was listed in the Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20th Century.-Breeding and background:...
at Oak Tree
Oak Tree
Oak Tree may refer to:*Oak, the tree*Oak Tree, County Durham, a village in County Durham, England*The Oaktree Foundation, a youth-run aid and development agency*Oak Tree National, golf club in Edmond, Oklahoma...
at Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park is a thoroughbred racetrack in Arcadia, California, United States. It offers some of the prominent racing events in the United States during the winter and in spring. With its backdrop of the purple San Gabriel Mountains, it is considered by many as the world's most beautiful race...
with ease, and on October 28, 2009 it was announced that she would compete in the Breeders' Cup Classic
Breeders' Cup Classic
The Breeders' Cup Classic is a Grade I Weight for Age thoroughbred horse race for 3 year olds and older run at a distance of 1¼ miles on dirt. It is held annually at a different racetrack as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships...
at Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park is a thoroughbred racetrack in Arcadia, California, United States. It offers some of the prominent racing events in the United States during the winter and in spring. With its backdrop of the purple San Gabriel Mountains, it is considered by many as the world's most beautiful race...
.
On November 7, 2009, Zenyatta became the first female to win the Grade I Breeders' Cup Classic
Breeders' Cup Classic
The Breeders' Cup Classic is a Grade I Weight for Age thoroughbred horse race for 3 year olds and older run at a distance of 1¼ miles on dirt. It is held annually at a different racetrack as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships...
at Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park is a thoroughbred racetrack in Arcadia, California, United States. It offers some of the prominent racing events in the United States during the winter and in spring. With its backdrop of the purple San Gabriel Mountains, it is considered by many as the world's most beautiful race...
. She carried 124 lbs 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
Breeders' Cup
The Breeders' Cup World Championships is an annual series of Thoroughbred horse races, most but not all Grade I, operated by Breeders' Cup Limited, a company formed in 1982. From its inception in 1984 through 2006, it was a single-day event; starting in 2007, it expanded to two days. The location...
races, improving her winning record to 14 out of 14. The field of 12 horses she triumphed over included 2009 Kentucky Derby
2009 Kentucky Derby
The 2009 Kentucky Derby was the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby. The value of the race was $2,177,000 in stakes. The race was sponsored by Yum! Brands and hence officially was called Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands. The race took place on May 2, 2009, and was televised in the United...
winner Mine That Bird
Mine That Bird
Mine That Bird is a retired American racehorse. He is best known for being one of only nine geldings to win the Kentucky Derby, and the second gelding to win the race since 1929...
and 2009 Belmont Stakes
2009 Belmont Stakes
The 2009 Belmont Stakes was the 141st running of the Belmont Stakes. The race took place on June 6, 2009, and was televised on ABC and ESPN360.com. The value of the race was $1,000,000 in stakes. Post time was 6:19 p.m. EST...
, Travers Stakes
Travers Stakes
The Travers Stakes is an American Grade I Thoroughbred horse race held at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York.First held in 1864, it was named for William R. Travers, the president of the old Saratoga Racing Association. His horse, Kentucky, won the first running of the Travers...
and Jockey Club Gold Cup
Jockey Club Gold Cup
The Jockey Club Gold Cup, established in 1919, is a prestigious thoroughbred flat race open to horses of either gender three-years-old and up. It is typically the main event of the fall meeting at Belmont Park, just as the Belmont Stakes is of the spring meeting and the Travers Stakes is of the...
hero Summer Bird
Summer Bird
Summer Bird is a retired American Thoroughbred racehorse, son of 2004 Belmont Stakes winner Birdstone. He was bred by retired cardiologist Kalarikkal Jayaraman and his wife, retired pathologist Vilasini Jayaraman, at their Tiffany Farm near Ocala, Florida...
, as well as European Group 1 winners Twice over and Rip Van Winkle, and Pacific Classic
Pacific Classic Stakes
The Pacific Classic Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race for runners aged 3-year-old or up run at the classic American distance of a mile and a quarter...
winner Richard's Kid. The runner-up, Gio Ponti
Giò Ponti
Gio Ponti was one of the most important Italian architects, industrial designers, furniture designers, artists, and publishers of the twentieth century.-Early life:...
, was the brilliant winner of four Grade 1 Stakes in 2009 including the Arlington Million
Arlington Million
The Arlington Million is a Grade 1 flathorse race in the United States for thoroughbred horses aged three years and upward. It is raced over a distance of 1¼ miles on the turf at Arlington Park, Arlington Heights, Illinois in August each year...
, and went on to be named Champion Older Male and Champion Male Grass horse. Zenyatta finished the 1¼ miles in 2:00.62 and surpassed the 2002 "Horse of the Year" Azeri
Azeri (horse)
Azeri is an American Hall of Fame champion thoroughbred racehorse who was 2002 US Horse of the Year and Champion Older Female from 2002 to 2004.-Breeding:...
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
Serena Williams
Serena Jameka Williams is an American professional tennis player and a former world no. 1. The Women's Tennis Association has ranked her world no. 1 in singles on five separate occasions. She became the world no. 1 for the first time on July 8, 2002 and regained this ranking for the fifth time on...
for 2009 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year
Associated Press Athlete of the Year
The first Athlete of the Year award in the United States was initiated by the Associated Press in 1931. At a time when women in sports were never given the same recognition as men, the AP offered a male and a female athlete of the year award to either a professional or amateur athlete...
.
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.
2010 season
On January 16, 2010, it was announced that Zenyatta would not be retired, and would race during the 2010 season.On January 18, 2010, Zenyatta won the Eclipse Award
Eclipse Award
The Eclipse Award is an American thoroughbred horse racing award named after the 18th century British racehorse and sire, Eclipse. The Eclipse Awards, honoring the champions of the sport, are sponsored by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association , Daily Racing Form and the National Turf Writers...
for top Older Female of the 2009 season. She was voted runner-up to 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra
Rachel Alexandra
Rachel Alexandra is a retired American Thoroughbred filly racehorse and the 2009 Horse of the Year. She is renowned as the May 16, 2009 Preakness Stakes winner, the second jewel of the Triple Crown, the first filly to win the race in 85 years history...
.
On March 13, 2010, Zenyatta captured her 15th straight victory in the Grade 1 $250,000 Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap
Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap
The Santa Margarita Invitational Handicapis an American Grade I Thoroughbred horse race run annually in early March at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California...
at Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park is a thoroughbred racetrack in Arcadia, California, United States. It offers some of the prominent racing events in the United States during the winter and in spring. With its backdrop of the purple San Gabriel Mountains, it is considered by many as the world's most beautiful race...
. She was assigned 127 lbs 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 1⅛ miles in 1:48.20 and won by 1¼ lengths.
Early in 2010, it was announced that Zenyatta would meet 2009 American Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra
Rachel Alexandra
Rachel Alexandra is a retired American Thoroughbred filly racehorse and the 2009 Horse of the Year. She is renowned as the May 16, 2009 Preakness Stakes winner, the second jewel of the Triple Crown, the first filly to win the race in 85 years history...
, who had not raced since winning the Woodward on September 2009, on the track in the Apple Blossom Invitational
Apple Blossom Handicap
The Apple Blossom Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run each year in early April during the Racing Festival of the South at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Grade I race is open to Fillies and Mares, four years old and up...
on April 9 at Oaklawn Park. The Apple Blossom Handicap
Apple Blossom Handicap
The Apple Blossom Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run each year in early April during the Racing Festival of the South at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Grade I race is open to Fillies and Mares, four years old and up...
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
Rachel Alexandra
Rachel Alexandra is a retired American Thoroughbred filly racehorse and the 2009 Horse of the Year. She is renowned as the May 16, 2009 Preakness Stakes winner, the second jewel of the Triple Crown, the first filly to win the race in 85 years history...
's loss in the New Orleans Ladies Stakes
New Orleans Ladies Stakes
The New Orleans Ladies Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race created in 2010 at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana to attract 2009 American Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra to train and compete there. A $200,000 stakes raced in mid March, it is open to fillies and mares,...
at Fair Grounds Race Course
Fair Grounds Race Course
Fair Grounds Race Course, often known as New Orleans Fair Grounds, is a thoroughbred racetrack and racino in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is operated by Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing Company, LLC....
on March 13, it was announced that she would not run in the Apple Blossom Invitational
Apple Blossom Handicap
The Apple Blossom Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run each year in early April during the Racing Festival of the South at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Grade I race is open to Fillies and Mares, four years old and up...
.
On April 9, 2010, Zenyatta romped in the Grade I $500,000 Apple Blossom Invitational
Apple Blossom Handicap
The Apple Blossom Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run each year in early April during the Racing Festival of the South at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Grade I race is open to Fillies and Mares, four years old and up...
at Oaklawn Park and increased her undefeated record to 16–0. With the win, Zenyatta tied Cigar
Cigar (horse)
Cigar , is a retired American Thoroughbred racehorse, who in 1995 and 1996 became the first American racehorse racing against top-class competition to win 16 consecutive races since the Triple Crown winner, Citation did so in 1948 and 1950...
, Citation
Citation (horse)
Citation was the eighth American Triple Crown winner, and one of three major North American Thoroughbreds to win at least 16 consecutive races in major stakes race competition...
, Ormonde, and Ribot
Ribot (horse)
Ribot was an Italian bay Thoroughbred racehorse, considered the strongest horse of all time.Undefeated in 16 races, he won over distances ranging from 5 furlongs to 1m 7f , in three different countries and in all types of track conditions...
for consecutive victories without a loss. She completed the 1⅛ 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
Rock of Gibraltar (horse)
Rock of Gibraltar is a Champion racehorse and stallion owned by Coolmore, for whom he currently stands in Ireland and Australia .He is named after the Rock of Gibraltar, a monolithic limestone promontory located in Gibraltar on...
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
Rock of Gibraltar (horse)
Rock of Gibraltar is a Champion racehorse and stallion owned by Coolmore, for whom he currently stands in Ireland and Australia .He is named after the Rock of Gibraltar, a monolithic limestone promontory located in Gibraltar on...
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 123 lbs and won her third Clement L. Hirsch Handicap
Clement L. Hirsch Handicap
The Clement L. Hirsch Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run each year at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California. The race is open to filles and mares, age three and up, willing to race one and one-sixteenth miles on Polytrack synthetic dirt...
. 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
Eclipse (horse)
Eclipse was an outstanding, undefeated 18th-century British Thoroughbred racehorse who was later a phenomenal success as a sire.-Breeding:...
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
Bayakoa
Bayakoa was a Thoroughbred Champion racehorse bred in Argentina. A descendant of the very important sire Nearco through both her sire and dam, after racing successfully in Argentina, Bayakoa was sold to Americans Janis and Frank Whitham....
) 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
Oak Tree
Oak Tree may refer to:*Oak, the tree*Oak Tree, County Durham, a village in County Durham, England*The Oaktree Foundation, a youth-run aid and development agency*Oak Tree National, golf club in Edmond, Oklahoma...
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 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
Breeders' Cup Classic
The Breeders' Cup Classic is a Grade I Weight for Age thoroughbred horse race for 3 year olds and older run at a distance of 1¼ miles on dirt. It is held annually at a different racetrack as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships...
. She never appeared comfortable in the 1¼ mile race, losing touch with the field by at least 8 lengths in the early going at Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs, located in Central Avenue in south Louisville, Kentucky, United States, is a Thoroughbred racetrack most famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby annually. It officially opened in 1875, and held the first Kentucky Derby and the first Kentucky Oaks in the same year. Churchill Downs...
, and looked hopelessly out of the running at the top of the stretch. In what some later called one of the most legendary racetrack performances ever, Zenyatta unleashed her devastating "turn of foot" and closed in on Stephen Foster Handicap
Stephen Foster Handicap
The Stephen Foster Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run in mid-June near the end of the Churchill Downs Spring Meet in Louisville, Kentucky...
and Whitney Handicap
Whitney Handicap
The Whitney Handicap is an American Grade 1 handicap race for Thoroughbred racehorses three years of age and older run at a distance of 1⅛ miles. In 2007, the Breeders' Cup Ltd...
winner Blame
Blame (horse)
Blame is a bay homebred colt owned by Claiborne Farm in association with Adele B. Dilschneider. He was sired by Claiborne's Arch out of the Seeking the Gold mare Liable. He was trained during his racing career by Al Stall Jr., and partnered with veteran jockey Garrett Gomez during his 2010...
, who looked to be in the clear. Zenyatta engaged the 4-year-old colt with 100 meters left to run, but Blame
Blame (horse)
Blame is a bay homebred colt owned by Claiborne Farm in association with Adele B. Dilschneider. He was sired by Claiborne's Arch out of the Seeking the Gold mare Liable. He was trained during his racing career by Al Stall Jr., and partnered with veteran jockey Garrett Gomez during his 2010...
dug in and held on by a desperate and diminishing head. Other horses in the Breeders' Cup Classic included Preakness
Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes is an American flat Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds held on the third Saturday in May each year at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It is a Grade I race run over a distance of 9.5 furlongs on dirt. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds ; fillies 121 lb...
and Haskell Invitational winner Lookin at Lucky
Lookin at Lucky
Lookin At Lucky is an American Thoroughbred racehorse and winner of the 2010 Preakness Stakes. Sired by Smart Strike, a half brother to Canadian Triple Crown Winner Dance Smartly, his dam, Private Feeling, was sired by Belong To Me by the North American Leading Sire of 1993, Danzig.Lookin At...
, Quality Road
Quality Road
Quality Road is an American Thoroughbred racehorse. Bred and raced by Edward P. Evans, his sire is World record setter, Elusive Quality, who also sired 2004 Kentucky Derby/Preakness Stakes winner Smarty Jones and 2008 Breeders' Cup Classic winner, Raven's Pass...
, dominant winner of the Florida Derby
Florida Derby
The Florida Derby is an American Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old horses held annually at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida on the Saturday closest to the end of March or the first of April. Added to the racing schedule in 1952, the Grade 1 race is run at 1⅛ miles on the dirt...
, Metropolitan Handicap
Metropolitan Handicap
The Metropolitan Handicap, frequently called the "Met Mile," is an American Grade I Thoroughbred horse race held annually during the last week of May at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Open to horses age three and older, it is contested on dirt over a distance of one mile .The Met Mile was first...
, Donn Handicap
Donn Handicap
The Donn Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually in late January/early February at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.The race is named after the Donn family, who for many years owned and operated the racetrack....
, and Woodward Stakes
Woodward Stakes
The Woodward Stakes is an American Grade I stakes race and is one of the premier races for older thoroughbred horses in the United States. Named for prominent racehorse owner, George Nicholas Woodward, it is run at 1⅛ miles on the dirt for a purse of $750,000.The Woodward was run as a handicap in...
, Japanese shipper Espoir City, winner of the 2009 Japan Cup Dirt
Japan Cup Dirt
The Japan Cup Dirt is a race usually run a week after the Japan Cup.- Race Information :* Racecourse: Hanshin Racecourse* Distance: 1,800 meters The Japan Cup Dirt (JPN G-1) is a race usually run a week after the Japan Cup.- Race Information :* Racecourse: Hanshin Racecourse* Distance: 1,800...
, and Jockey Club Gold Cup
Jockey Club Gold Cup
The Jockey Club Gold Cup, established in 1919, is a prestigious thoroughbred flat race open to horses of either gender three-years-old and up. It is typically the main event of the fall meeting at Belmont Park, just as the Belmont Stakes is of the spring meeting and the Travers Stakes is of the...
winner Haynesfield. Zenyatta's second-place finish earned $900,000 and surpassed Tiznow
Tiznow
Tiznow is an American Thoroughbred Hall of Fame racehorse owned by Michael L. Cooper and Cee's Stable.-Pedigree:...
, John Henry
John Henry (horse)
John Henry was an American Thoroughbred race horse who had 39 wins, with $6,591,860 in earnings. He was twice voted the Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year in 1981 and 1984, with his 1981 selection is the only one whereby the victor received all votes cast for that award. John Henry was also...
and Alysheba
Alysheba
Alysheba was an American Thoroughbred race horse who won two legs of the Triple Crown in 1987. A successful sire, he produced 11 stakes winners....
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
Associated Press Athlete of the Year
The first Athlete of the Year award in the United States was initiated by the Associated Press in 1931. At a time when women in sports were never given the same recognition as men, the AP offered a male and a female athlete of the year award to either a professional or amateur athlete...
.
On January 17, 2011 Zenyatta won the Eclipse Award
Eclipse Award
The Eclipse Award is an American thoroughbred horse racing award named after the 18th century British racehorse and sire, Eclipse. The Eclipse Awards, honoring the champions of the sport, are sponsored by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association , Daily Racing Form and the National Turf Writers...
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
Blame (horse)
Blame is a bay homebred colt owned by Claiborne Farm in association with Adele B. Dilschneider. He was sired by Claiborne's Arch out of the Seeking the Gold mare Liable. He was trained during his racing career by Al Stall Jr., and partnered with veteran jockey Garrett Gomez during his 2010...
, with 5 votes for Goldikova
Goldikova
Goldikova is a champion Thoroughbred racemare based in France, although she has raced in North America and England. She has won fourteen group one races, with nine victories over colts and geldings. This puts her above the great Miesque as the only European-trained horse to have won more than 10...
. It was Zenyatta's third nomination for Horse of the Year, and her first win.
On January 20, 2011, Penny Chenery
Penny Chenery
Helen Bates "Penny" Chenery Tweedy is an American sportswoman who bred and raced Secretariat, the 1973 winner of the Triple Crown...
announced that Zenyatta was named the 2010 recipient of the Secretariat Vox Populi Award.
On March 23, 2011, Zenyatta became the first horse to win the William H. May award. The award honors an individual or group that has provided "meritorious service" to the industry. Past recipients include racing industry greats such as John R. Gaines (Breeders' Cup founder), Joe Hirsch (founder of the National Turf Writers Association), Bob and Beverly Lewis, Stanley Bergstein and Richard Duchossois.
Retirement/Breeding
On November 17, 2010 it was announced that Zenyatta would be retired. She arrived at Lane's End FarmLane's End Farm
Lane's End Farm is a thoroughbred race horse breeding farm in Versailles, Kentucky established in 1979. The original land was part of Bosque Bonita Farm which means beautiful woods and was originally owned by Abraham Buford, a Confederate Army General. The land was later bought by leading...
in Versailles, Kentucky
Versailles, Kentucky
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,511 people, 3,160 households, and 2,110 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 3,330 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 88.18% White, 8.67% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.35%...
on December 6, 2010. On February 23, 2011 Zenyatta traveled by van to Darley Stud
Darley Stud
Darley Stud is a Thoroughbred breeding operation owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and vice-president of the United Arab Emirates. Darley breeds horses in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Dubai, Japan and Australia....
where she was bred to Bernardini
Bernardini
Bernardini is a thoroughbred race horse foaled on March 23, 2003 at Darley Stable in Kentucky. A son of A.P. Indy, he is out of Cara Rafaela who won almost a million dollars over the course of her racing career...
.
On March 29, 2011, after coming up negative on a 45-day pregnancy checkup, Zenyatta was bred again to Bernardini
Bernardini
Bernardini is a thoroughbred race horse foaled on March 23, 2003 at Darley Stable in Kentucky. A son of A.P. Indy, he is out of Cara Rafaela who won almost a million dollars over the course of her racing career...
.. She was announced to be back in foal to Bernardini
Bernardini
Bernardini is a thoroughbred race horse foaled on March 23, 2003 at Darley Stable in Kentucky. A son of A.P. Indy, he is out of Cara Rafaela who won almost a million dollars over the course of her racing career...
60 days later.
Races
| Finish | Race | Distance | Jockey | Time | Margin | Grade | Runner up | Track | Notes |
| 2nd | Breeders' Cup Classic Breeders' Cup Classic The Breeders' Cup Classic is a Grade I Weight for Age thoroughbred horse race for 3 year olds and older run at a distance of 1¼ miles on dirt. It is held annually at a different racetrack as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships... |
mi | M E Smith | 2:02.28 | Head | I | Blame Blame (horse) Blame is a bay homebred colt owned by Claiborne Farm in association with Adele B. Dilschneider. He was sired by Claiborne's Arch out of the Seeking the Gold mare Liable. He was trained during his racing career by Al Stall Jr., and partnered with veteran jockey Garrett Gomez during his 2010... (1st) |
Churchill Downs | |
| 1st | Lady's Secret Stakes | mi | M E Smith | 1:42.97 | I | Switch | Oak Tree at Hollywood Park | ||
| 1st | Clement L. Hirsch Handicap Clement L. Hirsch Handicap The Clement L. Hirsch Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run each year at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California. The race is open to filles and mares, age three and up, willing to race one and one-sixteenth miles on Polytrack synthetic dirt... |
mi | M E Smith | 1:45.03 | neck | I | Rinterval | Del Mar Race Track | |
| 1st | Vanity Invitational Handicap | mi | M E Smith | 1:49.01 | I | St. Trinians | Hollywood Park | ||
| 1st | Apple Blossom Invitational Handicap Apple Blossom Handicap The Apple Blossom Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run each year in early April during the Racing Festival of the South at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Grade I race is open to Fillies and Mares, four years old and up... |
mi | M E Smith | 1:50.71 | I | Taptam | Oaklawn Park | ||
| 1st | Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap The Santa Margarita Invitational Handicapis an American Grade I Thoroughbred horse race run annually in early March at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California... |
mi | M E Smith | 1:48.20 | I | Dance to My Tune | Santa Anita Park | ||
| 1st | Breeders' Cup Classic Breeders' Cup Classic The Breeders' Cup Classic is a Grade I Weight for Age thoroughbred horse race for 3 year olds and older run at a distance of 1¼ miles on dirt. It is held annually at a different racetrack as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships... |
mi | M E Smith | 2:00.62 | 1 | I | Gio Ponti Gio Ponti (horse) Gio Ponti is a United States race horse and a specialist on the turf course. He was sired by Tale of the Cat, a son of Storm Cat, out of the stakes-placed Alydar mare Chipeta Springs, making him half-brother to stakes-winner Fisher Pond... |
Oak Tree at Santa Anita | |
| 1st | Lady's Secret Stakes | mi | M E Smith | 1:42.89 | I | Lethal Heat | Oak Tree at Santa Anita | ||
| 1st | Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Clement L. Hirsch Handicap The Clement L. Hirsch Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run each year at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California. The race is open to filles and mares, age three and up, willing to race one and one-sixteenth miles on Polytrack synthetic dirt... |
mi | M E Smith | 1:43.24 | head | I | Anabaa's Creation | Del Mar Race Track | |
| 1st | Vanity Handicap Vanity Handicap The Vanity Invitational Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually in July at Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood, California.... |
mi | M E Smith | 1:48.15 | I | Briecat | Hollywood Park | ||
| 1st | Milady Handicap | mi | M E Smith | 1:42.30 | II | Life Is Sweet Life Is Sweet (horse) Life Is Sweet is an American Thoroughbred racehorse who in early 2009 was thought to be a threat to her unbeaten stablemate, Zenyatta. She was bred by her owners, Pam & Martin Wygod. Sired by Storm Cat, she is out of the Kris S... |
Hollywood Park | ||
| 1st | Breeders' Cup Distaff/Ladies' Classic | mi | M E Smith | 1:46.85 | I | Cocoa Beach Cocoa Beach (horse) Cocoa Beach is a notable Chilean bred Thoroughbred racehorse who won races in the United Arab Emirates, Chile and two Grade 1 races in the United States.Cocoa Beach was bred by Haras La Obra and owned by Godolphin Racing.-2008:... |
Oak Tree at Santa Anita | ||
| 1st | Lady's Secret Stakes | mi | M E Smith | 1:40.30 | I | Hystericalady Hystericalady Hystericalady , is a multiple stakes winning American Thoroughbred race horse. Bred in Kentucky by Abbott Properties, Hystericalady is the best daughter of the leading sire Distorted Humor, a half sister to dual Classic winner Funny Cide, and still racing at five. She’s a daughter of 1991 Chilean... |
Oak Tree at Santa Anita | ||
| 1st | Clement L. Hirsch Handicap Clement L. Hirsch Handicap The Clement L. Hirsch Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run each year at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California. The race is open to filles and mares, age three and up, willing to race one and one-sixteenth miles on Polytrack synthetic dirt... |
mi | M E Smith | 1:41.48 | 1 | II | Model | Del Mar Race Track | |
| 1st | Vanity Handicap Vanity Handicap The Vanity Invitational Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually in July at Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood, California.... |
mi | M E Smith | 1:49.51 | I | Tough Tiz's Sis | Hollywood Park | ||
| 1st | Milady Handicap | mi | M E Smith | 1:41.17 | II | Santa Teresita | Hollywood Park | ||
| 1st | Apple Blossom Handicap Apple Blossom Handicap The Apple Blossom Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run each year in early April during the Racing Festival of the South at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Grade I race is open to Fillies and Mares, four years old and up... |
mi | M E Smith | 1:42.64 | I | Brownie Points | Oaklawn Park | ||
| 1st | El Encino Stakes El Encino Stakes The El Encino Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. Open to four-year-old fillies, it is raced over a distance of 1/16 miles on the synthetic Cushion Track surface... |
mi | D. Flores | 1:40.61 | II | Tough Tiz's Sis | Santa Anita Park | ||
| 1st | Allowance | mi | D. Flores | 1:40.97 | None | Quite a Stormkat | Hollywood Park | ||
| 1st | Maiden | fur Furlong A furlong is a measure of distance in imperial units and U.S. customary units equal to one-eighth of a mile, equivalent to 220 yards, 660 feet, 40 rods, or 10 chains. The exact value of the furlong varies slightly among English-speaking countries.... |
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 the legendary EclipseEclipse (horse)Eclipse was an outstanding, undefeated 18th-century British Thoroughbred racehorse who was later a phenomenal success as a sire.-Breeding:...
with 18 consecutive victories without defeat. First mare to win this race 3× (consecutive years). - 11. Broke the all-time North American record for consecutive wins in unrestricted races (17 wins in 17 starts). First mare to win this race 3× (consecutive years).
- 10. 16 wins in a row. Tying the record held by CitationCitation (horse)Citation was the eighth American Triple Crown winner, and one of three major North American Thoroughbreds to win at least 16 consecutive races in major stakes race competition...
and CigarCigar (horse)Cigar , is a retired American Thoroughbred racehorse, who in 1995 and 1996 became the first American racehorse racing against top-class competition to win 16 consecutive races since the Triple Crown winner, Citation did so in 1948 and 1950...
for consecutive victories in unrestricted races. - 9. First filly or mare to win Breeders' Cup Classic; first horse to win two different Breeders' Cup races.
- 8. Tied for most wins
- 7. Tied for most wins
- 6. Tied for most wins
- 5. Tied for most wins
- 4. Second fastest "Breeders' Cup Distaff/Ladies' Classic"
- 3. New stakes record (Dirt or Synthetic)
- 2. New track record (Synthetic)
- 1. New stakes record (Dirt or Synthetic)