12/7/10
Last updated: 12/6/10 9:07 PM
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Zenyatta went into high-stepping mode alongside trainer John Shirreffs
(Keeneland/Coady Photography) |
Two-time champion ZENYATTA flew from sunny Southern California, her home
throughout her stellar racing career, to the snowy Bluegrass on Monday to begin
her new life as a broodmare. The six-year-old made a brief public appearance at
Keeneland before heading to her new home
at Mr. and Mrs. William S. Farish’s Lane’s End Farm near Versailles, Kentucky.
With her early-morning flight delayed a couple of hours because of adverse
weather at her Kentucky destination, Zenyatta did not arrive until dinner time.
After her Tex Sutton charter touched down at Bluegrass Airport across the street
from Keeneland, Zenyatta was brought to the track and settled in a stall in Barn
15, whence she was then led to the lighted outdoor show ring at the back of the
sales pavilion.
More than 1,000 fans braved the frigid cold, and night air, to welcome
Zenyatta to Kentucky. Fans traveled from all over the country, including
California, New York, Michigan, Ohio and New York, for the chance to see
the beloved racemare. Flash bulbs lit up throughout the crowd, illuminating
the darkness, as she made her way from the barn.
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Zenyatta was brought into the show ring by groom Mario Espinoza. Owners Jerry
and Ann Moss were on hand, along with jockey Mike Smith and trainer John
Shirreffs, who also took the lead shank for a turn with his prized pupil.
Like a true superstar, Zenyatta gave the spectators just what they wanted —
breaking into her famous footwork, her prancing steps that served as the
charismatic prelude to so many of her triumphs.
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Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith expresses his affection
(Wendy Wooley/EquiSport Photos) |
Keeneland officials presented Zenyatta with a gift basket filled with her
favorite treats, including mints, pears and Guinness beer.
“We were honored to have her here,” Keeneland President and CEO Nick
Nicholson said.
“The connections to Zenyatta have been amazing ambassadors for our sport, and
we want to thank them for sharing her with all of us. We wish Zenyatta all the
best as she begins the next phase of her career.”
Zenyatta’s appearance at Keeneland was something of a homecoming. A graduate
of the 2005 September Yearling Sale, she sold for a bargain $60,000 to
bloodstock agent David Ingordo on behalf of the Mosses.
Zenyatta became a fan favorite with her electrifying late rallies that
propelled her to a 19-race winning streak, without a loss, until her
heartbreaking near-miss to Blame in the November 6 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).
She set North American female records in terms of earnings ($7,304,580) and with
an extraordinary 13 Grade 1 wins, including the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic and
the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic (G1).
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The Eclipse Award winner as champion older mare in both 2008 and 2009,
Zenyatta has a stranglehold on a third straight title, and she is once again a
candidate for Horse of the Year.
Mating plans have yet to be announced.
In the future, fans wishing to see Zenyatta should check her website at
zenyatta.com, or at
lanesend.com, to see what
her schedule might be.
