Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

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Breeders’ Cup 10th Anniversary Zenyatta Celebration

7 November 2009: Zenyatta with Mike Smith up (#4) wins the G1 $5 Million Breeder’s Cup Classic in Arcadia, California. Eric Patterson/Eclipse Sportswire

BREEDERS’ CUP TO CELEBRATE 10th ANNIVERSARY OF ZENYATTA’S HISTORIC WIN AS PART OF 2019 BREEDERS’ CUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Zenyatta to receive the Breeders’ Cup Sports and Racing Excellence Award

ARCADIA, Calif., (October 10, 2019) – The Breeders’ Cup, one of Thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious international events, today announces a unique slate of programming in commemoration of Zenyatta, one of the greatest racehorses of all time, and the 10th anniversary of her historic victory in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park, when she became the first-ever female to win the world-renowned race. To honor Zenyatta’s achievements, Breeders’ Cup will provide fans with the opportunity to relive her history-defining moments and learn about her illustrious career during the 2019 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, taking place at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California on November 1 and 2. Designed to facilitate engagement with fans both near and far, the one-of-a-kind activities will include both digital and onsite offerings.

“Zenyatta’s accomplishments are among the most legendary in the history of horse racing. Her fortitude and tenacity are truly inspiring, and she will forever be remembered as one of the most impressive Thoroughbreds of all time,” said Dora Delgado, Executive Vice President, Racing & Nominations at Breeders’ Cup. “Upon our return to Santa Anita, the site of her historic Classic win all those years ago, we’re proud to celebrate Zenyatta and look forward to doing so her alongside her dedicated fanbase worldwide.”

As part of the 10th anniversary activation, all attendees of the 2019 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be able to enter the Zenyatta Peacock Paddock, a specially curated space adorned with exclusive images, memorabilia and life-sized cutouts of Zenyatta. Within the Peacock Paddock, a number Zenyatta’s iconic photos will be on display, offering an opportune moment for fans to memorialize their experiences and share them with fellow fans on social media using the horse’s official hashtag, #QueenZenyatta. In tandem, video set-ups and live screenings will allow them to relive her most memorable wins and get an exclusive look at Zenyatta at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky, where she currently resides. To bring the excitement of the 10th anniversary home, limited-edition Zenyatta merchandise will be available to purchase onsite at Santa Anita Park during the championship weekend, as well as online at www.BreedersCupShop.com.

To further commend Zenyatta’s historic achievements, Breeders’ Cup will be honoring her with the Breeders’ Cup Sports and Racing Excellence Award. The Breeders’ Cup Sports and Racing Excellence Award has been previously awarded to Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, renowned golfer Gary Player and legendary broadcaster, Dick Enberg.

During the championship weekend, horseracing network TVG will also honor Zenyatta’s lasting legacy with an ultimate supercut of Zenyatta’s most memorable career highlights, which will air on the network alongside additional replays of Zenyatta’s winning races, including the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Distaff and 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic. NBC Sports Group, the official broadcast media partner of the Breeders’ Cup, will additionally air a tribute segment to Zenyatta during its broadcast of the World Championships that will revisit Zenyatta’s trailblazing history and showcase the legendary mare’s current whereabouts.

One of the most beloved champions in Breeders’ Cup history, Zenyatta has been recognized with the most significant awards and accolades in the industry, including being named as one of the top 10 female athletes of 2009 by Sports Illustrated as well as Horse of the Year in 2010. In addition to her Breeders’ Cup Classic win in 2009, Zenyatta was also the first horse to win two different Breeders’ Cup races, beginning with her victory at the Distaff, formerly the Ladies’ Classic, in 2008. To learn more about Zenyatta and the 10th anniversary celebrations taking place at the upcoming Breeders’ Cup World Championships, please visit www.BreedersCup.com/Zenyatta.

The Breeders’ Cup World Championships returns to Santa Anita Park this year for a record-breaking tenth time on November 1-2. For further details and other ticket options, please visit www.BreedersCup.com/tickets.

About Breeders’ Cup
The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships. The Breeders’ Cup also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The 2019 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 championship races (13 Grade 1 events and one Grade 2 race) with purses and awards totaling more than $30 million, will be held on November 1-2 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., and will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, www.breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

243 Comments

  2. / Reply

    Missed all of you so very much. Was so afraid of another miscarriage for Zenny and worried about her. Glad to hear from all of you and that the blog is still on!!! Hooray. So sorry to hear about Smudge. I lost my little black lab. She was 10 years old and developed a tumor. She passed suddenly. Her name is Colette. She passed just before Smudge. She was just arrived on the rainbow bridge and was there to greet Smudge. Thrilled about Charlie, Judy. I cannot go Santa Anita because I injured my right leg. Can’t wait until it heals enough for me to go to John’s barn and meet Zellda in person.They are pulling out all the stops at Santa Anita for Zenny’s 10th anniversary winning the BC Classic. God bless you all. John has 2 horses racing today. Best of luck!!!

    • / Reply

      Dear Marilyn:

      Thank you for your concern for my Charlie. Haven’t gotten the all clear to go see him yet. Waiting impatiently.
      Hope your leg is better soon. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Marilyn,

      So sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet little Colette. She and Smudge are great pals now, I’m sure. Both are happy again and not sick anymore. This is comforting; although, we miss them so much. RIP Colette and Smudge.

      Take care of that leg. Hope it heals quickly. Thanks for your kind words and thoughts.

      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Dear Marilyn. Sorry to hear about Colette. Maybe Smudge and Colette are hanging out with my Dixie. I am pretty sure she is hanging out right around the gates of Heaven waiting for my other horse Jake to come along in time. They were lifelong companions even though she found him rather irritating.

      Their lives bring us such joy and comfort, and yet seem so fragile.

      • / Reply

        Dear Kathleen,

        I am sure all our beloved babies are hanging out together. Dixie, Suzy, Amy, Duke, Colette, Smudge, Reilly, Huey . . . and many more furry loves of our lives, they are all there watching over us and waiting to greet us when the time comes.

        Hugs and Love

  3. / Reply

    I am so relieved. Had not logged on for 2 or 3 days and thought our friendships were over or something terrible had happened. This computer stuff is so scary when it disappears. There is no one to call or no way to communicate. I felt like I had lost some great friends. I wonder what happened ? Hope it does not happen again. Nancy

    • / Reply

      Judy,
      Duh! Thanks for posting the race. I didn’t see it the first time I read your post. Looked like he did it pretty easily.

      • / Reply

        Dear Shirlee:

        Yes, made it look easy. If you watch the video all the way to the end, looks like MAX says to Luis OK, I did it; now get off. He dumped him. ? Luis got right back on him. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Judy,

          I saw that unexpected dismount! Thanks for posting the replay, and big Congrats to Maximum Security with Luis Saez onboard. Well done!
          Congrats to all connections, too.

          Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        Great to see Max again. The Bold Ruler is a handicap and apparently Max, the 3-year-old carried top weight. He is special.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the replay, JB.
      Congrats to Max. Oh my, Luis still gives him a love pat on his big ole neck! Someone wants to get back to his barn….now. Never a dull moment.

      Yeah, we are back. Thanks Team Z.
      Congrats Zenny. Luv ya!

  6. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, DC and Z Family:

    Missed all my Z Family and saying goodnight to you this past week. Happy Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB

  7. / Reply

    Team Z – Thank you for all that you do for her fans! We love Queen and we are so excited to see her win the Breeders’ cup Sports and Racing Excellence Award.

  8. / Reply

    So glad the blog is back up. I also was afraid something bad had happened or they were just taking it down. Good to hear from everyone.

    Judy,
    Happy for your boy Max. Sec. Didn’t see the race but hope he came out okay. I am excited about Elate being in the BC Classic. She does not have Zenyatta’s talent but would be nice to see another mare win. The talk is that she likes the 1-1/4 distance very much.

    Safe trip for our sweet boy, Omaha Beach!

  10. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    What an absolutely stunning looking little girl. Oh, those eyelashes!

    Safe travels to Magical. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy and Sheena,

      Great minds . . . Judy said exactly what I was going to say. She is gorgeous with eyelashes that are the envy of every girl around. Sensational!!

      All the best to “Caravaggio’s Storm” — may she be healthy, happy and loved forever.

      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      What beautiful scenery and it’s no wonder the Euros have such magnificent stamina. All natural training; all different elevations and surfaces. The horses thrive there. Thanks for sharing. Long, happy, healthy life to Hermosa. Love and Hugs, JB

  13. / Reply

    Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, Zenny!
    Hope you are getting some lovely fall weather to enjoy with your friends at LE.
    Sending much love and continued good health to our very favorite girl and all her babies, too.

    Big Hugs and Lots of Love

  14. / Reply

    https://www.facebook.com/SkyRacingAU/videos/565215470907548/?__tn__=kC-R&eid=ARCG_0tFtfjzqso-YKbSfOgZ2Va0nvh4Q6KHsucdotbgfJNzcyENZpaX6eZJblJuPMn9lAvVopeMMIrj&hc_ref=ARQS7QZrI_OiwCNvQzUgfm79rA6ABDCGpKbaZc2ntzns7A8DbLKShcJvvrjf1258zQ0&fref=nf&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAUXo2WzkbGWueyFrqMhUeVMaOa8sAh2Fxbo3Q3Bi61KV0xdW8oaCU094FaaWm-TbPZFSeArJI_iwQKn2PhXQzSNfXM3_-7h5kGY79hf9eI9PbyVFmHlQBh2GqFJjIb1L7ffH59oSx9YicInniE9RPU3ZC4PEvA_nOIdyBxNxUB05gSjSHeW_uUHV2ICv-uHkwE49dSqivtDKxJZ5UT2C4CqoyGD1ECxRU0eRn6tJa9HndjzutV0ez_OC_wh2PkkbQWEwIOYfispxPSmhqSde0nkBtZs0vG1ulg2HvQRbA_MEDGhQW1M4KQTlivBY8Bg-ZNXSKQAnRkuwxWSGVN8RpOKdGHwps0fpo2yA

    Almond Eye easily wins the Tenno Sho.She’s back!

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      Thanks a million for posting this link. Beautiful and very wise!
      Our blog is back, and life is good with Zenny and company.

      Lovely way to start the week, my friend.

      Hugs and Love

  17. / Reply

    I’m so happy to see everybody is back!

    I was sick with worry that something dreadful had happened to the baby or to Zenyatta or to both… Or that one of us had posted something so out-of-bounds (very unlikely) that Team Z had shut the site down.

    I know that I, for one, would be at a terrible loss without these updates on Zenny and Coz and Ziconic and our beloved No-Name Princess…

  19. / Reply

    https://www.racingpost.com/news/big-race-reports/frankie-dettori-claims-easy-group-1-victory-as-alson-wins-longchamp-match-race/406199

    Frankie’s easy 19th group one for the season as Alson beats Armory after Lady Penelope somersaulted in the stalls.Both horse and jockey were safe and well.

    Dear Judy.Such a beautiful video with quotations as well.Dry and cold over here today.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

  20. / Reply

    I am so happy to be seeing Santa Anita for the first time on this special weekend celebration of my favorite race horse ever! I’m so excited! The only thing better would be to meet her in person. I will never give up that dream ?

  21. / Reply

    On this day in 2014 we lost a very special Prinzess.We shall always remember little curly mane and the joy she brought to our lives.Sleet tight cariad fachX
    Don’t cry because it’s over Smile because it happened.

  22. / Reply

    Thank You everyone who sent me condolences for the death of my little black Lab, Colette. I so very much appreciated all the condolences. I miss her so very much!!

  23. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    Just read Magical has spiked a fever and is not coming to BC. Feel better soon Beauty. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy.Now I came back on the computer and saw the news about Magical.I’m glad she is’nt making the long journey to CA she has had a hard season and deserves a rest now.Enable gets out every day for a little jog just to keep her ticking over.There are rumours Palmerston the FCO cat is living out his final days at an official’s home but his twitter says it’s fake news?Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

  24. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    Thank God both horse and rider were OK in that stall incident. Congrats to Alson and Frankie. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties

  26. / Reply

    Remembering Z Princess who passed 5 years ago today. What a very sad day it was. She was so beautiful with her curly mane. Thinking today of what might have been.

    Love to all.
    Linda in NJ

    • / Reply

      Yes, Linda, Sheena, Shirlee and Judy,

      That was a very sad day — such a loss. We will always remember our little curly mane, Z Princess.

      Hugs and Love

  27. / Reply

    Looks like we’re back again! Praying all is well with Zenyatta. I do think of her all the time and am so glad to see updates that she is happy and thriving.

    We have been through so much since we last were able to post.

    Two wonderful days of beautiful horses, exciting races and great courage. A glorious time until the final furlong coming down the stretch of the final race when everything that was great became everything that is heart shattering.

    It seems that every time this happens, it adds on to the ones who have gone before. It just breaks my heart even more. Mongolian Groom, such a courageous horse, deserved so much more than this.

  28. / Reply

    Hello Friends!

    Zenyatta, we have missed your website immensely. Welcome back everyone!
    Enjoyed the BC weekend and the wonderful celebration of you, Queen Z.

    Only one dark cloud on the lovely weekend, and that was the tragic end of Mongolian Groom. RIP brave boy.

    Hope all are doing well in Zennyland and that the fires in California will be conquered completely. Take care, sweet Z! It’s so good to be back home on the blog.

    Hugs and Love to all❣️

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathleen, Marshall and Z Fans:

      So glad Z’s Blog is back. Missed all of you.

      I was so relieved that both Friday and Saturday racing was moving along with no injuries and then Mongolian Groom. He was indeed a brave, beautiful boy. RIP sweet innocent.

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