Unlike the countless times that Brett Favre was going to retire and then decided not to, the connections of the "super" mare; Zenyatta announced on Wednesday afternoon that her career on the track was finished and she would be going to the shed row. After last year's triumph in the Breeder's Cup Classic, it was thought that it would have been her last race. But, the continued training weeks after her last victory was a indication that she was going to defend her title and make more history. So, Zenyatta returned this year to continue her undefeated quest and try to garner the award she came up short with in 2009.
In 2009, Zenyatta remained on the west coast for the entire season with the Breeder's Cup being contested at Santa Anita Park on the polytrack surface. Meanwhile, another filly (Rachel Alexandra) one year younger than Zenyatta was defeating colts and older runners throughout the country at several different race tracks. Even with Zenyatta extending her undefeated streak with winning the 2009 Breeder's Cup Classic and the first female horse ever to win the Classic, it wasn't enough for her to win the eclipse award for Horse of the Year. That went to Rachel Alexandra for her victories versus males in the Preakness Stakes, Haskell Invitational and defeating older males in the Woodward Stakes at Saratoga . For Zenyatta the chance would come again this year, if she would remain undefeated and get to the Classic again. Part of this quest she would fulfill.
For her connections, she would have to maintain her undefeated status and venture outside California and their restricted synthetic racing surfaces. Once again, half the bargain would remain with 19 straight victories including her second career win outside California at Oaklawn Park in the Apple Blossom Handicap on "real" dirt. But, her victories this year were against basically the same filly and mares that she defeated in 2009 and not once took on the males or traveled to Kentucky or the east coast to take on her other distaff rivals. This will hurt her once again when the voting for Horse of the Years honors are tabulated in January.
She did make it to Churchill Downs to defend her title as Classic champion. Unlike Rachel Alexandra, her racing form did not tail off and she remained in training. It was hoped that her 2010 racing schedule would include more "real" dirt races, but nevertheless Zenyatta would try to make history in so many ways by finishing her career undefeated with a perfect 20 for 20 record. She came so close, but a head difference under the lights at Churchill Downs was the final disappointment for all her fans and may be her undoing once again this year.
No female thoroughbred has accomplished what Zenyatta has in the last two years, but it was a "super" filly last year and a photo finish this year that will cost her the ultimate award for any horse; Horse of the Year honors. This year, Blame was hands down the best older thoroughbred in the country winning grade I races in Kentucky and New York . He won the biggest race of the year, which usually determines year end honors; the Breeder's Cup Classic. Meanwhile, Zenyatta does her thing all year and gives a courageous account of herself while coming up just a head short. But, it will be the "photo finish" that prevents the great Zenyatta in getting what her connections wanted so bad this year; their mare winning Horse of the Year honors. It's the disappointment felt around the world, but nothing to be ashamed of. A record of 19-1 for a career some only dream of, it's not winning Horse of the Year honors again this year that will be the nightmare.
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