Zenyatta, a beautiful and talented mare, jumped into the spotlight of thoroughbred racing. She has it all, charisma, talent, and beauty. Hollywood Park honored her with a day of appreciation to celebrate all she has been as she retires to her next job as an elite broodmare.
The mare is a superstar in the racing world, winning 19 of 20 starts and earning 7.3 million dollars.
The crowd was in good spirits, yet noticeably saddened to see her retire. She has a sterling racing record of 19 wins, and one (barely) second place. She is a filly who bested colts and did it well. Zenyatta t-shirts, signs with slogans, ball caps, and celebration hats were there along with banners hanging everywhere.
One group was openly lobbying for Zenyatta as 'Horse of the Year.' Everyone I heard agreed with that choice. Even world-class trainer, Bob Baffert, asked me if I was there for Zenyatta. He was there with his horses.
Her jockey Mike Smith spent an hour in the morning signing autographs and talking to people. He was gracious to all the well-wishers who talked with him. When asked about how he felt about Zenyatta's retirement he only said, "I feel very emotional, very emotional."
Kevin Lester, a fan, didn't want to see her retire as yet, "Zenyatta is a very wonderful horse. I like watching her run. It's sad she is going to retire. I think the owners and trainer helped make her the best, they were good to her. She is a very smart horse, too."
She was quiet, regal and moved with the smoothness of a jungle cat … she has presence.
Her groom, Mario Espinoza, led her around the paddock, pausing for photo's patiently and with obvious love for this horse.
Her 11,216 fans cheered and took last pictures of their favorite.
Zenyatta then walked onto the track, as her fans went wild chanting her name and some even crying. As she walked onto the track, a replay of her victory in the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) played on the video board.
Smith watched with obvious focus from the rail, at the replay of her beating the boys in a race that provided evidence for her credentials.
Jockey Mike Smith briefly took the reins from Espinoza and led her around, as Smith handed the reins back to the groom he twice tapped his heart with his right hand before walking away.
According to bloodhorse.com, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert said a short time after he collected his 2,000th lifetime victory, "It's amazing the following she has and we're fans ourselves."
"We've been very lucky and blessed to have Zenyatta. This is a great day," smiling owner, Jerry Moss said, as he stood with Ann, his wife. "We're feeling fantastic. We have a great horse retiring 100 percent sound."
She is headed off to Kentucky on Dec. 6. She will soon begin a breeding career. Espinoza will accompany her, and stay a short time to help her settle into her new home, Lane's End Farm near Versailles.
She begins a new chapter in her legend.
Zenyatta took her name from Zenyattà Mondatta, the third album by The Police.
