Zenyatta is America's New Super Horse
Undefeated Thoroughbred Racehorse Filly Continues to Win
Nov 8, 2009
Zenyatta is one of the most fantastic Thoroughbred racehorse fillies of all time. With a flawless record of 14 wins and no defeats, she has shattered record after record and has carved her name into the history books. With jockey Mike Smith along for the ride, Zenyatta has proven that fillies with heart and determination can easily compete with the colts on the field.
Early Life for Zenyatta
Zenyatta was born in Kentucky on April 1, 2004. She was sold in 2005 at the prestigious Keeneland auction for $60,000 as a yearling and was purchased by Jerry and Ann Moss (who also owned Giacomo, the 2005 Derby winner). Her sire was Street Cry (sire of the 2007 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense) and her dam was Vertigineux by the famous Kris S.
Zenyatta was trained by John Shirreffs, and did not race until she was 3 years old.
Zenyatta on the Race Track
Zenyatta's maiden debut race was at Hollywood Park in November 2007 with jockey David Flores. From there, a permanent jockey switch to Mike Smith won her another allowance race that same year in December to close out her 2007 season. In 2008, she won her first Grade 2 race at Santa Anita, the El Encino Stakes. She promptly followed that with a Grade 1 win at the Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park in April 2008 before headed back to Hollywood Park for two more wins.
In August 2008, she broke the track record at Del Mar in the Clement L. Hirsch. Her next race was also at Del Mar, and in the Lady's Secret Stakes she ran every quarter faster than the last. Her final race in 2008 was a breathtaking late run in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic that earned her the "Breathtaking Moment of the Year" from NTRA.
In 2009, she continued her winning streak - defeating every horse on the field in the Milady Handicap, the Vanity Handicap and several more races. After an astonishing win on November 7, 2009, she became the first female horse to win the Breeders' Cup Classic, in addition to equaling the record held by Personal Ensign for the longest consecutive winning streak by a filly or mare.
Zenyatta's Future
While Zenyatta's future is mostly uncertain, no one can deny that she has been an awe-inspiring legend on the racetrack. While many are speculating that her phenomenal win in the Breeders' Cup Classic was her final trip out on the track, she has a promising future as a broodmare. Her legendary genes will live on, and most are hoping that she is able to pass on part of her talent to her offspring.
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