A previously unnoticed dark bay Thoroughbred first won over the American public in her Breeder’s Cup debut in 2008. Her name was Zenyatta, a name that would soon be uttered across racetracks far and wide.
She arrived undefeated in eight starts to Santa Anita and swept the field by storm, winning the Lady’s Classic against the fastest fillies in the world. The gentle giant became infamous for her last to first homestretch finishes, a style derived from the sheer pleasure of running, enough to raise goosebumps in any crowd. While having only thus far competed against her female comrades, the world began to wonder if she was good enough to challenge the boys.
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Zenyatta was born on April Fool’s Day in 2004, another testament to her unique legacy. She sold for $60,000 as a yearling at the Keeneland Sale, according to her official website, Zenyatta.com. The amount was a relatively low price especially for a Thoroughbred yearling by Dubai World Cup winner Street Cry out of a Kris S. broodmare. The racing prospect was purchased by Jerry and Ann Moss, who had quite the keen eye for subtle talent.
The filly was slow to develop but grew into a muscular, towering 17.2 hands high monster by the age of three. She broke her maiden at Hollywood Park in her home state of California, unbeknownst to all she would go on to make history. Two years later she arrived to compete against the best colts in the world for the Breeder’s Cup Classic, undefeated in thirteen starts but yet to run against the boys.
Team Z consisted of her attentive owners, the experienced trainer John Sherriffs, and one of the leading jockeys in the sport, Hall-of-Famer Mike Smith. The five-million dollar race that year featured champion colts Gio Ponti, Summer Bird, and Rip Van Winkel from Ireland. Although undefeated, this filly had her work cut out for her. In the breathtaking two minutes that ensued, Zenyatta charged from dead last down the homestretch, easily picking off all of her competitors, and flashed past the finish line to become the first filly in history to win the Breeder’s Cup Classic.
Watch the amazing display of true girl power as this filly races into stardom in a spine-tingling performance the world will never forget.
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