Trainer John Shirreffs has established himself in the racing world as the man who can deliver some of the most magical moments in the sport. From beating some of the toughest odds at the Kentucky Derby to racing Zenyatta into the history books, he has drawn his own path down the winning stretch.
Five years ago, Shirreffs arrived at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby with a gray colt who entered the gates with
odds of 50 to 1. Roughly two minutes later, that gray colt smashed those odds as he won the race by half a length to the surprise of the nation. At the time, Shirreffs’ colt, Giacomo, had delivered the second biggest upset in the history of the Kentucky Derby.
After the race, Shirreffs’ win at the Kentucky Derby with Giacomo could have been dismissed as mere luck by critics in the sport. However, luck is a fleeting thing. A few years later, Shirreffs would prove in a big way that his training talent falls far beyond luck as he crossed into the realm of magic with his superstar mare, Zenyatta.
On November 7, 2009, Zenyatta stepped into the gates as the lone female in the Breeder’s Cup Classic. She was not only challenging the gender divide in racing, but also history. The Breeder’s Cup had never been won by a female horse.
As she stood alongside 2009 Kentucky Derby Winner, Mine that Bird, and 2009 Belmont Stakes Winner, Summer Bird, she set her sights toward the finish line. In the span of two minutes, she delivered one of the greatest racing moments in the sport. 
Zenyatta cut down all of her male rivals and stomped into the pages of the history books through her victory in the Breeder’s Cup Classic.
Following the Classic, the debate ensued as to whether Zenyatta should be crowned “Horse of the Year.” Despite Rachel Alexandra winning the debate in the ballot box, Zenyatta has remained undefeated on the track.
With fifteen career starts, Zenyatta enters the Apple Blossom this Friday to defend her perfect winning record. In the days leading up to the race, I sought to obtain an interview with John Shirreffs about the magic of Zenyatta. I was told by friends that it would be impossible since the Apple Blossom was this Friday.
Yesterday, Shirreffs delivered the impossible again by graciously providing me with an interview. I extend my deepest thanks to him.
JW: Prior to Zenyatta’s victory in the 2009 Breeder’s Cup Classic, no female horse in history had ever won the race. Facing such odds, what led to the decision to run her in the Classic?
SHIRREFFS: [The decision was based on] giving her an opportunity to show everyone how great and historical she is.
JW: Zenyatta’s history-making win in the Breeder’s Cup Classic earned the 2009 Eclipse Award for “Moment of the Year.” How did you feel at the moment Zenyatta won the Breeder’s Cup Classic?
SHIRREFFS: I felt proud to be her trainer and blessed to be her caretaker.
JW: In fifteen career starts, Zenyatta has maintained an undefeated record. Going into the Apple Blossom this Friday, do you get nervous about maintaining her winning streak?
SHIRREFFS: Racing is about controlling nerves, believing in your horse and accepting the results.
JW: The “Horse of the Year” debate between Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra captivated the public and the media. How did you feel about a “match race” between these two horses and do you regret that they did not get a chance to race each other in the Apple Blossom?
SHIRREFFS: Everyone was looking forward to the Apple Blossom race. It would have been exciting. A scheduled race where the attention is spread between several horses is a more relaxed atmosphere, and, for me, better.
JW: Zenyatta already has made history with her victory in the Breeder’s Cup Classic and stands in rare company with her undefeated record in fifteen starts. In the simplest terms, what else do you think Zenyatta can accomplish as a race horse that she has not already proven in her racing career?
SHIRREFFS: We wanted to share her with as many of her fans as possible. [Through continuing to race,] maybe someone who couldn’t get to Santa Anita would have a chance to see her.
JW: As a trainer, you have accomplished some unique milestones. Going back to your 2005 Kentucky Derby win as the trainer of Giacomo, what did you see in Giacomo that led you to believe he could win the Kentucky Derby?
SHIRREFFS: Giacomo had a great mind, a very smooth stride and never ever quit no matter what. And then, there was all that talent.
JW: How did it feel for you when Giacomo won the Kentucky Derby?
SHIRREFFS: [I felt like I was] on a magic carpet - flowing among 100,000 spectators who looked excited - but I couldn’t hear anything.
JW: As an accomplished trainer, what do you believe are some important principles to follow when training a race horse?
SHIRREFFS: [Put the] horse first.
JW: Throughout your experience in training Zenyatta, has she demonstrated any unique traits or capabilities? If so, what makes her different?
SHIRREFFS: She [has] never stopped developing. In the morning, she is waiting for more.
JW: What is the general temperament of Zenyatta?
SHIRREFFS: She is a sweet lady. It is hard to describe. Today, a young girl - about age eleven - was petting Zenyatta. Zenyatta turned around the other way. The girl didn’t back [up], but just kept her hand on Zenny and pet her. Can you imagine how most fit, sharp racehorses would react? I really wasn’t worried. Zenyatta is that kind.
JW: What are some of Zenyatta’s favorite things?
SHIRREFFS: Carrots, of course! And, [she likes] having her neck scratched.
To comment on this article, click here. The Saturday Post is now on Facebook. To join our Facebook Page, click here.
Another great interview Jennifer! You ask the perfect questions, nice job.
Thanks, Brian. (I am endlessly curious about Zenyatta - It’s easy to keep asking questions. LOL.) Isn’t she a beauty?
Dear Jennifer: An early morning and what better than to read your telling conversation last spring with John Shirreffs? And thanking him, too, for the time he took with you for your readers. Now, with the announcement of Zenyatta’s next move, how those who have loved and cared for her made their choices, and some further information about Lane’s End Farm and the people behind it, would be welcome. Several recent commentaries by fans of Zenyatta are expressing concern that a great race horse, Charismatic, who formerly resided at LEF, has been sent to a Japanese farm. These concerns were heightened by the on-going issue of what too-often happens to American horses, and the spiral of events that can bring their demise under terrible circumstances. While a growing awareness in the general public has made us become more open-hearted to all that Zenyatta means to American Thoroughbred Racing, along with this can come a new sensitivity to the breeding of horses generally, and their lives, whether wild or domestic. Could you see and research for your readers, the connection between the beautiful and wise, loving methods of the Mosses and Shirreffs and a better way to assure that all of America’s horses may someday soon also receive such care and concern for their welfare? We owe these creatures much, as they exemplify greatness for us, by their massive hearts and energies and beauty. We also owe much to the superior people who see to it that first of all the horses they own and train can trust their best interests are primary in every business pursuit, and then in return that these humane efforts are rewarded at last by commercial success. Where the lives of wild horses and burros on our public lands are concerned, help our governmental agencies assure these herds of healthy diversity, humane freedom of movement, and being kept safe from the influences of private vested interests, commercially promoting those heritage lands for their own uses at the expense of equine fortunes. Sincerely, Khc.