Yesterday, Zenyatta fans arrived in droves at Churchill Downs to see if the wondermare could clinch a second victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Much like Zenyatta herself, they didn’t arrive quietly.
Zenyatta fans arrived in “Zenyatta fashion.”
Literally.
Some of her fans dressed up in Zenyatta costumes.
Many cloaked themselves in the colors of her teal and pink racing silks.
And, all throughout the track, various signs were displayed by fans in a show of support for the mare to win the Classic for a second time.
Before the race was run, Zenyatta had her own makeshift “winner’s circle” throughout the crowd.
It was her circle of friends. 
Zenyatta’s fans weaved throughout the crowd with signs that highlighted her perfect 19-0 winning record.
And, many of her friends sported “Zenyatta gear” that rooted her toward a twentieth victory in her homecoming to the Breeder’s Cup.
Yet, Zenyatta’s friends weren’t just captivated by her perfect record.
They were captivated by Zenyatta herself.
Her fans demonstrated unapologetic love for the mare.
And, love isn’t lost very easily.
Fans camped out all day around the paddock to catch a glimpse of Zenyatta’s patented dance moves prior to the Classic.
For many of her friends, it was a foregone conclusion that Zenyatta would win the Breeder’s Cup Classic.
They had come in droves to witness an unprecedented victory.
As Zenyatta broke from the gates, laughter rang throughout the crowd when the racetrack announcer noted that Zenyatta was “dead last” in the early stages of the race.
Of course she was dead last. As usual, Zenyatta was so far back in the field that she seemed to be running in a different race.
Yet, in truth, she was running for a different victory.
It was the race toward immortality.
During the final moments of the Classic, Zenyatta passed ten horses, including the Preakness winner, in a majestic flight that had the crowd on its’ feet and nearly all eyes on one single mare. Many people began to scream “She’s won it!” as Zenyatta bounded down the stretch to catch her last rival – Blame.
Yet, Blame wasn’t willing to curtsy to the Queen. He dug in as Zenyatta drew close and shot his stubborn nose in her face.
A hush fell across the crowd.
Zenyatta had lost the Classic.
Blame pranced into the winner’s circle and was draped in the Breeders’ Cup Classic garland. He won clean, simple and straightforward. And, no one can dispute his victory. He raced an undefeated supermare and beat her fair and square.
But, in defeat, Zenyatta clinched another type of victory.
As she stood outside the winner’s circle, the crowd rose to deliver a standing ovation to Zenyatta.
Many people cried at the sight of her losing.
They stood speechless as they watched their vision of perfection slip away.
Yet, in the moments that followed, Zenyatta showed a new vision of perfection.
It was the immortal kind.
There was a heartbroken sentiment that shot through many parts of the crowd, social networking sites and in the living rooms of television viewers across the nation.
The sentiment showed a true love for the mare, even in defeat.
She had won hearts during her journey in racing.
And, love beats trophies and garlands.
Zenyatta proved that one to be true.
This morning, Zenyatta hosted a “Meet and Greet” for her fans and friends outside her barn at Churchill Downs race track.
At first, it seemed like Zenyatta didn’t get the memo. The horse that lost was holding a “Meet and Greet” immediately following a defeat?
You bet.
Zenyatta doesn’t follow the typical formalities in racing and its’ brought some not-so-typical fans into the sport.
At Barn 41 this morning, a perfect Thoroughbred invited her fans for a visit.
It was a different kind of winner’s circle for Zenyatta.
Zenyatta showed a few of her trademark dance moves.
And, the fans smiled.
Zenyatta showed personality in greeting new faces.
And, the fans flocked toward her presence.
Zenyatta promenaded past the crowd.
And, the fans held “Zenyatta” signs in support.
Zenyatta straightened her neck to pose for pictures.
And, the fans stood in line to get a snapshot with Zenyatta.
Zenyatta appeared unconcerned about her loss in the Classic.
And, she put her fans at ease.
Zenyatta held court in her own winner’s circle this morning.
She relished in the love of her fans as they circled around her today.
Despite defeat, Zenyatta still reigns as “The Queen of Hearts.”
And, in doing so, she remains perfect at it.
To view more pictures of Zenyatta’s “Meet and Greet” today, please visit us on Facebook by clicking here.
As always Jennifer, you write straight from the heart, especially when you talk about Zenyatta.
I was not a supporter of hers in the Classic, I really wanted Lookin At Lucky to win but as soon as I saw her coming towards the tunnel to be saddled at the paddock and people rose to their feet to applaud her before the race, it was impossible for me to root for anyone but her.
She was incredible in defeat, that will go down as one of the greatest losing races of all time!
I have to admit that I wish they would run her once more so that she can deservedly go out on a winning note.
Nice article. My favorite line: “Love beats trophies and garlands”.
Thank you for the nice comment, Gloria. (Zenyatta beat everyone this morning at her barn. She had so many people there who loved her - It was beautiful to see.)
And, Brian. Thank you also for the kind comment. (I like how she converted you as she walked into the race. She had wings in that stretch run! Amazing.)
I love the way you write about this Superstar….from the heart.
After the Classic on Saturday my home was hushed..in disbelief and saddness. It was a difficult loss to swallow but as I said before: win or lose she still has a place in my heart as the greatest horse of all time. Seeing Zenyatta being led back to the barn after the race with her head so low was heartbreaking…but its good to know that the Meet and Greet was held “for her” the following day. She only lost to one horse in the Classic. “The shock was that she finally lost it was that she had won for so long”
Thank you for the beautiful comment, Melinda. I love the way you put it - “The shock wasn’t that she finally lost, it was that she had won for so long.” Perfect.