Last weekend, I traveled to Hollywood Park to watch Zenyatta make her bid to win her seventeenth undefeated career start.
At the track, someone asked me, “So, what brings you to California?”
The answer was easy. “Zenyatta.”
The person seemed surprised that I had traveled to Hollywood for a single horse.
However, in my opinion, Zenyatta isn’t just a good horse.
She is a living legend.
I wanted to be there to watch her stride into the history books in her record-breaking seventeenth career victory.
It appears that I wasn’t the only one who felt this way.
Prior to the race, Hall of Fame Trainer Bob Baffert stood in the paddock and surveyed Zenyatta before settling into his seat to watch her in the Vanity Handicap.
Later, when I thumbed through my racing program, I realized that Baffert didn’t have a single horse entered in a race at Hollywood Park that day.
Apparently, Baffert also wanted to watch Zenyatta challenge the undefeated records of Cigar and Citation.
And, as usual, Zenyatta didn’t disappoint.
In front of a crowd that appeared to be screaming for one single horse, she delivered her seventeenth consecutive victory in a heart-stopping moment at the finish line.
The entire park shook with excitement in the dizzying minutes that followed.
Zenyatta had made history again.
Prior to entering the winner’s circle, Zenyatta stood alone in front of the crowd and took in a long standing ovation.
It was as if she knew that she had just delivered pure magic.
And, in retrospect, I believe Zenyatta did know.
I learned a lot of lessons from my visit with Zenyatta that demonstrated the beauty surrounding a true legend.
First, Zenyatta delivers quite a greeting to her guests at the stable.
When we walked into her barn, my friend asked, “Where’s Zenyatta?” as she surveyed the stalls of horses.
Zenyatta answered the question with authority.
The giant mare rattled in her stall and stuck her head out. She stared right at us and never shifted her gaze as we stood watching her in awe.
It was stunning.
When her trainer John Shirreffs appeared, he matched Zenyatta’s hospitality to her guests.
After briefly greeting us, he slipped into his office.
At that moment, I envisioned that he was calling security to kick us out.
I could not have been more wrong.
Within a few seconds, Shirreffs re-emerged with a smile and a card with Zenyatta’s photo on it.
He handed me the photo as a souvenir as Zenyatta began to parade around the barn in preparation for her morning workout.
When I began to take pictures, she demonstrated her mastery of the camera eye.
As she drew close to the lens, Zenyatta paused and rose her head to demonstrate her full height.
She posed.
The next day, Zenyatta had a much larger audience to please as she prepared to challenge history in the Vanity Handicap.
As I stood in the paddock, I looked out at the large crowd of fans that lined the rails to catch a glimpse of her in the flesh.
The audience was speckled with Zenyatta fan gear – ranging from hand-painted signs to Zenyatta jerseys.
I drew the second lesson from Zenyatta in that moment.
At the pinnacle of success, character is shown through being gracious and charitable to everyone.
The jerseys that bore Zenyatta’s name were being sold to benefit Thoroughbred retirement and rescue.
Throughout Hollywood Park, fans weaved through the crowd adorned with the jerseys that represented Zenyatta’s charitable hoofprint.
And, as Zenyatta’s connections began to emerge in the paddock, they greeted the fans with the same excitement as Zenyatta demonstrated the previous morning.
Owners Jerry and Ann Moss entered the gates and waved at the onlookers with a giant smile.
And, when the Zenyatta set foot in the paddock, she delivered her dazzling dance steps without a care in the world.
Yet, despite the whirlwind of fan fare, Zenyatta was in the unshakeable gaze of one individual – Trainer John Shirreffs.
Zenyatta never left his sight as she danced and bowed for fans.
And, as I watched Shirreffs, it occurred to me that one principle stood solid in her success beyond racing or records: Put the welfare of the horse first.
In a single moment, I learned that Zenyatta isn’t only first at the finish line.
The well-being of Zenyatta comes first before she ever sets foot on a track.
Yet, in a few minutes, the idea of finishing first in the Vanity Handicap took center stage in the public sphere as Zenyatta pranced toward the track in response to the call to post.
As she entered the gates toward history, Zenyatta delivered a lesson that resonates strongly amidst the ongoing comparisons of her record to other champion race horses.
She didn’t look at her rivals.
Her gaze was marked firmly on the track laid before her own eyes.
Zenyatta didn’t compare herself to Rachel Alexandra.
She didn’t compare herself to the legacies set forth by horses like Ruffian or Secretariat.
Zenyatta failed to see the good that comes from comparing her accomplishments to other champions.
And, as far as I can tell, Zenyatta doesn’t spend her days undermining the achievements of fellow racehorses.
She just keeps racing.
And, she just keeps winning.
And - she doesn’t sling mud in the process.
In my opinion, Zenyatta’s winning philosophy provides a valuable lesson beyond comparison.
Enjoyable piece, Jennifer. I have not seen the big mare in person yet. It’s easy to give Z human attributes. She really does seem like she trancends her equine friends. Not everyone recognizes this, as you well know. I look forward to seeing her at the Breeder’s Cup and I will keep my fingers crossed that she gets there. I don’t believe we will see another like her again.
Thanks, Susan. I enjoyed your comment. She really does have some fun human attributes - I was pretty amazed. I don’t think we’ll see another one like her for awhile either… if ever again. I feel lucky to be alive while she’s racing.
You really write very well Jennifer, and you include little known facts about her that make it all the more enjoyable. The intelligence of this incredible mare is astounding!
Another great post!!
What a beautiful article! I too believe this about Zenyatta and perhaps Barbaro too that one of the reasons they are in our midst is to teach character and kindness besides being great athletes. The owners, trainers and caretakers also have so much influence and in this case Zenyatta is surrounded by people who love her. She is a testament to their wisdom and kindness as well.
A good piece.
Any piece is good when one makes the trek to another racetrack. But this one was special and you seemed to have enjoyed it immensely.
BTW: What do Bob Baffert and Corey Hart have in common?
Thank for for the wonderful comments, Brian and Bonnie. Brian ~ You always write incredible articles.
And, Bonnie, I completely agree with your insights - Thanks for sharing. (As far as Knight Sky - I enjoyed your comment as well. My best guess is “Sunglasses at Night.” LOL.)
Thank you for your wonderful article and pictures. Zenyatta is just plain special. I can’t find the best words to describe her. Great seems, eh, boring. Awesome fits, but again, not a good enough word for the big Z. She brings tears to my eyes, and at the same time, I’m getting too stressed out before seeing her races to enjoy them. Whew, after it’s all said and done, then I can enjoy the high. Keep the winning streak going, Zenyatta. You will never know how good you are for the sport of horse racing.
Thank you Jennifer for an elegant article & focusing on the essence of her success, her family. Zenyatta is a wonderful & inspiring story. Very well done.
Thank you for this. She does know, she does pose, she is magic and we ARE lucky to be alive when she is racing. Her well being does come first well before she puts a hoof on the track and Shirreffs is a man to be admired for being able to prove it is possible to love a horse deeply and to take good care of a horse’s health and win. I also came in from out of town to see her race and have before and each and every time I have done so I witnessed magic. Someone once asked me if she intimidated her opponents with a look or anything and I replied she never even looks at them. She stares at the track and if you look in her eyes as she is staring you almost swear you can see the race already unfolding in her mind. She is the single best thing that has happened in racing in a very long time. To say nothing of her beauty and presence and a very personable wonderful team around her. They love her deeply. So do I.
Thank you for this.
Thank you Gloria, Linda, and Ann. Your comments really contributed to the story and I appreciate it.
Ann ~ Your story matched my experience completely. It was wonderful to hear someone explain seeing Zenyatta so perfectly. Thank you.
Thank you! You have described beautifully what kind of feelings the experience of Zenyatta inspire in us. We traveled to Oaklawn to see her, and it is one of the experiences of my life that will light up my heart forever. Yeah, she does that to you.
Thank you, Celeste. I bet it was amazing seeing Zenyatta at Oaklawn. (I remember watching the video clip when her plane landed and fans were waiting outside the airport to see Zenyatta.) It looked very exciting!!!
I agree with all the above - Zenyatta is truly a most precious gift. I’d like to suggest one thought. Zenyatta did not start her racing career until she was a 3 year old filly. She was allowed to grow up a bit before she was asked to prove herself. Could this be a major reason as to her longevity? Her talent was given time to grow and develop - without the early stress to her body. How many spent 2 year olds would be running today if they had been held back a year? A horses knees don’t close until their third year. Racing could take a giant step forward IF It were willing to take a step backwards first.
Jennifer, Zenyatta has done so much for California racing fans! The day she races, a tremendous amount of women and girls show up, we all know horse racing is mostly attended by grumpy old men. But even the men take a break from their rigerous handicapping and gambling and enjoy Zenyatta’s race. 95% of the crowd was cheering Zenyatta when she got up and beat St. Trinians. Even though 12,000 showed up, that was the biggest crowd at Hollywood Park for the year. And to those accross the country, please make an effort to be at Del Mar on August 7th. Zen is scheduled to race in the Clement Hirsch, Del Mar is located 20 miles north of the San Diego Airport. It is horse racing paradise! Zen’s connections are putting her first, no need to travel, we’ll be at Churchill in November. Besides, Zenyatta is a California girl, she likes the cool summers in Southern Calif.
Nice piece! I was there too and met the great mare in her barn the day before the race. Mr. Shirreffs and asst trainer Michelle Jensen are incredibly nice and gracious people. And what a nail-biter of a race! But Queen Z pulled it off in usual style. She is simply awesome.
Thank you for the wonderful comments. (Joyce ~ I’m sure we just crossed paths those two days. It would have been a pleasure to meet you!)
Very well written piece that details the emotion, the pride and the privilege of being around a once in a lifetime mare. Racing is better for her.
Jennifer,
Thank you for the article.
Your words are a peaceful oasis in middle of a storm of criticism coming from her detractors just as she approaches immortality.
Can’t we just appreciate the greatness of her and stop the insane dissing of her accomplishments for once.
After reading some other articles and blogs, people cutting one another down, people blaming the other side for starting this mud slinging in the first place, well, it makes you want to take a shower.
Then I found your article.
What therapy, what a peaceful oasis.
Thanks again.
Thank you for the great article. The thing is, Zenyatta may be a legend to racing fans, but no one outside of racing ever heard of her. I cannot believe the industry doesn’t use her as a poster girl to advertise the sport. She’s not only got the great racing record, she’s got the personality to match. I wear my Zenyatta shirt everywhere and tell people about her. People who come to our home must sit and watch the replay of the Breeders’ Cup Classic — and they all get goosebumps!
Thank you, Sharla. I really appreciate your comment - I think we are all so lucky to see Zenyatta in our lifetime.
Thank you John and Sharon for the wonderful comments.
Sharon - If it makes you feel happier, I talk about Zenyatta EVERYWHERE I go, whether they like racing or not. I’m happy you are out there doing the same thing. 
Hi Jennifer!
I loved your insights and 100% agree! For the entire time I’ve known Zenyatta and her connections, (since her 4th race), I’ve seen them duplicate the kindness and graciousness you experienced, time and again.
TROTT is very lucky to have Z and her connections as our great supporters. Selling our Z-Shirts raises a lot of money for the retiring horses that we ready for adoption into new homes and new careers.
We had our booth near the paddock that day, so I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet you. But Queen Z has definitely done wonders through her charitable contributions! She will go down in history for this, as well as her many records!
We all love her, and believe she is the Horse of the Decade!
Hi Bonnie. Thank you for the wonderful comment ~ I am sorry I didn’t get to meet you. I might head to Del Mar for Zenyatta’s next anticipated race. Hopefully, we’ll see each other there.
Absolutely fantastic. Well done!
Thank you, Carroll.
of course zenyatta knows what she is — ALL good animals know what they are. she has drawn me back to watching the horses run, although i don’t think i’ll continue after she’s done. she’s a one of a kind and i’m afraid anything else will only be a disappointment. very nice piece — thanks for sharing with us.
Thank you for your comment, Jen.
Zenyatta is one of those rare horses that seems to want to finish first. Ruffian and Secretariat had the same genome. But don’t think horses stare down other horses to intimidate them. They outrun them or they don’t. They couldn’t care less if they win or lose…except for a rare few.
If Zenyatta runs too much, she will get beat. She will feel no different than if she’d won. Horses are not people…and people will get her beat.
Thank you for your comment, Briane. I agree ~ Zenyatta does seem to want to win.
Jennifer,
Thanks so much for such a lovely story. We are involved in the horse industry, but with totally different horses, that lope real slow
We were at Hollywood Park and had the true honor of seeing Zenyatta make history and the better honor of getting to see her in person. What a mare is all I can say. She is built like a freight train, but has all of the requisite refinement, class and fine bone of a well bred mare. And the eyes - HUGE eyes - it’s almost as if she is all seeing!
It was amazing to see everyone in her camp be so concerned about Zenyatta the horse - not so much Zenyatta the race horse. Mike smith seems so at ease and connected with her, it seems as if Zenyatta could speak she would finish Mike’s sentences. The 2 of them have something so special - and it will forever be their secret. Makes one a little envious, eh?
Can’t wait for Del Mar - I’ll be there, cheering on the Queen!
Thanks for the wonderful comment and story, Paula!!!
Thank you for writing this excellent tribute. Wished I could have been at Churchill today and witnessed the splendor and her speed. The final pinnacle of her racing career. I hope you were in the Bluegrass, and will write some more of this tale of the great Thoroughbred. Please consider writing a Z book. I encourage you to keep covering the horses racing with heart. Thanks.
Thanks, Will. I appreciate your nice comment. (And yes, I was at Churchill for the race. I thought she ran a beautiful race.)