Long before Zenyatta was born, there was Eclipse.
Eclipse was a race horse from Great Britain that retired with an undefeated record in eighteen career starts during the 18th Century.
Eclipse never felt the feeling of defeat.
He made the winner’s circle his stomping ground.
And today, Eclipse is one of the most coveted names in racing. He is the namesake to the annual Eclipse Award trophies that recognize the outstanding achievements of horses and individuals in the racing industry.
When we crown a champion “Horse of the Year,” we’re talking about Eclipse.
And, when we start talking about Eclipse, we should point to the horse embodies his level of achievement.
I’m pointing at Zenyatta.
Zenyatta has never felt the feeling of defeat.
She’s made the winner’s circle her stomping ground.
And today, Zenyatta is one of the most coveted names in modern racing. She has racked up a list of achievements that would have given Eclipse himself a grueling run for his money if he had met her in his lifetime.
Zenyatta has a perfect record of winning eighteen consecutive starts.
Yes, Eighteen. The only horse in U.S. history that has ever retired with a perfect record greater than eighteen was Pepper’s Pride, the holder of nineteen consecutive victories during her racing career. And, there is no doubt in my mind that Pepper’s Pride truly accomplished something spectacular.
However, Zenyatta and Pepper’s Pride raced in different circles. Pepper’s Pride built her winning record through racing solely in New Mexico in many state-restricted races. She never entered a graded race in her career.
And yes, there is a value for earning good grades on a report card.
I’m pointing at Zenyatta, again.
She is a virtual valedictorian in graded outings.
Zenyatta holds the world record for the most consecutive Grade I wins and has built her undefeated record through winning sixteen graded races, twelve of which were Grade I races.
Yes, twelve Grade I victories. Only six horses in U.S. history have ever captured more Grade I victories than Zenyatta. The record for the most Grade I victories in U.S. history stands with John Henry, who captured sixteen Grade I wins during his career.
But, John Henry isn’t up for “Horse of the Year.”
He already won it in his lifetime.
Twice.
Yet, John Henry provides a fine example of the mathematics of being “Horse of the Year.” Aside from holding the record for winning the most Grade I races, John Henry was the highest money-earning thoroughbred of his time when he retired with career earnings of $6,597,947.
So, yes. There is the business of making money.
I’m pointing at Zenyatta, again.
Currently, Zenyatta has earned $6,254,580 during her career. She stands as the all-time female earnings leader in North America. And, she’s earned it in some impressive outings.
In 2009, a single female horse stomped into the gates of the Breeder’s Cup Classic and challenged all the boys to beat her to the wire. It was a bold move.
That female made history.
I’m pointing at Zenyatta, again.
When Zenyatta became the first female to win the 2009 Breeder’s Cup Classic, she didn’t break a standing record. And, she didn’t set a record that was vulnerable to being broken in the future. She stamped out an untouchable spot in racing history.
So, yes. Zenyatta is a living legend.
And, she keeps blazing along.
Through her journey, Zenyatta is redefining what it means to be a race horse in the modern age. She’s dancing for crowds and drinking Guinness. Zenyatta is posting her activities on Facebook and sharing videos on You Tube.
She is hovering on the L.A. Dodgers billboard like Godzilla, announcing that Los Angeles is her town.
How many race horses lay claim to owning a town?
I’m pointing at Zenyatta, again.
Yet, many people are pointing at Zenyatta these days. Children show up at the race track with pink and teal painted faces.
And, they’re pointing at Zenyatta.
Non-industry media is starting to notice Zenyatta. The Huffington Post and W Magazine are telling the non-racing world that there is something spectacular going on at the race track.
They are pointing at Zenyatta.
Even Oprah is praising Zenyatta these days.
When Oprah set out to find twenty elite women who embodied various character traits for O Magazine’s 2010 Power List, the maven found one woman who stood along in demonstrating the “Power of Heart.”
Oprah pointed at Zenyatta.
Yes, Oprah. A woman who has been televising heartwarming stories for twenty-five years went ahead and picked Zenyatta as the woman who showed “heart” above all rivals in the human field.
And still, Zenyatta races toward her last two outings in a mirror image of Eclipse’s undefeated record.
If she wins, she’ll eclipse it.
And, if she loses, she’ll match it.
Regardless, she has already raced into Eclipse’s territory.
And, when we start talking about Eclipse, we’re talking about “Horse of the Year.”
A horse that has never felt the feeling of defeat.
A horse that makes the winner’s circle their stomping ground.
I’m pointing at Zenyatta.
Zenyatta is anticipated to make her next start in the Lady’s Secret Stakes on October 2, 2010.
Great tribute to a true champion of this century. I’m pointing at Zenyatta!
Thanks, Melinda.
(I hope we get a bunch of people to point at her when it comes time to vote!!! LOL.) She never stops amazing me. 
Awesome! Z is the reason I am following racing and I can’t wait to see her in person at Churchill. She has my vote. Great post.
Thanks, Andrew. (Three votes for Z so far on the blog… plus countless votes everywhere else in the world!)
On behalf of her many loving followers ~ we are pointing at the Queen. Queen Zenyatta!
Thank you for a beautiful tribute to a horse that has left her hoof prints on our hearts forever!! <3 We are truly, truly blessed.
Thank you, too, for mentioning my main man, John Henry. JH and I have had some esp going on, and he wanted the world to know that he has "adopted" Zenny as his "baby sister". He loves her, too.
Thanks for the great comment, Judy. I’m happy that we’re all pointing at Z!
Great article, finally someone recognizes true greatness. Without question the most exciting horse I have seen run live in my 30 years of watching races.
Thanks for the nice comment, Jeff. (I think Big Z is a once-in-a-lifetime horse… I’m happy she’s running in our lifetime!)
Thank you so much for this beautiful article about our beautiful, talented, beloved Queen Zenyatta. I’m pointing at Zenny with both hands, lol!
Thank you also for reminding people of the Legendary John Henry’s accomplishments! (And of Pepper’s Pride too)
Everyone, point at the Queen!
Thanks for the great comment, Mary. (I think pointing with TWO hands is worth two votes… LOL! Let’s hope they count both of them!)
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to the most amazing mare to ever step forth on a track! Long live the Queen! I’m pointing at Queen Z with both hands as are my two little girls who love her as much as I do. We’ve been there to see her run in every west-coast event and Team Z has been so kind as to let us stand in the winners circle with them every time. We will be there to watch her run in the Ladies Secret at Hollywood Park and can’t wait to watch her take on the world in the Breeders Cup!
Thank you to Team Zenyatta for keeping her happy and sound! Look out Eclipse, you have a date with the dancing Queen! Go Queen Z!!!
What a beautiful comment, Robyn. Thanks for sharing.
She is glorious. And I suspect that if she was ever to lose…she wouldn’t lose a fan. At this point, she is loved so much for who she is, that that is the factor that eclipses them all. And I think that is rather wonderful and amazing.
Thanks for the great comment, Laurie. (And, I couldn’t agree more with your words… “I suspect if she ever were to lose, she wouldn’t lose a fan.”) Thanks for reading!
Another great post Jennifer!
If Zenyatta wins the Breeders’ Cup Classic there is no way she will lose Horse of the Year again, even if she loses before that.
Great post !
It’s wonderful to see so many fans respond to the Big Mare and recognize how truly special she is.
Thank you Susan and Brian! I’m looking forward to her next race on October 2nd! She is amazing.
In my 30 years of horse racing I have never fallen in love with a horse. OK, I loved Sunday Silence. But my joy in seeing Zenyatta has far surpassed any feelings in my life. Yes, John Henry was great, but no one has taken my heart like Zen. She has truly given horse racing a boost and all her connections are first class! I’ll truly miss her when she retires. I am going to Hollywod Park for the Lady’s Secret-can’t wait. She better get horse of the year, should have gotten it last year. Thanks for your comments and good wishes for the Queen.
Thank you for the wonderful comment, Nancy. (I hope you enjoy seeing her at Hollywood Park this Saturday!)
What a terrific article on the great Zenyatta, what heart and determination she has!!! thanks
Thanks for the wonderful comment, Mary! I’m looking forward to the Breeder’s Cup to see her big race!
If she wins saturday she would become the worlds richest horse?? would she not? 11 million and change?