Truman Capote once said, “More tears are cried over answered prayers than unanswered ones.”
I would like imagine Capote was a horse racing fan when he conjured up those words.
When a legendary horse shows up, it is an answered prayer. They aren’t beholden to the result of a single race. Instead, the great ones take fans on a journey. They aren’t defined in minutes, but rather, through moments. And, as a result, it seems as if the clocks simply stop ticking. A timeless horse doesn’t answer to seconds on a stopwatch. They answer to their own legacy.
When a great horse concludes their racing journey, they leave a deep void among their fans. It can make you wonder if you’ve already seen everything that is possible in racing. And, when the clocks start ticking again, it can seem as if there is no reason to keep watching. It is moment where your prayer was answered, but you are left without the rapture of a dream.
Zenyatta was the horse that took me on a journey that traveled in moments, rather than minutes on a race track. And, when she retired, I wondered if I would ever see a horse that could follow in her dizzying footsteps. I had just seen my once-in-a-lifetime racehorse. The possibility of her coming around twice didn’t seem plausible.
And, in all reality, there won’t be another 19-1 dancing race horse that can charm the birds from the trees with her friendly disposition while parading across the national media circuit. I know better than that. Zenyatta is one-of-a-kind, which is the true mark of legend.
Yet, I’m not done with horse racing because Zenyatta has entered retirement. In fact, I’m watching even more closely now.
You see, the great ones simply appear from time to time, without notice of their impending arrival. And, if you’re not watching, you’ll miss it.
I wouldn’t have missed Zenyatta’s career for the world. Yet, the world couldn’t have convinced me that a dancing mare was going to show up and rocket through a nineteen-race winning streak. I had to see her with my own eyes to believe it. And thankfully, I was watching when my once-in-a-lifetime horse showed up.
Zenyatta will not be the last “great one” in this sport. Racing has had plenty of legends. And, although we love to compare them, you will never take the same journey twice in the racing world.
When Man ‘O War retired, turf writer Joe Palmer wrote that he “was as near a living flame as horses get… he smashed his opposition, sometimes by a hundred lengths, …he set world records… You felt that there had never been, nor could ever be again, a horse like this.”
He was right. There will never be another Man ‘O War.
But, there is always the impending arrival of the next “great one.”
When Secretariat ended his career, turf writer Charles Hatton stated, “He’s the greatest horse that anyone has ever seen. Don’t let anyone kid you. He could do anything, and he could do it better than any horse I ever saw. No question about it in my mind.”
He was right. There will never be another Secretariat.
But, there is always the impending arrival of the next “great one.”
When Seattle Slew left racing, his groom, John Polston, walked away from the sport. He explained, “After a horse like Slew, there was nothing. I didn’t want to be around horses anymore, because I knew it wouldn’t be the same.”
He was right. There will never be another Seattle Slew.
But, while Seattle Slew was capturing the Triple Crown, the next “great one” was already grazing in the fields. One year later, that horse would come to be known as “Affirmed.” And, since Affirmed, we haven’t seen a Triple Crown winner again.
But, there is always the impending arrival of the next “great one.”
Within a few years, John Henry reminded the sport that anything is possible when he won the Arlington Million in a seemingly-impossible, come-from-behind victory in 1981. And, he reminded us again when he won the Million a second time as a nine-year-old.
When John Henry was gone, Chris McCarron reflected, “…He did so much for racing, even after he retired. He will be impossible to replace.”
He was right. There will never be another John Henry.
But, there is always the impending arrival of the next “great one.”
And, in recent years, we’ve seen greatness in ways that weren’t imaginable until it simply showed up.
You saw it in Rachel Alexandra.
When she retired, Jess Jackson marveled, “…She set standards and records that no filly before her had ever achieved. And I suspect that it will be quite a while before a three-year-old filly ever equals or surpasses her achievements.”
He was right. There will not be another Rachel Alexandra.
She was one-of-a-kind.
But, there is always another “great one.”
You saw it in Zenyatta.
After her final race, Peter Ellis remarked, “I don’t think people are going to realize just how special she is until she is gone because there will never be another one like her.”
He was right. There won’t be another Zenyatta.
But, there is always the impending arrival of the next “great one.” And, like Affirmed, “the one” could be grazing in the fields at the moment. Or maybe, “the one” is already racing right now.
I’m watching closely.
Because, if history teaches us anything, it is that the “great one” arrives unexpectedly.
In a flash, they show you something unimaginable.
And, the journey begins again.
Beautiful piece Jennifer! I have so much hope/early belief in Uncle Mo that I think you might not be waiting long.
Thanks, Brian!
I am thrilled about Uncle Mo right now. (He makes Triple Crown dreams swirl in my head. I’m hoping he stays healthy and energetic for his three-year-old campaign. Right now, he seems to have it all.)
I’m also watching “Awesome Feather” with a hawk eye. (Do you think we could teach her a few dance moves? LOL)
J
As Spur once said, “It’s not the end, it’s just the beginning!”
You bet, Jane! I can’t wait for the next beginning.
Another excellent piece!
Just one minor note, Affirmed won the Triple Crown in 1978, the year after Slew, not two years
I always enjoy your writing
Thank you for expressing this beautifully.
A friend of mine was privileged to see Zenyatta a few days before her Breeders’ Cup race on the backside of Churchill Downs. A seasoned horsewoman and yet, she felt humbled in Zenyatta’s presence. Let the music continue, Jennifer. You do her honor and horseracing is a much better place because you inspire all of us with your words.
So very well written…..this describes exactly how those of us who watch the sport for the thrill of the next “great one” feel. Can’t wait to see Zenyatta and Rachel’s foals….you never know……
Thanks for the wonderful comments, everyone! I appreciate it!
(And Linda ~ Thanks for catching my one-year mistake. I corrected it. Maybe I was just subliminally hoping the Triple Crown wasn’t that far away! LOL.)
What a wonderful column. You are so right - you never know when a great one will appear. That is why I am so thankful I happened to be watching Calracing.com on a November day not so long ago, when a future superstar won her very first race.
Jennifer,
Thank you for the great piece. One minor correction: John’s “seemingly impossible, come-from-behind victory in the Arlington Million”
happened in 1981, when he was six. As a 9 year-old in 1984, John beat Royal Heroine comfortably for his second Million win.
Thanks, Bob. And, thanks for catching my John Henry mistake… I fixed it!
(And, added to it. John Henry did so much!)
Yes, Ms. Wirth, this was “good reading”-&, as the adage goes, hope springs eternal!
Thank you, M-D.
I appreciate the nice comment.
Jennifer;
Excellent article. We often get caught up in the “best ever” syndrome. As you show, it is a futile exercise. We need to savor the majestic beauty of a Ruffian, Dahlia or Sea The Stars. Keep your eyes open: there will be many more.
Thanks, Chicago Guy.
I think you’re right. (And… I’m so impressed with the two-year-olds so far this year, I’m wondering if we’ll barely wait at all this time!) 
Poetry in motion, that’s a racehorse at its best
and everytime I see one, it reminds me that I’m blessed
to live the life I’m able to lead, helping people hear
and to travel to tracks far and wide, and share some tales and cheer
with racetrackers both young and old, and watch horses at sunrise
travel down the track with speed and grace and fire in their eyes
There’s something in a horses eye that’s God-like, least to me
I realize its something that not everyone can see
So thank you God, for the great racehorse, and thank you for this day
and all the great times that I’ve had, when I’ve made some time for play
and most of all for helping me to really understand
that when I see a great horse run, I’m seeing something grand
I still get chills when a great one’s near, it goes back to the day
Secretariat came to my town, and they led him over my way
and I got so close to this amazing beast, who down the track would glide
no horse since then has equalled him, though millions sure have tried
and as he ran, my life was changed, I’d found my Holy Grail
to see the next Secretariat, and its led me down a trail
thats helped me see the whole US, as I go from track to track
always looking for tomorrow, rather than just looking back
’cause the next horse just might be the one that I’ve just got to see
and I plan to be there watching him, even if I’m ninety-three
Beautiful, Mike!!! Simply beautiful… I’m speechless.
(Thank you for the wonderful post.)
As I 37 year old man I have to admit that Rachel Alexandra stole my heart.What she did in 2009 might be attempted by another filly in my lifetime but I doubt will ever be exceded.I had the pleasure over this past summer to see her work out at the Oklahoma training track.I saw her workout and gallop and to me I knew I would not have the opportunity to see a horse as special and great as she was.I had the great opportunity to have a picture taken with her.I will never forget her and what she did for horseracing.Her next stop The Hall Of Fame.Thanks Rachel for all the heartstopping and jawdropping memories you gave me.Great article!
Mary Anne Squires? Now that lady should know what a great one looks like!
I just caught a show on Swale. He was a very special horse and so beautiful in his ebony fur. Eblouissante (sp?), Zenyatta’s yearling half-sister looks a lot like him…kind of plain now but could be a dazzling great one. She’s got the same Slew, Forli blue blood combination!
Oh and too, as long as you’re continuing to edit your most enjoyable read — don’t forget to include a paragraph or two on the great Cigar! One for the ages, all ages, even 93!