Zenyatta - 2009 Breeders Cup Classic

Perhaps the Horse of the Year title is not a foregone conclusion. Zenyatta gave the crowd what they waited for — and the patrons responded by cheering, clapping, and waving — as she ran her unbeaten streak to 14 with a magnificent performance in the Breeders Cup Classic (gr. I) Nov. 7 at Santa Anita.

Zenyatta looked uncomfortable for the first 200 yards and was last the first time by the stands, but she was flying down the stretch the second time and rolled by Gio Ponti to win the $5-million race. She became the first filly or mare to win the Classic.

Most voters had Rachel Alexandra penciled in as Horse of the Year but Zenyattas victory over males has re-opened that argument.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/53354/its-all-zenyatta-in-the...

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• santa
• anita
• horse
• racing
• zenyatta
• mike
• smith
• trevor
• denman
• jerome
• moss
• champion
• mare
• undefeated

[Venckman]

My favorite version of this race. You can see the monster move she makes on the far turn, which is lost in the other coverage. Also, you get a little sense of the crowd noise, which was absolutely deafening in person, but totally absent from most of the coverage. Thanks for posting!

[MrStephen0625]

One of the greatest post race comments by TVG. That's why TVG rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!

[greyhorseazeri]

@Venckman Yeah, TVG's audio was best. ESPN's was non-existent.

[AAndrews1968]

This version of the race is the best. The response of the crowd is amazing. It puts tears in my eyes every time I hear it. Thanks for sharing! :)

[Thehorse3201]

I want Zenyatta as my horse o.o.

[kmab4ever]

Thank you for posting this version-- all i'd ever seen was the other coverage. And missed the move on the inside that she did.

[wakeboardadict8956]

Is it just me or did Goi Ponti's jockey act like he had won the race without realizing zenyatta was right next to him

[Landmnlady]

Zenyatta put down the fastest closing quarter in BC history with this win.

[MrStephen0625]

The greatest post call ever. TVG Rocks!!!!!

[GBeret83]

People can say what they wish? But this was an incredible field of males that Zenyatta defeated in the Classic. Just look what horses like Gio Ponti and Twice Over went to accomplish following this race. Even horses like Awesome Gem and Richard's Kid have gone on to become G1 winners since this Classic. This race really showed the greatness that Zenyatta possessed, IMO.

[burningrosegirl98]

Go Zenyatta! My friend and I were jumping up and down saying "Go Zenyatta go!" The funny thing was, my friend really hadn't wanted to watch it in the first place! Now we both love her. Good luck with Bernardini, Zenny.