It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Sabrina — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 18:25:06 GMT

You know, I've been working with sports horses (showjumping, dressage, eventing) all my life and I know a good horse when I see one.

I also know the racing industry and its dirty underbelly for I have handled and trained quite a few ex-racehorses that had been treated worse that just "badly".

Yeah, Zenyatta's owners etc. could have had HOY in the bag if they had done this or that differently but what I see is a healthy, well-cared for and carefully managed, very impressive racehorse that was retired 100% sound and will make an outstanding broodmare.

What Zenyatta could have or should have archieved is BS. Her track record is more than just impressive and no one who has ever had the honor of watching her run will ever forget her.

HOY is one thing, but outside of the racing world no one knows or cares about that "honor".

When horses like "Blame", "Goldikova" and "Rachel Alexandra" are long-since forgotten there will be novels and movies about Zenyatta's story.

Anyway, I just hope once all those stars of the racetrack fade out they will be trated better than the poor ex-racehorses I have met.

I am very glad Zenyatta's owners are taking good care of her and that she will live a good life as a broodmare and retiree.

That's all a horse cares about anyway.

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

YYZGUY — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:37:36 GMT

How often has Goldikova face Grade One Females or Males at Classic Distances? You know, those races where the best horses run.

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Livesoutwest — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 06:11:34 GMT

As far as Zenyatta's campaigns go, they weren't exactly inspiring, but they weren't terrible. It's just with slightly more ambition, it wouldn't have taken that much, she potentially could have brought home two HOY awards and been going for a third one now.

2008 - Zenyatta would have won HOY had she beaten males in one race such as the Goodwood. To be fair, they really weren't thinking about her as an HOY candidate, figuring Curlin had the award wrapped up. But that lack of ambition of her connections would turn out to be a recurring theme in her career. Meanwhile Jess Jackson did the opposite, sending Curlin halfway around the world to win the DWC, or sending Rachel Alexandra out to beat males three times. True neither of those horses enjoyed Zenyatta's longevity, there was a price to be paid.

2009 - Because they started Zenyatta so late in the year, they were behind the eight-ball as far as contending for end-of-the-year honors. No idea if she had some minor injuries or if they made a strategic decision to only run her in a handful of races. If that was the case, it wasn't a good choice. Because Rachel had done so much compared to Zenyatta before the Classic, the only way they were going to top her was to beat her on the square. And when Jackson reluctantly said that he would point Rachel to the Beldame if Zenyatta went there and the Zenyatta camp waffled before finally saying "we'll go if they will", and even took the additional step of nominating her Jackson had already moved on (probably saying to himself, "Whew, that was close") and their opportunity was lost.

2010 - The problem isn't that she didn't ship as some are claiming - that was last year's problem. She shipped twice, that was enough. The problem, like in the other years was that she only faced the very best in the country once - and this time came up second best. One of the closest and most outstanding seconds in BC history, but still second. And if they had just run her ONCE against males in her own backyard, SA Handicap, Hollywood Gold Cup, Pacific Classic, Goodwood. Not all of them, pick ONE, and combined with her BC performance she would have HOY in the bag right now, it wouldn't even be close. Heck, they gave it to Curlin the second time when he crashed and burned in the Classic.

But this year, her campaign still may be enough anyway. Blame ran a solid campaign and beat tougher horses, but it wasn't exactly historic. Like Zenyatta last year, his connections also made the choice to only run him five times, and all within an 800 mile radius - he shipped a lot less than Zenyatta. One more G1 win for him, like the Woodward which he skipped or the JCGC where he got clobbered and he probably locks up the award. But he didn't get it.

I'm rooting for Zenyatta because I think she deserves it, and because she's not responsible for her connections' choices.

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

KautoStar — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 23:29:18 GMT

OK, don't want to get involved in this again (though I agree with the premise of the article) but must correct some points about Goldikova.

First of all, she's only ever run on grass not 'plastic' as some claimed. Second, she receives far less recognition than Zenyatta and far less media coverage. Thirdly, when she faced Darjina, she defeated her twice by half lengths, not a neck and a nose as Footlick stated. And whilst it's true that European mares do face males more often than their American counterparts, she is unusual in how often she faces and defeats males. Zarkava, Ouija Board, Sariska etc races males far less frequently, and Midday has never raced in Group 1 open company.

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Bellwether — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 13:34:30 GMT

HELL...FLIP WILSON A COIN FORE HOTY & BEE DONE WITH it...WE WILL TAKE A CHAMPION CLAIMER!!!...LONG LIVE THE BACK BONE OF HO$$ RACE N BABY..."THE CLAIMER"!!!...ty...

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Bellwether — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 13:15:20 GMT

PLEASE GIVE US MORE HISTORY ON THE HORSES & HUMANS OF "THE GAME" PAST & PRESENT PLEASE...LONG LIVE BLOOD HORSE!!!...ty...

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Mike Relva — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 00:20:29 GMT

CONVENE

You don't get it by now what a Superhorse Zenyatta is then its your loss!

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Convene — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:50:52 GMT

That's been my thought all along. No, I'm not a Zen-hater, altho plenty of people will probably say I am. I want to believe in her greatness. I really do. I just feel her connections, by playing for an unbeaten record instead of taking on the world, deprived both the horse of her probably well-deserved place in history and fans of racing overall of a truly proven queen. I feel HOY belongs to the horse who took on all comers and beat 'em. If she and Blame met on another day, the outcome could well have been reversed. Now no one will ever know. I can understand the hunger to take down such an esteemed and worthy record. I just would feel better about it if it had been done in open competition, against all opposition, so that racing luck or strategies or whatever could not ever be offered as reasons for a defeat. Truthfully, I do feel a little robbed. I want a superhorse to hold in highest regard too. Cigar and Mr. Frisky and those others with the former record earned their places taking on anyone and everyone. This super mare might well have done likewise instead of remaining forever the center of a controversy that goads people to fight each other when our energies should be as focused on the survival of this sport we all love so much. Sorry to Zen's connections. Sorry FOR anyone who thinks this makes me a Zen-hater. Criticism of a battle plan doesn't mean condemnation of its center. It just means regret for something unique and wonderful and an opportunity incompletely fulfilled.

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Dani — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:49:36 GMT

Whether Zenyatta wins HOY or not, it is her legacy that is most important. And no one can dispute what she did for an ailing sport. It is unmatched and, judging by the thousands of new fans, the adoration and respect, the extensive TV, newspaper and magazine coverage, plus her stunning record of wins with a finale that showed just how courageous and talented she is - that she is a true superstar in the world of sports. Her name will stand above many others when people discuss the top athletes of this decade, not to mention that of horses.

I think she deserves HOY. But regardless what side of the argument you are on, you cannot deny that she is a horse like no other. And it is because she has accomplished an astonishing body of work and has been the most remarkable ambassador to the sport of racing that she can only be considered as one of the greatest of the greats that racing has ever witnessed.

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Marcy — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 15:16:11 GMT

I think alot of people have gotten caught up in the media and what people have to "say". Z is a wonderful animal who puts forth honest effort and does it because she loves to run. Just watching her run proves that. Irregardless of "managment" of her career, she is still a spectacular horse. It doesn't matter what type of "track" you run her on, she still loves to run and does it better than most. She may run mostly synthetic, but horses in the east run mostly on dirt. It's the horse that can run on any type of ground that excels. And she has run on both synthetic and dirt. She runs the same everytime. Consistency is what matters. And her loss to Blame...well, his nose may have been in front, but it was something I would be willing to say he might not repeat if the race were between he and Zenyatta alone. Sheer greatness and speed would win that race.

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Zen's Auntie — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 15:12:43 GMT

Well so much for World TB rankings!

So much for its gotta be a male.

Lets all give a cheer for the little bay monster GOLDIKOVA Catier horse of the year.

Hip Hip HORAY!! for the little fireball with the surly attitude that ALWAYS brings her A game.

I cant wait to see her again next year!!

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Susan — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:58:38 GMT

I guess from what I've read you ( and some of your readers) would have prefered Zenyatta to have a more ambitious campaign, no matter what the cost. Like Rachel's perhaps, or the tons of other horse we see ruined because they are raced too much and often where they don't belong. As a horse owner, I like to keep a horse sound and happy for as long as possible. So there is really no such thing as "overly conservative management" There is management that preserves the horse, no matter what. The other end of the spectrum is to go all out and keep your fingers crossed that nothing happens. Again, I know which one I would choose.

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Bill Daly — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:19:03 GMT

Stevebiscuit, you think Goldikova stayed within her comfort zone?? That's some comfort zone. Kinda like the DMZ I'd say. You're referring to a mare who has beaten the best milers in Europe and the U.S. a number of times while travelling all over the place. Some comfort zone.

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Leon — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 01:30:16 GMT

www.bloodhorse.com/.../goldikova-named-cartier-horse-of-the-year

There you have connections who actually know what it takes to win the HOTY award.

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Leon — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 01:15:56 GMT

Footlick,

Goldikova's latest victory in the Breeders' Cup Mile was her eighth Grade/Group 1 win against males.

That surpasses the great Miesque, who defeated males seven times in Grade/Group 1 races.

Consider that All Along (Horse of the Year 1983) won only four Grade/Group 1 races against males ('83 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, '83 Rothmans International, '83 Turf Classic, '83 D.C. International), and that Ouija Board, one of the top filly and mare turf runners in the last 20 years, only defeated males in Group 1 company twice ('05 Hong Kong Vase, '06 Prince of Wales's). That makes Goldikova's accomplishments look even better.

Imagine, between Miesque & Goldikova they have 15 victories over the boys...Hardly a "typical" campaign for a filly or mare, and proof that owners can actually follow an ambitious campaign without "gutting" their horses; Miesque even went on to produce a great horse & sire such as Kingmambo.

While Zen's connections deserve praise for keeping her sound & healthy all this time, as great as Zen is, it is still difficult for a lot of people to get overly excited about the connections of an ex-undefeated mare who is 1 for 2 vs males in a 20-race career expanding 3 years, when you have very recent precedents such as Miesque's & Goldi's campaigns.

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Mike — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:28:27 GMT

If I recap, Blame is a really really weak horse cause he lose to Haynefield in the Jockey Club gold cup and Zenyatta is the best in the world cause she beat haynefield in the Classic? Last time I checked Blame beat him too in the Classic. Horses aren't machine, they can have a bad day. if you're saying that Zenyatta is the best only cause she beat Haynefield in the classic....well..she wasn't the only one

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

smeehan — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:37:57 GMT

Excellent job Avalyn! You kept the emotion out and succinctly wrote only the truth. If she loses HOY this year, it is solely the fault of her connections.

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Barbara W — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:23:53 GMT

Zookeeper,

Right on, racing fan sister! You said what I wanted to say and beat me to it!

Feeling "sorry" for Zenyatta is the most outrageous statement I've ever heard. No one who would make a statement like that should even be involved with horses. I lament that all horses are not so loved by their trainers/owners/jockeys. Just another worn-out excuse to promote anybody-but-Zenyatta.

You should take a look at the photos I get regularly in the mail concerning rescuing horses from the slaughterhouse--they are heartbreaking. I wish I could save them all. And you pick Zenyatta to feel sorry for. Shame on you.

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Ranagulzion — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:04:44 GMT

Avalyn,

Your point is well made and well taken by those of us who wanted to see more of what this amazing racehorse could have done. The race fans who are purists of the game know that we were short-changed even though we are still grateful for the rare moments that we got at the highest level. Bravo!

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Terry — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:11:46 GMT

Six years old and retired sound, both mentally and physically. I think that says something pretty positive for the connections!

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Mike Loser — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:02:39 GMT

I think that people who nitpick about spelling are not worth listening to.

Here is some more useless drivel for the likes of mike . . . I have read that "zenyatta" means "top of the world" in some other language (or at the very least the title of a Police album). Blame means "harass with constant criticism". It's settled. Zenyatta has a better name than Blame. I feel like such a genius of the message board forums, surely not a looooser . . . I'll wait for a stinging comment or insult to bring me back to earth. Bring it on!!!!!

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Mike Relva — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:56:39 GMT

GUNFIGHTER

Do you think Blame has even a remote chance of being in the HOY? lol

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Truth — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:35:52 GMT

So females are less than males. That's the message I'm getting. She raced against females, which because they are not males are not good enough. I don't get it, being a female and having to put up with that crap in my 60 years of life, I'm sick of it. Who's to say the females zenyatta raced against were any less than any male she raced against AND BEAT. zenyatta IS a great horse. In her 'DEFEAT' she showed how great she really is by covering a tremendous distance in a short time and came up INCHES short in passing Blame and winning the Breeder's Cup Classic. THAT is a GREAT HORSE. She deserves HORSE OF THE YEAR.

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

Rachel — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:08:35 GMT

Perhaps more great prospects should have their careers managed the way Zenyatta was managed. When you look at Zenyatta you see a happy horse that loves what she does, she is healthy and sound. Remember that the majority of these animals are pushed hard when they are babies and I will always be a firm believer that is why they breakdown so often later in careers. Zenyatta was given the time she needed to develop physically and mentally, which is absolute brilliance in our current era of horse racing. By placing her in races that some may consider easier is it not putting the horse before ego, awards and money? Perhaps in order to become great we should allow more horses to develop appropriately. Imagine an industry with less breakdowns and happier animals. THAT is what will save racing from this eminent end that we all feel. I loved Rachel and supported her for HOT. I loved everything she did with her 3 year old career. When she returned it saddened me because you could see that previous year took greatness out of her. In the end I would have preferred that her 3 year old career had been more like Zenyattas. The public image for Rachel is sad. She shouldn't race anymore and she had potential to be a legend. While Zenyatta's career may be 'less thrilling' for hardcore racing fans it was exactly what she needed to become a legend. I would be willing to say that if she came back next year she would Excel beyond imagination. Anyone who believes putting anything else before the horse in the decisions of career management is looking for entertainment. In the end THAT will be the end of what we all love. Had Zenyatta been pushed who is to say she wouldn't have ended up like Rachel. The 'make them or break them' mentality of racing needs to end. Kudos to Zenyatta's team for loving her enough to resist public pressure to allow her to develop into the legend she has now proven herself to be.

re: It's A Shame Zenyatta Didn't Lose Earlier

horselover — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:29:18 GMT

This is stupid, Zenyatta didn't lose her place in history, her run was amazing. Blame only got lucky because he had a good run with very few obstacles. Zenyatta was there with a huge amount of obstacles. She was not beaten by him with nothing left, distance just ran out. If you want to call it a loss, then so be it, it was but that is all that was lost.

Furthermore, her owners did not need to take more chances with her. Why didn't more people go to her if you think she did not beat enough horses. They have the same abilities to travel that she does. I'm really sick of stupid comments knocking zenyatta after all she has done for racing. That crowd wasn't there to see Blame, they were there for Zen.