Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

Fran Loszynski — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:31:23 GMT

When the media does it-they do it good- Great segment on 60 Minutes about Zenyatta! She was the star of the show- great pics of her and "THAT'S" what we need in horseracing. I was glued to the screen and wanted to see more of her and many people will realize the way "they can see more of her" is to go to the racetrack! Koodos to 60 Minutes.

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

Chris — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 20:53:34 GMT

Rachel deserved HOY. No opportunity was missed. If they were co-HOY, it wouldn't have attracted new fans. Those who don't like racing still wouldn't like racing.

I detest TVG for its west coast-slanted coverage and non-stop Zenyatta talk. It's sickening.

If they wanted the award, they needed to adjust their strategy and enter her in traditional HOY races and given her a tougher schedule, like every other HOY before her, not some cupcake campaign.

Of course, some of you are reading this and saying, "but it's their safe handling of her that keeps her racing to this day."

And that's fine, but the safe, boring route doesn't earn you HOY. A tough campaign in tough races does, and her connections don't seem to understand that their "one tough meaningful race a year" doesn't cut the mustard!

I'm sick of the whining. Run her in meaningful GI's with tough opposition more than once a year. I'm sick of it.

The racing media is archaic. They don't understand that if the general public can't view racing on regular cable tv, they can kiss new fans goodbye. No one is going to pay extra for a sport they have no interest in. Plan to televise all the major races or accept the fact that no new fans will be attracted. The fact that Zenyatta was co-HOY has squat to do with what's wrong with racing. It's been wrong since before she came around and will continue to be unless they put races literally in front of the eyes of the general public.

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

Juanita — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 16:47:14 GMT

The end of the end came when NBC no longer carried the Breeders Cup.

I'll just have to wait for the results on the internet. I never had cable because I don't watch much tv.

I guess I'm wondering who is the best stallion for Zenyetta. And not to race Rachel against her I think was a big mistake.

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

Alex's Girl — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 15:03:20 GMT

It's pretty simple, to me anyway, why Zenyatta was not touted more widely as the Superstar she is.

To most people, this sport is only about the Kentucky Derby and, to a lesser extent, the Triple Crown. No great attempt is made by ESPN, ESPN2 or any of the major networks to follow ANY OTHER HORSE RACE during the year, until the Breeders Cup...and even that is not advertised sufficiently...so Zenyatta's extraordinary win in the Classic last year went virtually unnoticed and vastly unappreciated by the sporting public at large.

All other sports have a "season". According to most people, horseracing's "season" is six weeks long, between the first Saturday in May and the second Saturday in June. No one really knows, or cares, about the rest.

Zenyatta didn't win a Triple Crown race...and she's a mare. So, basically, few people outside the sport will remember her name, no matter how unique and accomplished an athlete she is. And that's a true pity.

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

igallop — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 05:10:04 GMT

I think the "tell a friend" or "bring a friend" campaign is the best idea since sliced bread! Good answer and the marketing companies could have a field day! We will never see the likes of Zenyatta ever again. Just like we will never see the likes of a Secretariat but there will be other stars who will and can have a profound effect on the general public and this can only be a positive thing for the industry. i work in it. i love it. i love the horses and I love the history. no reason this sort of journey can't be shared.

MMM Stuart Fla

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

duchess — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 06:32:04 GMT

I have taken a page from some of the other posters here and have begun talking about Zenyatta on facebook and in other forums that I frequent where horse racing is never discussed other than maybe the Triple Crown races very so often.

I am disheartened that so few have ever heard of her. An undefeated champion of her magnitude comes along so seldom...

On the other hand, once people HAVE heard of her, they have become fans. Some of my facebook friends who had never before heard of her are now posting you tube videos of her as well - and I have people planning on taping her segment on 60 Minutes (they will be out with their children on Halloween night but are VERY interested in the big mare once they hear about her).

I even have two fathers planning on watching her in the BCC with their young daughters as special daddy/daughter Girl Power dates. They want their daughters to see Zenyatta!

If one tired middle aged working mother from Michigan (hardly a hot bed of horse racing) can do this why can't horse racing as a whole?

I can attest from personal experience that as soon as people hear about this great mare they go crazy over her - even ones who have little to nothing to do with horse racing. It is as if they are desperate for a hero - and a heroine for their children - and Zenyatta seems to fit the bill perfectly.

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

Bob — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:06:39 GMT

I was stiing at about the 1/16 pole at the BC last year and I thougth for sure after the Classic Zenyatta would be on the cover of Sports Illustrated after her performance. Well, that didn't happen.

If she wins this year and she is not on the cover of SI the following week, either there is nobody in horse racing that has any contacts at SI or SI just has no horse racing people working there and they don't know how significant this accomplishment will be. We will have to wait and see what happens.

But if she wins and she doesn't make the cover, there is nothing that horse racing people will ever be able to do to get the sport into the mainstream media again.

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

Bellwether — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 05:56:06 GMT

"WHERE THE KING MAY BEE A QUEEN BABY"...LONG LIVE THE KING!!!...ty...

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

Denmark — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 05:23:17 GMT

Fuzzy - aptly named - can't you just enjoy a magnificent one of a kind mare that brings joy to everyone that has seen her race. I've been at most of her races, actually I enjoy watching her on TV more because I get to see all her moves - her dancing moves and her energy. I don't get it. Why do people have to put down the best? She is one of a kind. You will never see a Zenyatta again. ENJOY!!!

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

Ms WTF — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 03:58:37 GMT

Pedigree Ann is right. So You Think is a 4yo who's just won, back to back, the best weight for age 10 furlong race in the world. On Tuesday he'll line up to race nearly 16 furlongs against older more experience horses from all over the world and will probably win. Our racing authorities failed on this one. They have never made the most of either Rachel or Zenyatta. No matter what happens on Nov 6, Zenyatta will still be a champion. It's just a shame that more people all over the country did not get to experience her greatness.

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

Pedigree Ann — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:26:50 GMT

Have to say Ranagulzion and Stacy make a lot of sense. Seabuiscuit became a national hero because he ran all over the country, traveling on railcars. Secretariat went to Chicago and Canada, Seattle Slew went to California (even if was a bad idea). John Henry raced East and West and in between. So did Alysheba, "America's Horse."

So far, Zenyatta has had exactly one race against horses anybody outside of racing has ever heard of. Mares only race are not the glamour division and that is a constant; mares winning in the glamour division - Rachel winning the Preakness, Personal Ensign winning the Whitney - that makes news.

And if Zenyatta wins the Classic, she will be the main track champion in North America. But the best horse in the world will probably be running in the Melbourne Cup next Tuesday. Yes, he isn't unbeaten, but he tried to do difficult things, like beating older horses in G1s as a spring 3yo (1 win, 1 second). His name is So You Think and he is 4 for 4 already this season as a 4yo (the racing year begins 1 August down under).

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

Fuzzy Corgi — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 03:09:32 GMT

The news media is against horse racing. It's almost impossible to get a positive story about racing; i.e. Zenyatta and her undefeated record. Yet the news about the owners license suspension of Robert Rizzo, the former City of Bell manager who was arrested in September on 53 counts of misappropriating public funds, was on every LA channel today. I mentioned the story to a few people at work and the over all feeling about the story was how corrupt racing is. I pointed out that the reason Rizzo's license was suspended is that he didn't show up to the stewards hearing to respond to the charges of conduct detrimental to horse racing and the meeting was actually to keep racing clean.

I'd love to see the media report on the good things that happen within racing. As fans we need to alert the media that there are plenty of people interested in racing. C'mon everyone, call and write your local news sources and ask for some coverage. Maybe it'll catch on. What have we got to lose?

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

wildblueroan — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 01:23:59 GMT

Mr. Sherriffs has it right. The racing associations lost a major opportunity last year when they decided NOT to allow people the chance to vote for Rachel and Zenyatta as joint HOY, even though both deserved the honor. They could and should have make every effort to celebrate both incredible horses and the unique situation that the top two horses in North America were mares. But, no. These industry "leaders" seem so hapless that it is hard to sympathize. IMO the mass media has appreciated both Rachel and Zenyatta far more than the racing press, who are, as everyone has noticed, preoccupied instead with deciding which is better and/or criticizing one or the other's supposed weaknesses. We've been incredibly blessed to have these mares running the last few years, and Zenyatta is absolutely unique and amazing-it doesn't get any better than she is, as a racehorse and as a personality, so what are they thinking?

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

CHoffman — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:35:07 GMT

You got it all wrong.

1. Rivalries are blood and blood attracts sharks. Everyone loves a good rivalry and the NTRA missed out on that. East vs. West. War Admiral vs. Seabiscuit. Rachel vs. Zenyatta (Cat Fight of the Century!) Listen, if rivalry didn't work, the World Series wouldn't exist, nor the Superbowl.

2. The NRTA tries to blame it's budget and I can tell you a lot of publicists save dollars by tipping off the news organizations. Big advertising firms do it everyday all day long. Only when a publicist, for free, tipped off the visit by Terrell Owens did Zenyatta's name make it to the news here. Even then she was treated as second billing. Why? Because the racing industry didn't turn the tables.

If the racing industry sees they have a star like Zenyatta around and don't do anything about it, it's not the star's fault. It costs very little to put out press packets these days. Westminster Dog Show's champion gets more airtime than Zenyatta because they put out the word. The racing industry acts as though their stars are privileged information and then wonder why the track handle is so low. The only news to be found on horse racing is in the DRF, Bloodhorse and TVG. You might as well have said the AMA, National Geographic and C-Span. (Wait, they get news coverage.)

Horse racing will remain obscure and misunderstood as long as the industry keeps it's news to itself.

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

horsemen — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:28:33 GMT

I found myself explaining Zenyatta as a living legend, to a family member who said; "WHO"......

thank you for a great article..

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

markinsac — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 21:11:12 GMT

I remember growing up in Los Angeles and watching Ruffian on TV. How I cheered for her greatness and when she suffered a tragic ening on national TV, I was crying. I remember cheering for Forego and Seattle Slew and goo-goo over Affirmed and Alydar. Most of these great horses performed on the east coast. It didn't matter to me, I still loved their greatness. When Zenyatta got into the spotlight after her 2008 Ladies Classic win, there has been much negativity against her. Much of it has come from east-coast writers. Not all, Haskins has been level-headed and I thank him for that. But the disresppect comes in a geographical form. A California-raced horse CAN'T be this big, and they started picking at EVERY POSSIBLE flaw imagined! It's like preventing her from being in the same sentence as Secretariat was more important than help saving the sport we ALL love. And blaming THE horse for things she has NO control over. Zenyatta's connections deserve a pat on the back for one thing that nobody can deny: They have made her accessible to the media and the PUBLIC. No horse ever had a retirement ceremony at two different tracks like Zenyatta. There's video of strangers petting and playing with Zen. I really think THIS stuff is what draws in fans, maybe as much as the races itself. When we see videos of Zenyatta being treated like royalty on the backstretch, it's the best publicity we can get. We should all thank the Moss' for their decision of openess. I have yet to see the Rachel Alexandra "Interview" or Blame or QR and it's sad that owners and trainers don't take this opportunity to follow suit.

Arazi44 said it best. I've told my mother (who doesn't like horse racing because of the gambling) about Zenyatta. She's going to watch. I've told my co-workers, some of them will join me at the sattellite facility to watch, I couldn't afford to go to Churchill and I couldn't watch at home. I need to be with the fans to celebrate. Arazi and everybody, get the word out. She's on 60 minutes next Sunday, that's a great way to introduce her to those who had never heard of her. I'm predicting record ratings for the BC Classic. And remember if she wins, we saw the movie before it came out.

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

GRracer — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 13:00:12 GMT

I totally agree people should honour these great stars yet nothing is said. Last year here in the UK the biggest star was Sea The Stars yet when i mention the horse, my friends (even those who are horse fans) say 'who?' I think that generally the newspapers should have something better to talk about than ' The X Factor' or ' Britain's Got Talent'. To be honest the talent is within the horses that race and make history. People want a star to follow all year round so why not talk about these stars? And i also think that international racing should be more recognised amongst some countries.

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

kathleen o — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 20:41:56 GMT

60 Minutes doing a segment on the queen on 10-31

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

bowlofflowers — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 16:41:44 GMT

Fabuouls article and responses. Maybe ESPN should get the 2year old "Yatta" fan on their broadcast instead of the stupid betting clown from England. I agree with Carryback - and CB was my first live horse to follow on tv and newspaper and was sooooo great. I, too, had wished that Zenyatta had traveled to somewhere east for a race on dirt this summer. But she didn't. I am praying for a good to fast track at CD because I am unsure if Camp Z will run her on an off track even if it is the final race/defending BC Classic. I wish someone would explain to me how I can get my horseracing 'library' on my DVR onto a DVD so when I am in my 80's I will be able to pop in the 2008 ladies classic, 2009 Preakness, 2009 BC Classic and see Zenyatta dance in the paddock before the race. Not everything is on UTUBE although I am thrilled to see the Z website. I would love to be able to fly to so.cal and visit Zenyatta in her stall but I am self supporting glass artist (talk about glmbling!) with a parttime job that does not pay well. Maybe I will be able to see Zenyatta in Kentucky someday (MillReef?) and I hope to see more than a tiny image across the field. But Z owes me nothing. I love to talk about her to non racing fans and they just shake thier heads in disbelief since they are not any kind of sports fan. Maybe with 60 minutes and the gorgeous photo in W, Zenyatta will get more fans. Horseracing will get more fans. Of course I want to see her win and set yet another record and tie one with Tiznow. I would love to see her keep striding out like Secretariat did in The Belmont. But mostly I want to see her come home safe and sound. I do think she can knock their socks off!

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

mike stroh — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 12:53:46 GMT

my parents had a great harness mare back in the 60's. she raced mainly at vernon, batavia and buffalo raceway. almost every race had some kind of sponsor, business companies to friends get togethers. exposed alot of newcomers to the sport, got their pictures taken in winners circle handing out trophies or blankets with their company. i just don't see that anymore when i visit a track, only the rich seem to get that priviledge. rich will not be able to sustain this sport, who cares if we have 2 different win photos, get some new blood coming and being involved. on the big girl, insiders fret about race schedule, speed figures- give me a break, most of the female company she's raced against has been harder than older male division the last couple of years. quality road wins a couple - deemed a superstar, then boom blame comes along- hey he's a superstar- then what happens, he loses. the crowd behind zenyatta should be praised for keeping her around another year. all i know is when she starts rolling down the stretsh at churchill, i want to hear my wife screaming at tv , just like every other zenyatta race. go big girl go

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

Mrs. B — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 10:24:19 GMT

I have been following thoroughbred racing for 50 years and I thank God for TVG, HRTV and the Internet so I am no longer at the mercy of the main stream media for bits of news. I love both Zenyatta and Goldikova. I will be at the Breeder's Cup this year and SO look forward to seeing them, and fortunately not running against one another!

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

Rachel — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:42:29 GMT

60 Who? You mean on one of the alphabet dinosaur stations? On a Sunday night when you should be somewhere having fun? ;-)

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

Dona — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 05:37:34 GMT

It seems to me one deciding factor for the Racing Industry to promote Zenyatta was the fact that people who see her or watch her race, share their experiences with family and friends. Reading what people have said about Zenyatta and how thrilled and moved by her they were brings a smile to my face because I experienced the same thing. WE all want to share when something makes us happy, thrills and enthralls us and when we fall in love. People love her! They want to share that experience and that's what Racing should have capitalized on.

Thanks for the heads up on the Sixty Minutes show.

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

christy tate — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 05:03:43 GMT

thanks Dawn inMN, for your support of my idea to clean up racing's image as i stated before. i also think that those people who say a horse should race on both coasts, have a valid point. however, if trainers are really looking out for the intrest of their horses and not for money, they go where the races are that will suit the ability level of the horse.

re: Lost Opportunities - By Eric Mitchell

John T — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 03:42:47 GMT

Glad to hear Zenyatta will be featured on 60 Minutes.A mare that

has won 19 out of 19 at the highest

level of racing should be cheered on not only by every American racing fan,but every racing fan worldwide who loves the sport of horse racing.It does not matter where she finishes in the Breeders

Cup Classic she still will be a great champion and if she wins it an even greater chanpion.