The Turf Publicists of America named “Team Zenyatta” its 2009 Big Sport of Turfdom Award winner for its willingness to cooperate with the media and racing publicists.

The winning group consists of undefeated champion mare Zenyatta’s jockey, Mike Smith, trainer John Shirreffs and his wife, Dottie, and owners Jerry and Ann Moss.

“The management, conditioning, and picture perfect rides had a synergetic effect that brought this true champion to light before thousands of fans throughout her career,” Turf Publicists President John Englehardt said.

“Team Zenyatta” will receive the 44th annual Big Sport of Turfdom award on December 8 in Tuscon, Arizona, during the keynote luncheon of the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program Symposium on Racing and Gaming.

“We are very happy and honored to accept it,” Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs said. “As a matter of fact, we had a television crew here at our house early this morning. Who would have thought there could be a moment in racing that could be as wonderful as winning the Kentucky Derby [G1]!”