NEWS
Zenyatta voted champion older female
Posted: Monday, January 26, 2009 9:38 PM
ZENYATTA
Benoit & Associates photo
by Steve Bailey
It is quite an accomplishment to be mentioned in company with some of the legends of the sport.
Trainer John Shirreffs knew something special was afoot when his talented four-year-old filly Zenyatta began being compared to undefeated Racing Hall of Famer Personal Ensign after ticking off five straight victories to open her 2008 season.
The comparisons became even more frequent when the Street Cry (Ire) filly entered the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1) with eight victories in as many career starts.
“It’s a really great feeling to have someone talk about this horse in the manner they talk about Personal Ensign, who obviously was one of the all-time greats,” Shirreffs said during the week leading into the Breeders’ Cup. “If she were able to win and go out undefeated, it really would be a special accomplishment.”
Mission accomplished. Zenyatta’s push-button 1 1/2-length come-from-behind victory in the Ladies’ Classic at Santa Anita Park left her with a perfect seven-start season and cemented the Eclipse Award for champion older female.
About two weeks after the Breeders’ Cup, owners Jerry and Ann Moss decided that Zenyatta would return for her five-year-old season, in which she could continue to chase Personal Ensign, who was unbeaten in 13 starts over three seasons.
“You can’t imagine what it would be like for her to leave the barn; that would be a big hole to fill,” Shirreffs said. “This has just been a very exciting year with Zenyatta, so it’s really nice that she’s going to continue on.”
Steve Bailey is Thoroughbred Times deputy news editor
| 2008 record |
|
|
|
|
| Starts |
Wins |
Second |
Third |
Earnings |
| 7 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
$2,090,580 |
