HORSE RACING SUPERSTAR ZENYATTA TO RACE IN 2010

Following Zenyatta’s spectacular come from behind victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic—undoubtedly horse racing’s most memorable moment of the year—owner Jerry Moss announced that she would retire.  Having run an undefeated season and defeating a field of the top male horses in the sport’s richest race, Moss reasoned that there was nothing left for her to do.  On Saturday, he reversed course and announced that the super mare would race in 2010 as a six year old.

Moss’ announcement rekindled hopes that the long hoped for matchup with 2009’s other outstanding filly, Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra.  The two equine greats have never met head to head, but comparisons have raged in horse racing circles all year long.  Both are nominated for the 2009 Eclipse Award for ‘Horse of the Year’ and the sport’s media has gone back and forth on which horse should win and why.  

Zenyatta’s owner explained his initial decision to retire Zenyatta:

"I got very emotional after she won the Breeders' Cup and thought what better way to retire. In my mind, she was retired. It was the perfect retirement scenario . . . she could sail off into the sunset."

In announcing her return, Moss conceded that his mare—known for her competitive spirit—still wanted to race.  Zeynatta’s trainer John Shirreffs confirmed his boss’s assessment:

"She came out of the Breeders' Cup really well. She was like, hey, I want to do more."

The final decision was made Saturday morning after a training session at Santa Anita.  Moss, along with his wife and Zenyatta’s co-owner Ann, consulted with Shirreffs and all of the parties agreed that she wasn’t done.  Moss described Zenyatta’s workout:

"She looked radiant, she looked fantastic."

Moss dismissed suggestions that her return was a last minute lobbying effort for the 2009 Eclipse Award for ‘Horse of the Year’:

"We're not reacting to anything. It had nothing to do with whether she is Horse of the Year or not. If she's Horse of the Year, she'll run as Horse of the Year, and if she's not, she'll run as not Horse of the Year."

Currently, speculation is centering on the March 13 Santa Margarita Handicap at Santa Anita for Zenyatta’s return.   While neither Moss nor Shirreffs would confirm that plan, it would make sense as a prep race for the Apple Blossom Handicap in Arkansas in early April.