Loading ...Never before have I felt so conflicted about who should win Horse of the Year. Regular visitors of this site may recall that in 2009 I went with Rachel Alexandra. In my eyes, and in the eyes of the voters, her resume was far more impressive than Zenyatta’s.
However, I have a new outlook on things this year.
Zenyatta did what no other horse has done by winning 19 races in a row. If not for a poor trip in the Breeders Cup Classic, she would have retired undefeated and we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. Fans from all across the nation ventured to racetracks in order to catch a glimpse of the towering mare.
Handle soared at Churchill Downs in horse betting on the Breeders Cup. This was without a doubt because of the interest in the daughter of Street Cry. I had friends with absolutely no interest in racing talking to me about Zenyatta, and asking questions about racing in general. This is the kind of boost that racing has been desperately seeking for years.
Let’s not forget the buzz surrounding “Rachel Alexandra vs Zenyatta” early in the year. Although it never happened, it had everyone talking. That includes major news outlets that otherwise wouldn’t be covering thoroughbred horse racing.
Did Zenyatta beat much on the track this year? The answer is unequivocally no. This is easily explained though. She was scaring everyone away. Would YOU want to run against an unbeaten mare that beat the boys in the biggest race of the year in 2009? I don’t think so. In my eyes, you can’t hold the fact that she didn’t beat much against her.
The “other” horse in this argument is Blame. The son of Arch improved with every start in 2010. Everyone doubted him as he was second choice behind Battle Plan in the Foster Handicap, Quality Road in the Whitney Handicap, and Zenyatta in the Classic. Despite being the underdog, he won all three of those races.
Trainer Al Stall is one of my favorites and one of the best in the business. The same goes for jockey Garrett Gomez. I feel bad for not picking Blame, but I truly feel Zenyatta deserves it. He is more deserving than Zenyatta was last year. Sadly, someone must lose out.
When I go to my class reunion in 20 years nobody is going to remember a horse called Blame. Sad, but true. Quite a few will remember the mare Zenyatta who embodied “Girl Power” like no other horse, OR person could.
The Mosses went out on a limb by keeping her in training. This award is the perfect way to thank them for being great owners and doing what is good for the sport. It would set an example for future owners who may think of retiring a superstar prematurely. Perhaps they will think back to Jerry and Ann Moss and follow in ther footsteps.
She deserves it, and this is coming from a big time fan of Rachel Alexandra and longtime doubter turned believer. Zenyatta should be Horse of the Year.
Another good article, Ryan.
I totally agree that Zenyatta should get the HOY. Putting emotion aside, which is most difficult, Zenyatta won more Grade One’s than Blame. So, based on that alone, she should get the HOY. However, the other factors, such as what she has done for this sport, how she runs, her charisma, etc etc etc, should also give her the HOY.
I was conflicted last year. Finally, I went with Rachel, as her 3 yr old campaign, her records, was unparalleled.
I had wished for a tie actually.
This year, it must be Zenyatta. I have never seen such a race as last Saturday’s, with her narrow defeat being her most impressive race. To be so far back, then make it up, to almost win, was incomparable. The emotions of the race, from crying out, why is she so far back, wondering what was wrong, to her navigation at the top stretch, then that final run, when we all thought she was going to do it, again. Then, the utter shock! I have never watched a horse run, who constantly gives one a “heart attack”!
Too bad the public didn’t have input in the HOY. I believe she will not get it, again.
Amy
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i too believe zenyatta should get horse of the year-i was fortunate enough to be at saratoga racetrack to watch our –east coast girl–win her race against the boys but zenyatta ws spectacular in the breeders cup and in my mind she earned the title
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I could not have said it better ~!!!
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I have written else where and I will write here also cause I love being able to put my 2cents in when ever I can
One I’m not anyone connected with racing outside of being a life long fan so first I will say I agree with you 100% I am 65 yrs old and seen a lot of races and race horses including 4 Triple Crowns In that time I have seen a lot of “Blames” and I expect to see a few more Very good horses but 10yrs down the road not really remembered unless brought up in a conversation or trivia contest or a news item But in my life time I have never seen nor do I expect to see another horse like Zenyatta Ten years from now if someone asks me who were the most outstanding horses in my life time Zenyatta will be there with Citation,Native Dancer,Kelso,John Henry, Secretariat,Affirmed and Alydar,Slew and Bid
To those who say Zenyatta beat nobodies this year I say the Blame barely beat a horse that beat nobodies. Not very flattering. And in the BCC she beat the same horses Blame beat (and lost to) this year.
To those who say we must disregard previous yrs accomplishments then I will just say that this year she extended a 14 race win strike from 14 to 19 by winning 5 Gs in a row It is very difficult to win 5 G1s in a row running against anybody To stay in top form and never have an off day or a bad trip. To win 19 graded stakes in a row is unbelievable
ZENYATTA HOTY YES
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I never look the horserace since I watch the last race with zenyatta and now I cannot over with her magnificent attraction I think she is the best horse but every hore race are also deserve they all work hard to run for the ouner to make them money some they broke their legs. But I admire zenyatta she is magnificent and incredible.
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Zenyatta for Horse of the Year!!!!
ZENYATTA’S ROCKETTE by Jan Glover
Zenyatta
In the paddock, on the track,
Her anticipation,
Her Rockette,
Her way of saying, “Y’all ain’t seen nothing yet!!”
Zenyatta
“A gift from God,” Willard says she is,
A living legend, flawless, her perfection transcends.
Known as “Zennie” and “The Queen,”
Magical aura wearing pink and green.
Zenyatta
O Girl Power!!
Horse of the Decade!! Year!! And Hour!!
Un-believe-able!! Cannot Defeat!!
Champion!! SuperStar!! Majestic Athlete!!
Zenyatta
Magnificent creature,
Once you’ve seen her, never will you forget her.
Razzle you, dazzle you, cheer her name,
No doubt about it, racing is her game!!
Zenyatta
She’s a tornado, hailstorm, thunder and lightning without rain,
First to the finish line, always and again.
She brings sunshine and smiles, not a cloud in the sky,
Believe she has wings, catapult of fire, I swear she can fly.
Zenyatta
The time is drawing near,
November 6th, 2010, The Breeders’ Cup Classic is almost here.
YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Zenyatta.com, Zenyatta2010,
Goodbye doesn’t mean I’ll never see you again…
…Enjoying life, just being “ZENYATTA…”
Running, dancing, posing,
Poetry in motion!!
Charisma, beauty, class,
Carrots with Guinness!!
GO ZENYATTA!!!!!
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Zenyatta is Horse of the Year. Period. In my heart, in my soul, in my mind. No other horse has done, for years what she did this year. For the sport, for human-kind, for spirit. She is what the award is all about. Period!
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Queen Zenyatta is my choice for HOY.
She is horse of the decade indeed.
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Zenyatta Should be horse of the year Because she did the most for the sport! End of of discussion. if anyone other that Zenyatta becomes horse of the Year the the people marketting this Sport in this Country are asking the fans not forget about the sport because there is no real interest in continuing the sport
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