Zenyatta-- Took Us to the Mountain Top

If you don't love horse racing, and you don't love Thoroughbred race horses, you probably won't understand what took place last night at the Eclipse Awards in Florida. The Eclipse Awards is the pinnacle, the Academy Awards or Grammy's for horse racing and breeders of these most magnificent athletes.

Zenyatta, after two previous nominations won Horse of the Year last night. A literal scream escaped my body when the words "Zenyatta" were announced. I saw Ann Moss look as if she thought she heard the words, but wasn't entirely sure, as if she was in a dream. Well the truth was she has been in a dream, we all have, the dream of seeing a once in a life time horse. At least my lifetime.

I missed Secretariat, I missed Ruffian, I missed Seattle Slew, I missed Man O'War and I missed Seabiscuit, whom I know in their time was the "horse of the year". But a horse of a life time, only perhaps Secretariat was the last that collectively took a nation on a ride. But I missed it, and so I only have Zenyatta to say--- you are the horse of my lifetime.




Everyone has their reasons why they fell in love with this particular horse, everyone has their own experience and some of us were fortunate enough to have had access to her majesty. She was magical off and on the track. Before her retirement (the first time), I had the great pleasure of meeting Zenyatta. I remember just looking at her and soaking in every single minute of it. I didn't touch her, didn't even ask if I could, if I did perhaps I thought it won't be real. But she was, and on subsequent visits to her, often I would just sit back and soak her in again. I would enjoy the reaction of others, and relive my own first time experience. I had the opportunity to take my friends to see her, and it was always a joy, as if giving something that didn't belong to me, but was more precious than a Tiffany blue box.




When Zenyatta narrowly missed the Breeders Cup Classic in 2010, she returned to Hollywood Park, her kingdom, her special place where her adoring fans lined up every single day and were allowed access to her. She accepted each and every gift, every tear that filled an eye, and every awe struck race fan with a grace that was human like. Always knowing she had taken us to the mountain top, to the pinnacle and last night, she received the award she deserved.




Race horse retirement received its due as well. The Second Race wants to thank Jerry Moss of mentioning Tranquility Farms, race horse retirement in general and how the public and industry have the responsibility to embrace and support the work that many of us do across the United States.

Mary Lou Whitney, eloquently stated that there was a responsibility to the horses, that no horse should ever go to slaughter again. Both gave the necessary attention to the plight of race horses and our hope is that in the afterglow of Zenyatta's win, that the public will donate to their favorite race horse charity in the name of Zenyatta.




For those that were not able to see the Eclipse Awards here are the words so perfectly written. Thank you Team Zenyatta, thank you the voters for getting it right. Your choice was tonic for this soul.


http://uservideos.smashits.com/video/gDf8ZmdSm2E/zenyatta-poem-by-priscilla-clark.html

To see the horses that The Second Race has for adoption or are available for sponsorship visit www.thesecondrace.com

Photos by Cecilia Felix, Julie Ziek and Zoe Metz

A Visit With Zenyatta and a Legendary Hand

Over the weekend my good friend was here from Texas and as any good friend in California, you have to take your friends to the local attractions. Once perhaps, that was Disneyland or even the beach, but right now in Southern California the main attraction is Zenyatta.

Julie had some photos that she wanted to gift John Shirreffs with and so we made the trek to the barn. Coming around the corner I saw something different this time. Not that Zenyatta on any given day for the past couple months, doesn't have fans stopping by, but now there was a barricade of perhaps three or four sawhorses and piping "roping" off the area to view her while she grazes. What was different was the single file line of fans, cameras and treats in hand, waiting for their couple "up close" minutes with her. One by one the fans that had come to see her were given a minute to speak with her, touch her muzzle and feed her treats. Steve Willard, has become the "tour guide" and it strikes me that his job has become much like the park ranger discussing El Capitan in Yosemite. There is something about her that continues to take your breath away, much as the monuments that are God made, Zenyatta simply doesn't disappoint.

The visit with her was more magical for some reason because on this day there were several young girls and boys with her. She patiently inspected each child that came up to her and loving put her head down, welcoming their delight.



The young girl featured in the photo above seemed to be the most vocal and encouraged the other kids around her to come up and feed her. Someone had brought a peppermint to give her, well only some know that Zenyatta has a sweet tooth, and loves her candy. When she happily ate up the peppermint, she licked the hand of the child, and the little girl said to her friend "Now you have a legendary hand". I chuckled out loud and had the biggest smile on my face. Yes, she is legendary, and its of course the races, the tremendous finishes, the heart stopping beauty, but mostly its the grandness with which she accepts the adulation and respect.




She holds court, there isn't another word for it. She looks at you, in the eye, and says to you "I understand". Whether child or adult, she accepts each moment with you. She does know she is the queen, but to that little girl, well she is legendary....and no matter what the jaded writers and handicappers think, Zenyatta has charmed her way into many a heart unlike any horse I have ever known. And to that little girl, that brought a smile to my face, I hope you grow up to be legendary as well.




Photos by Cecilia Felix Photography and Zoe Metz.
To see other horses (not quite so legendary except to The Second Race) go to www.thesecondrace.com

Zenyatta Going for 18 & What She Means to Girls....

photo used by permission.
As the eve of the Clement Hirsch race at Del Mar approaches and the excitement builds for win number 18 for Zenyatta. We wanted to re-run our post regarding Zenyatta and the lessons that can be learned for young girls from Zenyatta. Original post November 2009.

Zenyatta crossed the finish line on Saturday in the Breeders Cup Classic to a roar of emotion shared by all in attendance. Whether it was tears of joy, amazement or knowing you were witnessing history in the making, all around me and throughout the stands, the win was felt in unison.
As the blush of the win wore off on late Sunday afternoon, I remembered something that I had read previously about Zenyatta. As a yearling, she was purchased for $ 60,000 the bloodstock agent who purchased her said he felt he had possibly made a mistake and was bidding on the wrong horse as he couldn't believe she had slipped through the cracks and he had been able to successfully purchase her at the low price.
The reason why she was only $ 60,000? She had a skin disease that made her less attractive or desirable even though she had "vetted" out well. On the surface she was passed over for other yearlings, who looked better. This got me to thinking about young girls who are passed over every day and have labels put upon them at a young age. These labels can hamper their development for the rest of their lives. So many young ladies today are diamonds in the rough, and I wish society embraced them as girls in transition, not airbrushed creations in magazines.
Now of course, Zenyatta didn't buy into any labels or even know she was dismissed for something superficial, nor did she know that she was bigger than the rest of the yearlings in the sales barn. Zenyatta didn't know that her bones were bigger, and that she would need time to grow into herself to bloom into the stunning mare she would become. But her handlers did. Zenyatta was able to start her first race at the age of three instead of the current trend of two. She was given the time to grow into herself. Patience was given to allow her to become the filly she should be to compete at the highest level. Not rushing her to become a precocious sparkler, but a full blown fourth of July fireworks display.
Girls need the same thing, the time to grow, be nurtured by those around them that care for their well being and to not be forced or rushed into being something that someone else wants them to be. Girls need to accept their bodies and its bounty (and its limitations) without pressure. A beautiful swan can just be under the ugly duckling exterior, love and time will expose both.
Zenyatta is a winner, nothing can take that away. Girls are winners too, my hope is in watching Zenyatta crossing the finish line, that the same girls with their "Zenyatta Rocks" posters last Saturday looked in the mirror that night and said "I rock too".

Zenyatta Jersey to Benefit Several Thoroughbred Charities

Will she, Won't she, the debate continues among racing fans if Zenyatta will run actually in the Vanity at Hollywood Park on Sunday, June 13.

What is known is that there will be a jersey available for purchase carrying Zenyatta's name and the blessings of the connections from MVP Champions. A two-time champion, Zenyatta, 6, has won 16 races and $5,924,580. If she wins the Vanity for an unprecedented third time, she would surpass the 16-race winning streaks of Cigar and Citation. A special Jersey signing will be held at Hollywood Park on June 13 and at Del Mar on August 7th to coincide with the probable race dates for Zenyatta.

MVP Champions has recently come on the scene with a series of collectible and/or wearable jerseys to benefit Thoroughbred charities. The first to be offered was Bob Baffert's Hall of Fame jersey which benefited Old Friends in Kentucky.

MVP Champions website states they launch merchandising solutions to benefit charitable causes with remarkable results. Donations are made at point of purchase to benefit designated charities. Our commitment to craftsmanship, design, and technical innovation provide a unique niche in the sports manufacturing market.
We also offer unique promotional opportunities at all of our charitable events. Our nationally publicized fund raisers, product launch promotions, and autograph signings give our supporters national exposure with profitable results.

To view the Jerseys or to order go to www.mvpchampions.com

On another note there will be a Zenyatta Bobblehead give-away on the same day at Hollywood Park on June 13th. www.hollywoodpark.com for details.

Zenyatta--- The Lesson for Girls Everywhere

Zenyatta, Del Mar 2009. Photo credit: John Chun

Zenyatta crossed the finish line on Saturday in the Breeders Cup Classic to a roar of emotion shared by all in attendance. Whether it was tears of joy, amazement or knowing you were witnessing history in the making, all around me and throughout the stands, the win was felt in unison.

As the blush of the win wore off on late Sunday afternoon, I remembered something that I had read previously about Zenyatta. As a yearling, she was purchased for $ 60,000 the bloodstock agent who purchased her said he felt he had possibly made a mistake and was bidding on the wrong horse as he couldn't believe she had slipped through the cracks and he had been able to successfully purchase her at the low price.

The reason why she was only $ 60,000? She had a skin disease that made her less attractive or desirable even though she had "vetted" out well. On the surface she was passed over for other yearlings, who looked better. This got me to thinking about young girls who are passed over every day and have labels put upon them at a young age. These labels can hamper their development for the rest of their lives. So many young ladies today are diamonds in the rough, and I wish society embraced them as girls in transition, not airbrushed creations in magazines.

Now of course, Zenyatta didn't buy into any labels or even know she was dismissed for something superficial, nor did she know that she was bigger than the rest of the yearlings in the sales barn. Zenyatta didn't know that her bones were bigger, and that she would need time to grow into herself to bloom into the stunning mare she would become. But her handlers did. Zenyatta was able to start her first race at the age of three instead of the current trend of two. She was given the time to grow into herself. Patience was given to allow her to become the filly she should be to compete at the highest level. Not rushing her to become a precocious sparkler, but a full blown fourth of July fireworks display.

Girls need the same thing, the time to grow, be nurtured by those around them that care for their well being and to not be forced or rushed into being something that someone else wants them to be. Girls need to accept their bodies and its bounty (and its limitations) without pressure. A beautiful swan can just be under the ugly duckling exterior, love and time will expose both.

Zenyatta is a winner, nothing can take that away. Girls are winners too, my hope is in watching Zenyatta crossing the finish line, that the same girls with their "Zenyatta Rocks" posters last Saturday looked in the mirror that night and said "I rock too".