By Stephen Alicknovic
It was a bittersweet day at Hollywood Park on Sunday—but much sweeter, than bitter. The great Zenyatta made one last trip to the winner’s circle yesterday, in a ceremony that lasted about 40 minutes or so. Zenyatta paraded between the 6th and 7th race.
She entered the paddock area first. The Queen had arrived. She stopped and posed several times for the throngs of racing fans who showed up to see her. She has this down to a science. She is a looker like no other. She did her thing, pawing at the ground with her foot. Zenny made sure that almost all who came to bid her a fond farewell got a keeper snap shot. Some fans were even able to reach over the fence to touch her.
Before she came out, the replays of the 2009 & 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic were replayed on the big screen at Hollywood Park. And that sure did send a tingle down the spine. Memories that will last a life time.
Than it was off to the track to parade. As she came out the crowd cheered her on. Chants of “Zen-yat-ta!” rang out. The great Zenyatta was now on the track. And she did what she has done so many times before. She moved with the elegance of a ballet dancer, and displayed the dignity of a head of state. She stopped occasionally to admire the crowd and her surroundings. The track is her domain. She relished the moment.
Zenyatta was then led to the winner’s circle for the final time in her glorious, Hall of Fame career. All of her handlers, Jerry & Ann Moss, Mike Smith, and John Sherriffs were there to enjoy this beautiful send off to one of the greatest race mares of all-time. Kurt Hoover from TVG emceed the ceremony. Lisa G. Fly sang her rendition of “Zenyatta.” Zenyatta even received a Los Angeles Dodgers jersey (#10) with her name on the back.
She took her spot and posed for the cameras that were clicking away non stop. The Big Z took it all in. She was standing tall. She continued to do her thing, pawing at ground with her foot. She was the star of the day—and she knew it. Everyone who was there, and who watched it either on TVG or the live Hollywood Park Stream took it all in as well. This was Zenyatta’s moment—again.
She came back out on the track for one final time. And than, just like that—she was gone—it was on to the next race. The Big Z had left the track. It’s off to Kentucky, and Lane’s End Farm for her new career as a broodmare. We may never get to see her race again, but we will forever cherish the moments that she gave us while she did.
I can say in the time I have followed racing, this mare has had one of the biggest impacts on me of any racehorse I have watched over the years. She was able to transcend the sport and become more than just a super racehorse. She became legend. A star. A horse we can look back on and say, yes, we saw her run, and yes she was that good. A once in a lifetime race mare. A one-of-a-kind thoroughbred. Not only should she be the 2010 Horse of The Year, she should also be the Horse of The Decade. The horse of a lifetime. The great Zenyatta. Be thankful. Be grateful. We may never come close to seeing the likes of her again. Her daughters and sons will carry on her legacy. And that is something to look forward to. Long live Queen Zenyatta.
Zenyatta Ceremony 12/5/10 Hollywood Park
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