(WHAS11) She has wowed the horse racing world with her perfect record since her first start, attracting new fans to the sport along the way. Even in defeat, Zenyatta’s legions of fans are still supporting their girl.
WHAS11’s Mike Colombo was at Churchill Downs Sunday as fans got one last visit with Zenyatta before she heads back to California.
It’s something we seldom see in professional sports, an athlete greeting fans after a loss; but this isn’t a normal athlete and these aren’t normal fans.
“Zenyatta, you rock. She is a complete superstar,” horse racing fan Sandy Lathon said.
Blocked only by chain link fence, Zenyatta’s fans got one last chance to see the queen of horse racing in all her glory.
"I have literally fallen in love with Zenyatta. She’s so regal. She’s gorgeous. A superior athlete; just to watch her do her stride, the way she loves the people,” Lathon said.
Posing like a starlit on the red carpet, Zenyatta, not even 24 hours after her first career loss on horse racing’s biggest stage, continued to show love to her fans. Olivia Troutman, 10, was one of the lucky few to get up close and personal with the mare. We asked what it was like to get to stand next to her; “It was fun; she feels really soft,” Troutman said.
Zenyatta’s flare for the dramatic has left a lasting impression on Troutman, “…how she always comes from the back and then goes up to the very front,” she said.
While an official decision has not yet been made on Zenyatta’s future, trainer John Shirreffs hinted at what the future may hold.
“I’m pretty sure she’s not going to race anymore. I think she’s had her run. It’s been fabulous and Mr. Moss will answer that question,” Shirreffs said.
But for Shirreffs, there’s no doubt what he’ll remember most about Zenyatta’s remarkable run; “The fans; the great love and support they have for Zenyatta.”
Then there is Blame; the horse that won the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Judging by the lack of crowds at his stall Sunday morning, you’d never know he was the winner. While it’s normally second place that’s never remembered, in this race with Zenyatta, that won’t be the case.
When it comes to Zenyatta’s legacy, here’s some food for thought: Secretariat lost five times and Seabiscuit lost six. While the experts will debate her place in history, Zenyatta sure has been fun to watch.
