The Race:
Hey Family,
Yesterday Jason took me to the Breeder's Cup at the Santa Anita Racetrack. The Classic, the headline race, is one of the richest events in all of sports with $5 million on the line. There were some major stars there (which I got pics of below), but the best was clearly Zenyatta, the 5 year old undefeated female, whose connections decided to race her in the Classic (generally for boys) instead of the Distaff (which is specifically for girls). Zenyatta had never raced against males and had really only stayed on the west coast, which prompted a lot of criticism over her undefeated record, saying she was never really challenged. However, all doubts were put to rest when Zenyatta romped the boys in a historical victory that we witnessed! A female has NEVER won the Breeder's Cup Classic before, making Zenyatta the first female to win as well as the winningest female in history (14-0), beating the previous mare named Personal Ensign's record of 13-0. This may seem like nonsense, but it really is meaningful. Females are not viewed as generally superior in sports and horse racing is no exception.
The big names of female racing include Ruffian (who never was able to claim victory over males after her tragic loss to Foolish Pleasure when she broke her cannon bone on national television), Eight Bells (died on the track after finishing second to Big Brown in the Derby), Rags to Riches (won the Belmont a few years ago and then retired after a hairline fracture). In fact, very few famous female horses have survived their careers to the end. This year the racing community was blessed with two stunning females (Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra) who both took the racing community by storm, together beating the males in four of the most major races of the year (The Preakness, Haskell, Woodward, and the Breeder's Cup Classic). Together they have dispelled the mentality of total male domination.
There were some great colts in the race: Mine That Bird (the famous Kentucky Derby Winner), Summer Bird (the Belmont, Travers, and Jockey Club Gold Cup winner, also Mine that Bird's half brother); Quality Road (the Florida Derby winner who was favored to win the KY Derby, but scratched due to injury); and Rip Van Winkle (a European great). Despite all the talent and hype, Zenyatta proved that while males may have an advantage, this is meaningless when matched with true talent and heart. Her com-from-behind win will be in the record books of racing and she will retire into hall of fame greatness. Although, to my own sadness, she will likely retire to the broodmare barn and into obscurity. Unlike the males, she won't retire to luxury, but to a pasture and likely a foal by some great father each year. She's rumored to be purchased by the Darley stud (of the United Arab Emirates). They own some of the premier stallions of our time and plan on breeding her this next spring for a 2011 foal.
Jason and I had a great time for the race and I will continue to praise Zenyatta for her determination, heart, talent, and spirit. Yesterday she proved that girls can be ruffians too!
Mine that Bird and his trainer Chip Wooley:
Summer Bird:
Quality Road:
Zenyatta:
1 comment:
Great to see pictures! What a great b-day present for Jason to get you. We enjoyed the races and "were looking for you" on the tv. Fun that you were there to see history!!
Love ya,
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