A few weeks ago, I posted a blog named "Born to Be" (September), recognizing people with incredible God-given talent. Born to be great. Born to be the best. Born to achieve what the rest of us only dream about. As humbling as that is, it's even more so when the star is an animal. Never has this been more true than it is for Zenyatta, a six year old Thoroughbred mare with almost unbelievable talent.
Zenyatta, unbeaten for 19 races and entered in the Breeders Cup held last weekend, has inspired a following such as has not been seen since Seabiscuit (check out March blog). The world has latched on to her story with a desperation born of a need to believe and a deep abiding love of this dark bay mare, not only for her record on the track, but also for her personality. At 17.2 hands, she is a bit of a diva, dancing, prancing, and racing her way into almost everyone's life, even those who do not follow horse racing. She loves attention and believes in herself, inspiring such nicknames as "Queen Zee" and "America's Darling".
Last Saturday, Zenyatta challenged the boys in the Breeders Cup Classic in Louisville, Kentucky. Surrounded by fanfare and guards, she soaked it up like the heroine she is. There could be no doubt she knew who she was and what she was going to do. There was also no doubt in my mind that she intended to win the race, that she herself had no doubt about her ability to do just that. After all, she had always led the field to the finish line. But it was not to be. After an extremely slow start, even her signature "kick" to the finish line did not overtake Blame. Slightly boxed in, she desperately searched for a hole and when she found it, leaped into it, grabbing ground and closing the gap to the leader with every stride (with thousands, including me, screaming their encouragement to the telvision), only to fall short by a head. It may have been the best race of her career, the most courageous and most remembered. Best of all, she will retire sound and healthy.
I hope Zenyatta is not too disappointed with her loss. It in no way diminishes who she is or who we know she is. She may not have won the Breeders Cup Classic, but it was hers! Second in the race but first in our hearts.
2 comments:
I missed the race (on TV) - put in a tape and set everything correctly, BUT in my haste to head to Saskatoon for a 90th birthday tea for Dad's cousin, I forgot to rewind the tape. Did check it out on the net, which was OK - just miss all the interviews and commentary that makes it like a day at the races. In any case, we did it without the fanfare, and our wins and seconds with Punk and Duchess meant every bit as much! Zenyatta is truly a "great" and with her record, retiring sound - to become a great Mom - is all important.
Yes, I will never forget Duchess' win, that's for sure, but even if she had not won, she would still have be first in my heart, as I'm sure Punk is in yours.
Too bad you missed all the pre-race hoopla. It was quite spectacualar - and Zenyatta looked liked she enjoyed the attention,even deserved it. She is quite a mare... and I love it that she is a MARE!
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