The "Unbelievable" Zenyatta | 5 Extraordinary Wins By Remarkable Mare | 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic

[@gametime2473]

What an incredible horse. She just loved to lay back and smoke them at the end. She even did it against the best boys on the planet. A legend of horse racing.

[@bgardiner3354]

The best boys on the planet? 😂 US racing fans are so insular its unbelievable

[@ustulo3488]

I've seen all of Zenyatta's replays probably 100 times and each year that goes by makes what she did even that much more incredible. Her running style, her physique, and incredible awareness of what she was doing is once in a generation. A case could be made then and now that she is the greatest filly or mare of all time and one of the greatest racehorses regardless of gender of all time.

[@jm484]

Add Ruffian for filly’s and Secretariat

[@walkawaycat431]

She's already in some top 10's. Deservedly so.

[@danielking3134]

This is the first time I have seen a race by zenyatta. I only knew she was a great Philly. I can see now why she was so exciting. Many consider her one of the greatest of all time.

[@bigdaddycash6564]

She was twice the size of every horse she raced against. She looked like she was barely moving but her stride was gigantic.

[@walkawaycat431]

She was amazing. Ruffian and Zenyatta,Genuine Risk are the best fillies in history.

[@jamieluvshorses6013]

And Winx and Kincsem!

[@markmunker3535]

I've watched her race videos so many times and she's definitely bigger than even the boys she raced in the cup. They had her ranked 10th best all time in one ranking program that aired last season. Thats a buncha super horses when you get down to the top 25 and hard to compare from different eras. I agree she should be in the top 10 or even higher but many had her picked much lower and or she wasn't even considered. Thing about Zenyatts is she never really had to turn it up full blast and but ran just good enough to win. Her last race the only exception but it was so close that she thought she had it won . She was the one horse that raced against a full array of different horses in different races and at one time had beaten every horse that ever competed against her and lastly her style of running races coming from worst to first Everytime was an unmatched level of consistent confidence the way she raced from the back of the field. I wouldn't have ever bet against Secretariat but if possible, to see those two out on the track, running together, would be really something.

[@shodancarii1208]

Don’t forget black caviar

[@shanna5409]

She is 17hh.

[@CeruleanSun]

Man, I love Zenyatta. Never in any hurry and making everyone panic with her always being last and then it's boom, bye Felisha! 👋❤

[@neos4247]

Seems she is taking a page outta secretariats book ... stays back n them boom... she is taking what’s hers....

[@richfairclough123]

princess princess .... secretariat raced in a variety of ways, zenyatta however always did exactly the same thing...

[@mapleshade4743]

Because why waste all the speed at the first start? When you can easily safe it for win needed the front horses always lost when racing with Zenyatta because she had enough speed to safe for the finish. Either way when she won everyone still cheered as if they’ve never seen her race before

[@jerryoshea3116]

Fantastic Performances by this fantastic "Filly"..

[@michiko6114]

Her sister Winx exhibited the same running style in one of her races.

[@lambo650ER]

I had the unbelievable opportunity to watch Zenyatta race live six times including the 2008 and 2009 Breeder’s Cup. She’s a super horse 🐎.

[@BOSS-bf7xm]

I’m jealous ❤️

[@karenwilliams8414]

I have never participated in one of her races in person, but I just lived to watch her strut onto the track on TV entertaing her fans.

[@diannekeightley9443]

U are so fortunate to say that.... I'm seriously envious.

[@windfall331]

Watching her win the 2009 Breeder's cup must have been mind blowing.

[@jasonemre8058]

So what were the other 4 races out of interest

[@MH13579]

I have watched zenyatta race more times than I can count and yet I still get goosebumps everytime. The world may never know another horse as phenomenal as she was

[@simplyaddisxn4310]

Secretariat is way better

[@sierrairick5092]

@@simplyaddisxn4310my dads good friend just got a horse & Secretariat is in its lineage😏🤩

[@stevemendenhall2680]

When I was a kid, I saw Ruffian run. She was huge, majestic, beautiful, and like lightning. When she stood with her head up and ears pointing straight up, she was something to see, just like Zenyatta. I watched as that dove flew up in front of her causing her to mis-step and break down in her match race with Foolish Pleasure. I gotta admit I cried. Like with Barbaro everyone hoped for a miracle and she would pull thru. I know everyone wanted a match race with her and Rachel Alexandra but for me, too many bad memories with Ruffian. I’m glad it didn’t happen. What a horse AND she can dance.

[@tessietut]

I saw Ruffian run her first race. Prettiest horse I've ever seen still to this day

[@ginastone9251]

)

[@morganminpin]

I watched Ruffian's last race on TV. It was tragic. Amazing horse.

[@markles1588]

Why was there a dove in the field?

[@stevemendenhall2680]

@@markles1588 they we’re probably seagulls rather than doves. A bunch had landed on the backstretch and all took off except one. It waited until Ruffian was almost on it then took off causing Ruffian to stumble and break down.

[@samanthajaggi2149]

I cry every time I see her run. What an outstanding horse

[@marcleeines2383]

Beautiful.

[@mariosdiran8944]

Sure she knows where the post is

[@stevengarcia7296]

Best female horse I ever seen! Miss Hollywood Park ..nothing but god memories

[@jreinel1966]

I dont cry but I jump all over the place watching this great horse run,amazing..!

[@tanoadaz]

@@stevengarcia7296 watch winx races, she was a champion.

[@elizabethferguson7002]

She is lightening In a bottle. It always amazes me how much bigger she is than any other horse in the field. Thanks for sharing. Always a joy to relive the dream unfolded.

[@lizpadilla3292]

That Breeders Cup Race was insane, and one of the best races ever.

[@mandoamezcua1557]

Personally my favorite horse of all time just the most exciting love that horse.

[@aykmoya8873]

19/20 race record. Unbelievable horse! And she defeated the boys in the 2009 Breeders Cup. Mindblowing!

[@stopthat1546]

Mike Smith broke to late in her last race.

[@bgardiner3354]

18 of her 19 wins were against other fillies and mares... her record was protected and is, as a result, completely inflated.

[@carolreilly4785]

She takes my breath away!

[@lindafurr2404]

Charlie Walker said of Secretariat “ take me to the outside”, well the same can be said of Zenyatta. Two of the greatest horses, massive and loved to run!

[@mikewarren1401]

The difference is Secretariat set track records when he ran.

[@bgardiner3354]

@@mikewarren1401 Zenyatta won 18 of her 19 races against fillies and mares... her record is completely over-rated

[@mikewarren1401]

@Soapbox Suffragette please tell me you are not comparing her to Secretariat. I mean a great fillie but to compare her to the greatest athlete the world has ever seen come on now. Secretariat set world and track records as a 3 year old. Hell I don’t know if she could have caught secretariats daughter Lady Secret!!! 😂😂😂

[@mikewarren1401]

@Soapbox Suffragette that’s why he is considered the greatest my most of all time. The only one that a few put above him is MOW. I mean you really have no argument. Secretariat did t have a nose for the wire. Plus he ran in the greatest decade for horse racing. A plodder going 2:24 which will never be broken. Zenyatta faces inferior competition. Big red broke records being hand ridden. 😊 I am done with this conversation. You are sounding like a person who just wants to be different.

[@mikewarren1401]

@Soapbox Suffragette Lady you need to do your research. The few couple times he came in second the very next race he broke the track record. One of those races he lost he was running a fever. One he was disqualified. Watch his last race at woodbine. Yeah he looked exposed. Zenyatta didn’t have one track record. I mean really this a joke to be even having this conversation. Do your research before you try to debate.

[@TypeSly]

When having trouble spotting Zenyatta, just look for the biggest horse on the track. She is one huge mare!

[@unseelie63]

She makes the others look like ponies! You really see it in the Breeder's Cup Classic,I think the smallest horse was 15.3 and when she gained on him it was like he was shrinking with every stride! What a girl,I love her,she's really something special.

[@elcie1454]

i love zenyatta! shes just so massive she makes it look easy

[@Boozoobajou1]

I never realized she was such a massive mare. Male or female.

[@marcleeines2383]

Yes.

[@OfficialMuffiin]

The horse that got me into racing. Queen Z.

[@marcleeines2383]

Yes.

[@BeveC21E]

That last race, gets me every time, no matter how many times I see it, that fight for it w St. Trinians at the end! That'll get your day going for you. Comparible to the mornings first cup! ❤

[@hamsalamicheese3398]

Greatest horse ever! Greatest jockey ever! By far the biggest goose pimples this everyday horse player of 41 years gets EVERYTIME I watch these races! Going to 2008 Pacific classic was one of the best decisions I made in my life. I took off work , drove in from Vegas! The most enjoyable fun loving day of my life , the crowd was electric, it was like we all knew each other for years! THANK YOU ZENYATTA THANK YOU MIKE SMITH

[@simplyaddisxn4310]

Nah secretariat is way better

[@DaveyonMayne-ok]

Race 5: The commentator got extremely emotional when Zenyatta is about to win. Man, I felt it too.

[@zengt9493]

I love so much Zenyatta...I cried everytime She run...unbelievable talent..I always watching Zenyatta again and again...and also to Mike Smith He is so smart and talented..

[@r.eugenelee9148]

The lady legend...Queen Z. The greatest mare of all time to grace the track. There will never be another mare like her. She stands alone.

[@claudiapost-schultzke7216]

What happens one will happen again in similar way. Law

[@bgardiner3354]

She wouldn't even be top 5 all time... 18 of her 19 wins were against distaffers. Hugely over rated

[@shodancarii1208]

⁠​⁠@@bgardiner3354 she’s definitely good but can she be compared to the likes of Frankel, Winx and Black Caviar? Probably not.

[@bgardiner3354]

@@shodancarii1208 she could have been Pegasus... but she was never really given the opportunity running in what were effectively C grade events for 90% of her career. I know she didn't choose her own races... and there's no doubt she was immensely talented. But too many people get caught up with her record. It's interesting that, in the US, trainers don't, as rule, race the boys. In Europe and in Australia good mares race in open races their whole career. Like Zenyatta showed in her last race, when racing against the best horses available, the margin for error is less. After winning the BC Classic they sent her back to the C grades for her next 5 races? Her record is inflated. Timeform rated her at 129, 4 lbs below Winx and 7 lbs behind Black Caviar (I don't agree that BC was better than Winx although they races over different distances). Also on 129 are mares like Sunline and Makybe Diva. I'm not even sure that is fair given the records of those horses, especially given the fact that both beat the boys when giving them weight in handicaps.

[@allisoncolby7851]

I love the smooth way she moves from the back to the front, and always maintains a grace about her. And a suprisingly big mare who's quite capable of showing everyone shes got what it takes! And beautiful~!

[@Sesamebee300]

What a performer, and the way she pulls out the stamina and wins from the back. Shall never forget her character - her dance moves have to be historic. Nothing like her. ❤

[@butchjones1690]

Mike smith knew exactly how to race her,,he knew her every move,,,,she’s definately the queen of all horses,,,,

[@sirlosealot8629]

Go Birds!!! Could you imagine if they breed Smarty Jones and Zenyatta??? That would be awesome!

[@simplyaddisxn4310]

No

[@charfras4767]

except the last race. Mike smiths super failure because zen had the speed. If you watch her races she only tried 2x in her 20 starts. 2009 clement and 2010 BCC. she should have won . how often a horse and her sister are the greatest mares in history

[@susancousins1473]

@@sirlosealot8629 ,p

[@LilithCharles]

Wow, what a mare! She is so big compared to most of the field but what a fabulous last sprint she had! Wonderful!🐎👏

[@julieenslow5915]

What a gorgeous horse! The experts have all given their opinion - i just want to share my love of her!

[@lindapetro5594]

This filly is unbelievable! How have I never heard of her!!! 😱🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️👍👍👍👍Her love of staying at the back of the pack until the final push is crazy exciting!!!! I’ve missed SOooo much by NOT watching filly thoroughbreds race, obviously!!

[@gregorywright3012]

Zenyatta was un...be...lievable! Among the greatest closers of all time. When she kicked up the gears at the top of the stretch, it was breathtaking to watch her pick off horses in bunches.

[@gloriabriere6435]

She was a marvel to behold. The one and only!

[@johnlewis5665]

So happy I saw her in the 2009 Breeders cup at Santa Anita. Amazing horse

[@unseelie63]

Zenny! Tears and laughter every time I watch her do her thing.Moved to tears and laughing with delight.What a girl!

[@jsl964]

Saw her in the Classic 2xs. She was so slow to start at CD, i thought she broke down,literally. To this day, I have never heard a louder criwd when she came to Blame. The grandstand was shaking

[@diannekeightley9443]

What a girl !!!! Amazing racehorse. One of the all time greats.

[@incrediblesulk555]

It’s Zenyatta,yes. Still gives me chills.

[@comesahorseman]

So many times you'd swear she's not gonna get there....a cardiac kid! 😅

[@tabithasheffield8259]

ok

[@MrCurtis61]

I miss her so Much, I watched everyone of her races Live!

[@mikeudolf3474]

Most amazing horse I've ever seen. No one came from the back like she always did, every time. Just stupendous

[@Dahaas2003]

My wife and I were at Churchill in 2010...and watched that race unfold. Zenyatta clearly did not like the track at first...but none the less she came running at the end, as usual. The noise from the grandstand reached a deafening crescendo as Blame and Queen Z approached the finish. Our seats were about mid-stretch...so we could not "see" who was ahead at the finish...but the immediate cessation of noise told us everything we needed to know. You could have heard the proverbial pin drop. My heart sank down to my shoes...but only for about 30 seconds...because I realized pretty quickly that this may well have been her BEST race. She had so much going against her...the track, the distance to make up...and look at how she had to check coming into the top of the lane, when Quality Road backed up. If she had not had to stop and start again...might she have caught the worthy Blame at the finish? All told...a great race by a great racehorse.

[@spaz5138]

AND THE QUEEN RETURNS AGAIN WITH HER BIGGEST FAN CHEERS FOR HER WE LOVE U ZENYATTA PLZ MAKE AN MOVIE ABOUT HER THAT WOULD BE GREAT

[@ROJHAT46]

Omg what a horse ❤️

[@naeembutt24]

I'm very much impressed by two Zinyyata n Secretariate. Super Brilliants

[@hermdogg1846]

I would of loved to see a race with american Pharaoh vs zenyatta

[@CajunAdrienne]

Me toooo!

[@bababoowee0279]

Zenyatta would win

[@sirlosealot8629]

Zenyatta would destroy him!!!

[@angelamarrero4847]

GhbefhggAbre

[@tikva3065]

Zenyatta would destroy him!

[@thorne1239]

I know people will argue about the 'Best' of all time, and really we can never know for sure. But I've watched thousands and thousands of races over thirty-five years, and this is the only horse I've ever seen that could close consistently from last, regardless of pace, field size, various tracks. As a handicapper, she's an anomaly, an aberration. Her racing style should have NEVER allowed her to win 19 races in a row, and she came within a nose of being 20 for 20. Amazing horse.

[@ustulo3488]

Well said...a lot of people who aren't handicappers wouldn't appreciate your observation. Just to close from dead last once or twice is a feat in itself...to do it almost 20 times in a row is ridiculously supernatural.

[@johncarpenter2230]

She's just incredible

[@edwardcicco7406]

Great ! Zenyatta looks like her uncle , the mighty Forego ...🍀🐴🐴🍀

[@victorramirez767]

Lo mejor....el sonido y la narración original...

[@PeanutsandPopcorn]

That final call!!! Yyeesss!!!!

[@richardmoloney5617]

Best flat horse have ever seen to cover the ground with such ease was amazing superstar queen zenyatta

[@Katt30]

Why is the 2010 BCC not included?! Yes she lost. But to come from some 20 lengths back, on a track that she was not comfortable on. To only lose by a NOSE. That was one of, if not the, best races of her career

[@bgardiner3354]

I agree ... it was one of only two times that she raced in open class races. Her record is so overrated it’s unbelievable

[@gregrambo606]

@@bgardiner3354 Those who can do, those who can't become critics.

[@RyanNadjiwon94]

I agree! Even in defeat, a lot of people say it was her best race ever. Blame's claim to fame will always be that he was the only horse to beat Zenyatta. She was the ultimate closer!

[@gregrambo606]

You hit the nail on the head. Not included only because she lost. She's the almost identical female version of Native Dancer. The only loss of their careers being by a head each.

[@bgardiner3354]

Greg Rambo out of interest do you think Blame could have beaten Tiznow or American Pharaoh or Curlin or Cigar?

[@RossssDBossss]

We might never see another horse consistently run from the back no matter what the pace is and wins.

[@sunnyshinde4204]

My fav horse. wht a horse she was mind blowing

[@申湯尼]

What a Zenyatta! Bravo!

[@LoriDeMarco]

I’ll never get tired of watching her win.

[@floydwhatley9822]

Oh boy did I enjoy that window of time. She was incredible and so much fun . My wife even wanted to go to the track with me lol

[@IDriveHackneys]

My GOD that horse ran AWESOMELY!!!!!!!

[@lintonhamilton5331]

This is unbelievable..

[@fairday2]

She reminds me of Secretariat.

[@trentrez6643]

How so?

[@fairday2]

@@trentrez6643 She stays back until the final turn, then she hits the gas and surprises everyone by passing them up.

[@trentrez6643]

Secratariat was more of a stalker/front runner. Zenyatta was strictly a closer. 2nd best horse Mike Smith ever rode

[@fairday2]

@@trentrez6643 Secretariat did stay to the back until the 1st turn, just to be fresh for the final run. Zenyatta was a pro. She knew that she was something else. I really would have liked to see Man of War run. Only one short video of his last race. When horses win for their own pride it is much more impressive. :)

[@mikewarren1401]

@@trentrez6643 I guess the overrated Arrogate was his best?

[@patmcstuff671]

Love this horse

[@derekjones5234]

It's zenyatta. YESSSSSSS what an emotional call I love it

[@brandonaldaymachuse6669]

One of the greatest mares of all time!! Up there with Ruffian and Rachel Alexandra :)

[@sydney5068]

She almost seems to be teasing the leader horses when she passes, her ears pricked and seems to be saying “haha 🤣” 😂😂

[@virtualaugmentations9959]

zenyatta saying boooo punyetta hahahhaa

[@beaub2409]

That was awesome! Such an amazing mare 💖

[@CelsoMollo]

What an incredible horse, how proud a breeder can be to bred such a magnificent animal and all involved in her career.

[@amboalas.sosmba1888]

I love horse senyatta. Never in any hurry and making everyone panic with her always being last and then it's boom, bye ala from Indonesia.

[@suleimanahmadu8286]

Imagine breeding Secretariat and Zenyatta 😭😭😭😭

[@marcleeines2383]

Yes.

[@foots-qt4pk]

My fantasy combo! Can you just imagine? They both broke slow, hanging back in last place and then accelerating on the curves and flying past everyone! Cant imagine what a foal from these two legends would be like!

[@elboludo84]

Plus Barbaro

[@user-um7uq3fe3u]

And yet both produced nothing good

[@foots-qt4pk]

@@user-um7uq3fe3u Secretariat produced some outstanding offspring. Ladys Secret, Terlingua was considered to be the fastest filly of her generation. Her son was STORM CAT. RISEN STAR was a son of Big Red, and won the Preakness and Belmont with the 2nd fastest times in history behind his father Secretariat. Weekend Surprise who had AP INDY. He came the closest to reproducing himself with Risen Star who was even bigger than hisdaddy at 17 hands.

[@edwardmcgann2139]

She was incredible

[@lohithsadashiv4245]

Love this horse.... She's a beauty

[@janicewhedbee5199]

Go get ‘em Queen Z! Get your locomotive breath going and get your motor running,🐎 Your just born to be wild,woman. Zenyatta is that tall long woman in a black dress Always Always love her💕🥰💋❤️🐎🌹🍀

[@cmoreson4281]

She will always be my favorite race horse.

[@Steve-gk9it]

This jockey horse connection is superb

[@kemosabe6693]

What a horse ? What a horse ? She just wants to win 👏👏🏆

[@scorpionking3427]

Wow wow just became my favorite horse!!! Looks like she was playing them the whole time .

[@mariezenaida]

Zenyatta: "I'm just gonna chill back here for a bit, but you all better watch out!"

[@GBeret83]

How this big, lumbering, late-running locomotive mare managed to stay unbeaten until her final race is testament to just how supremely talented Zenyatta was. I'm telling you, she was always racing over a trip that was way too sharp for her in all those 8-1/2F & 9F wins. This mare needed 10F at a minimum, and my personal opinion is had her connections been so inclined to let her try it that she would've stayed 12F too, and likely standing on her head. Given her pedigree, I would've absolutely loved to have seen Zenyatta gotten the chance to race on grass a few times too. I think she would've been awesome on turf in races like the Arlington Million over 10F, the Man O'War Stakes or United Nations over 11F or the Sword Dancer or Joe Hirsch Turf Classic over 12F, but that's only my humble opinion.

[@davidgomez5469]

One of the best

[@Iamyours790]

Zanyattaaa is all time love ❤❤

[@johnryan2186]

What a great horse!

[@nawazdurrani5709]

A real champion Zenyatta

[@joedimaunahan4525]

FIRST TIME FOR ME TO SEE A WONDERFUL AND POWERFUL HORSE WITH AN EXCELLENT RIDER.

[@timothythiede5989]

The Queen!!

[@wadehall4562]

She is a great word to ever live she's the greatest word to ever live

[@jreinel1966]

One of the best horses ever...!

[@lindakienle6462]

Amazing. Amazing to watch her.

[@catchmeifyucan1]

Just when you thought there is no way this horse can overcome trailing the field by such distances, Zenyatta always came through. Amazing horse. Ran like a Pegasus

[@carolgoerke3109]

Wow, what an amazing!

[@butchjones1690]

Mike smith knew what he was doing for sure,,,,what a horse he had

[@jeffmejia111]

great mare. Synthetic specialist. Had she run on dirt only tracks we'll never know if she would have been as effective. In her loss against Blame, Smith said Zenyatta didn't like the kick back from the dirt and shied away badly. You have turf specialists, sprint specialists, route specialists and Zenyatta to me will always be a Synthetic specialist.

[@smpsmp6974]

How great was this mare .freaky .and putting it out there I think US racing is the elite world wide and no doubt about it. I’m not bias at all I’m a kiwi. Best horses, trainers ,riders

[@Sunflower-jw3zo]

Wow aku banyak melihat kuda hebat,, tapi belum ada yang seperti zenyata...!!👌

[@tessietut]

Amazing turn of foot

[@J03GAR]

I will never get tired of watching Queen Z replays of dominance.

[@DAVENATCHSTOCKS]

🇯🇲✍🏾Epic!!!

[@Kimberlytheresam]

I love Zenyatta, she and Secretariat are my favorite.

[@madelinetramantano8302]

SHE WAS A WONDER.

[@nadeemhussain8677]

Incredible turn of foot.

[@DawnMK2023]

The last race and the announcer: Who? Zenyatta! Yeessss!!!

[@dagobertduck5930]

ich liebe Zenyatta !!!

[@RyanNadjiwon94]

A lot of people say her best race was in her defeat by Blame where she lost by a nose. All of her races were spectacular. Gotta love Queen Z!

[@arleneirvine1526]

my, my , my zenyatta and mike smith ! beautiful!