Zenyatta: Best Racehorse Ever?

If Zenyatta wins the Breeder's Cup Classic to cap an undefeated career of 20 straight victories, some say the 6-yr.-old mare might just be the greatest thoroughbred racehorse in history. Bob Simon reports.

[@2233golf2]

When her trainer said " she was not ready with 3 years....for the big races" I wish all horses were given that precious time to mature..... What a great mare with even greater personality...

[@yes350yes]

Too bad she was not mature enough to run in the triple crown races which are the races all horses are compared to, because of that she wont be in the class of the horses who were. For those who knew her and loved her though she may be the greatest in their eyes.

[@gdbynoe]

@@truthxposed8975 Secretariat WOULD NEVER have lost to Zenyatta. Horses like him are in a DIFFERENT LEAGUE.

[@terriholliday8038]

@@gdbynoe how do you know ?

[@montanawarren8462]

@@gdbynoe you all should take a look at the heart size and the competition involved before you compare anything....

[@gdbynoe]

@@montanawarren8462 I guess we will have to slaughter Zenyatta to compare. Why don't you arrange that. Smh ...

[@brandonaldaymachuse6669]

The way Mike talked about her...you can feel his love for her. His eyes were glistening 🥺 I had a great mare in my life and I honestly miss her like she was a human. She took me everywhere and trusted me in any situation. She always gave her best and that's once in a lifetime.

[@terriholliday8038]

I can so understand your sentiment.

[@montanawarren8462]

I had a horse in my life too I picked him up in North Dakota when he was a yearling he had one foot with no wall on it and wormier than the devil and by the time I got him broke the next spring he had a lot of growing to do but we ended up at Coeur d'Alene Idaho and he was out working the Los Alameda's quarter horses out of the gate so I knew he could run a little bit well he win 30 races for me he very seldom missed the board, (I got married on him when he was a two year old and he was the only one who Stood Still threw the whole ceremony: the preacher's horse run off and my ex's horse went to bucking...that was not a good start my ex lasted a month and 3 days and that old horse died underneath me at 17 years of age) and I couldn't take him off the race track he would wither away to skin and bones I end up making a racehorse Pony out of him to stay on the racetrack his last horse he Ponied he had a heart attack and he died underneath me and Oscar Dishman who had trained a Derby horse that year come up and put his hand on my shoulder and he said "Montana that's the way he wanted to go"...

[@lespangen]

Agreed

[@atticuskilby515]

​@@montanawarren8462, great story, thanks for sharing.

[@savannahwhite1695]

She is the female version of Secretariat. The posting, showing off, the size, starting at the back. I remember watching her when I was younger and she along with Secretariat will always be my favorite!❤️

[@TH-cf9mk]

I don't understand why people are so rude..... each horse brings its own gifts...... comparing is pointless..... Zenyatta is beautiful and inspiring and gives hope.......which we all need at times.....

[@Jude74]

Well said!

[@tidefanyankee2428]

While I understand your sentiment, the essence of racing is "comparing". And they keep records for a reason.

[@bgardiner3354]

The whole sport is predicated upon comparisons...

[@victorstauffer5836]

I think she means more to me now than when she was competing. Life is about the experiences and the memories. Each day that passes makes me more grateful for what the Moss's and Zenyatta did for the sport I so dearly love. Thank you Queenie. Your legend will live forever.

[@BluePedal]

11:48 Just stare at Zenyatta. It's mesmerizing. What a regal animal.

[@anthonysaponaro6318]

ABSOLUTELY ! she really is strikingly beautiful and she knows it !

[@kalarwalters9980]

The fact that she lost by half a head to Blame after all the traffic she struggled through from so far back is testament to her ability and her heart. Mike Smith blamed himself for the loss and I think he's right. There may have been a bit too much over-confidence on his part or anxiety over the possibility of losing her last race, that he miscalculated. Hearts were broken when she lost, but the love for her has never faded.

[@leecowell8165]

Secretariat was never bothered with traffic he simply ran around the outside of it he was that fast.

[@elvisfan61]

I just love that last part where Bob Simon is standing there tying up the end of the story, with Zenyatta standing behind him, head held as high as it can be and just waiting for him to finish up. She's an absolute treasure.

[@lespangen]

So special so far her offspring have not been good racehorses

[@Kostly]

She had more heart than most horses. That was where she shined. She never gave up and she had one helluva home stretch stride.

[@DaniNamshi]

Zenyatta is best for me. Every year or every month, I come here in youtube to remember her best memories. I love you Zenyatta

[@johnny545]

Better than Frankel, are u crazy

[@hamptonrocky4959]

Bless zenyatta the quick one

[@hamptonrocky4959]

19 wins on the money

[@hamptonrocky4959]

When you can find a hourse to beat her go for it

[@montanawarren8462]

@@johnny545 there's something about Frankel that disturbs me too I'm wondering if it might be the competition I think there are better horses in the past

[@DanielSong39]

Not even close but we can appreciate her accomplishments all the same without comparing her to the other horses. An all-time great to be sure!

[@bisonette5]

Add Phar Lap, Gen Duke, and a host of others who we can never compare their greatest against the best. Heaven will be watching all of Secretariat's races again (I still tear up hearing the call of the Belmont), all of Zenyatta's (including the loss to Blame), and all of Ruffian's (except that last brutal watch....saw it live in 1975...vs Foolish Pleasure..never want to see that again).

[@gailtownsend2325]

I feel your pain, I Was in kentucky also...❤

[@Mrbigp59]

zenyatta a great mare with a great record. Love her attitude.

[@terrydodson9884]

I so love a deep closer! Whether in a route race or a sprint, a deep closer is wonderful.

[@eduardotijero6900]

Oldest horse in her last rase , 20+ lengths behind, going against the boys, losing by a nose. If that final race is ran ten more times she wins everytime. She's a slow starter but that final start was horrific and yet she was there at the end. Amazing.

[@DanielSong39]

If that final race is run 10 times I think she wins twice but let's appreciate her great effort.

[@michelemoore8951]

I was at her final race due to Kari who I met online. It was wonderful, we all thought she was held back too long. You could see her straining to race. But in the end happy I met Kari who has passed away, and happy to have seen one of the greatest race horses ever. I loved Secretariat but Zenyatta was a girl that brought all people together. I carry her on my keychain today. She helped me get over my Mother dying.

[@r.eugenelee9148]

12 years later and watching this. Even though she lost her last race. She has sealed her career as one of the best of all time. Right up there with Man of War, Ciation, and Secretariat. Truly the best mare to have ever graced the track. All hail the Queen. Queen Zenyatta.

[@xlegend2782]

so sweet what her jockey said about her. you can see he really loves her.

[@indychoate8350]

Thank you Bob! One of the “Greatest” stories of all on 60 Minutes!

[@stacie4170]

She’s 20 now. Nearer to infamy. God bless this gorgeous creature. ❤️

[@grammyd8361]

She is a fabulous mare! I'd love to be able to work with her colts. Personality plus and I love a beer drinking horse! She is just a happy, loving horse.

[@QuarterjFarm]

she may have not been the greatest of all time but she sure is my favorite...

[@bawilliams6950]

Could make the case for greatest race mare ever. She was a rare, rare talent. Built like a stallion and absolutely loved to win! Proved her mettle beating the boys and taking down the big money on the line so she deserves to be in the conversation but hard for me to leave out horses like Secretariet, Cigar, Curlin, American Pharaoh, and in my mind at least a half dozen more all deserving in their own right

[@junioradam8073]

Zenyatta is the only horse I have seen who seems to put on wings in the last two furlongs in all her races just flying past the field to the winning pole what an animal

[@hamptonrocky4959]

One of the best horses to fly by so quick

[@keithw.3384]

RIP Bob Simon. Excellent reporting.

[@walkon5356]

So if you pay attention to Australian horse racing, you'll know that Zenyatta's half-sister is a horse named Winx who currently has a 25 race winning streak. Winx is considered one of the best horses in the world. She runs short distances and long distances and regularly defeats male horses, often coming from behind. It doesn't matter, she always finds a way to win.

[@DanielSong39]

Certainly not a knock on Zenyatta to suggest that her half-sister might be a little better

[@K2mtp]

Dude i had no idea. Winx had her same style, closing from the back. I have only followed the sport for a few years but the mares zenyatta and winx are my favorite!

[@boyruatara4372]

Wow. I didn't know these 2 Greats Were sisters. Wonder if they are related to Phar lap?

[@marysueeasteregg]

*Biologically,* yes, Zenyatta and Winx are half-sisters, as they are both sired by Street Cry. BUT, in horse racing parlance they are not referred to as half-sisters. The terms half-sibling/half-brother/half-sister are reserved for Thoroughbreds who share the same dam. *Horses with the same sire and different dams are not considered half-siblings in Thoroughbred racing.*

[@Puceter]

Secretariat was 16-3 lifetime! Zenyatta won 13 G1's !!!! She beat the boys' first Breeders cup she ran! No doubt his Belmont win by 30 lengths was his great legacy! And the triple crown! Funny Zenyatta was 17.5 hands! high bigger than Big Red! and about 100 pounds heavier! For me seeing both, what Zenyatta did was just unbelievable! Yes, she ran against the girls mostly but the breeders Cup proves she was a beast! Only female horse to ever win the Breeders Cup! Lost one race to a very nice horse Blame by a nostril! Too bad she was a late bloomer! I would have loved to see what she could have done in the triple crown races! I do believe though that no one was beating Secretariat that day in the Belmont! 1:59 and change, no horse has ever run below a 2 minute 1 1/2 Mile! Just pure greatness all round!

[@rogerholder1008]

RUFFIAN????

[@howardcampbell6796]

How lucky have we been to have seen the likes of Zenyatta, Secrateriat,Cigar,, Spectacular Bid,Rachel,, Seattle Slew, Holy Bull , and countless others .

[@xrocketmanx1]

I think Zenyatta is one of the top 2 or 3 best of all time as far as racing goes. As far as an animal personality she is DEFINITELY the BEST EVER!! There will never be another horse as showful and as smart as her in our lifetime period. David Lewis Miamisburg Ohio

[@DevoutlyAgnostic]

She's awesome and Mike Smith is the right guy to ride her into history.

[@lisafrankel6101]

Zenyatta is a special horse her talent will never be copied or her dancing.

[@kings_chronicle592]

All horses has their own strengths and weaknesses,and has different running styles,some horses are marathon runners some are sprinters.either way they are all legendary and has their own story and memories for the ppl around them

[@MicaelaGutierrez2004]

Her starting a remind me of Secretariat. Starts at the back then runs over the others. Imagine if her and American pharaoh were to breed. Zenyatta's blood mixing with the Secretariat bloodline. Would make a damn good horse.

[@terriholliday8038]

I have that!

[@bgardiner3354]

Unfortunately that's not how breeding works

[@Oswald_Thatendswald]

Her bloodline is actually already fantastic. She is half-sister to Winx, who is also one of the most successful race horses of all time.

[@patr70]

Zenyatta ALREADY made History at the time of this video. No horse had won so many races including the Breeders Cup Classic. Duh.

[@gdbynoe]

GARBAGE ... Learn your history. Camarero won 56 races in a row. And just for general information check out Winx. Zenyatta would have NO CHANCE against her.

[@kimberlyhall7610]

Horse’s understand everything you say to them! They speak to you not just with their whining , but their body language and mannerisms. I was raised around horses , we had three, Doc, a very sturdy beautiful quarter horse , he and I had a bond like no other! We were so close! I could even ride him with nothing . He was the male version of zenyatta, he could do anything and he knew he was the best horse anywhere.

[@racinford1]

Deep closer, she was the most exciting race horse EVER. I've seen every Derby winner since 1969.

[@boyruatara4372]

I love how well cared for she was. I hope that didn't change once she retired.

[@gailtownsend2325]

She will be the biggest horse at the breeding Shed.❤❤❤

[@billr9319]

I have never been so overcome with feelings as I was in the final strides of that race. It looked like she was gonna get there and the feelings of excitement were peaked to the top and then suddenly hit bottom when she hit the wire just one more stride from having a nose in front. In my mind she would have surely been touted the best horse of all time had she won that race. That's horse racing, the best horse don't always win.

[@rosemaramgio7284]

You got that right. What other horse has won 19 out of 20? You go girl.

[@DanielSong39]

Peppers Pride

[@kwgrid]

I can't watch the 2010 BCC again. It's too heartbreaking. By all rights she should have won that race. Blame got a perfect trip. Even Garret Gomez (Blame's jockey) said he would not want a rematch because he knew how lucky he was on that day. He also said Blame ran the best race of his life and one of the trainers, Dale Romans, had said before the race that any horse that beats her will have to do just that, run the race of his life.

[@Laura-st8fr]

Same, all these years later I still can't watch that race. I think I can count on one hand how many times I've watched the replay, just too heartbreaking.

[@Silvercharm5555]

kwgrid I mean but Ruffian was a better horse than her 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@DanielSong39]

Nah, Garret Gomez was being kind. Blame was good but not great, and also benefited from sub-par efforts from Lookin at Lucky and Quality Road.

[@joechrow8341]

Blame was a Legit rival for Zenyatta...Match them both up 10 times and Blame probably gets his share of Wins against her

[@boswindle9050]

Ruffian was not better. Where is the proof Ruffian was better? Ruffian.never beat a male horse

[@breyergirlforever]

she won in my heart and will always be number 1

[@jerryoshea3116]

Great Piece by the '60mins'Crew👍.Very respectful of her and of the adulation she rightfully received!

[@theearl1477]

Most people don't realize that Zenyatta was taller than Secretariat. She actually looked confuse when she wasn't ushered into the winner's circle.She was royalty. Both were freaks of nature. I cried when Big Red won the Belmont and even when Blame nosed her out in the Classic. She is a close #3 on my all time list of all time thoroughbred greats. A true champion in every which way.

[@rabyhook]

Oh what a beauty! And sweet tempered as well as the queen of the turf! I've known race horses with a really bad temper. Fast as they come, but if you try to touch them they can bit your fingers off.

[@sherylejeffers9491]

Love You Zenyatta...forever and always..!!!

[@michaelparker8272]

Perfect assessment for ZenY

[@chels01e]

What a beautiful horse!!

[@user-ns6fs3sf6i]

From Sundan I still watch this She was a phenomena💜💜💜

[@indychoate8350]

Thank you Mike, and Mr. and Mrs. Ross! And thank you “Zenyatta!”

[@perunsvetovid7179]

Zenyatta and Winx was sired by the Irish - bred Street Cry .

[@foots-qt4pk]

Now imagine that in a perfevt world we could mate Secretariat to Zenyatta and Winx and they ALL passed on their best genes!! WHAT on earth would that look like??

[@foots-qt4pk]

Winx was AMAZING too!

[@charfras4767]

She is simply the great racehorse since Secretariat

[@walkawaycat431]

I'd add "Seattle Slew" to that list as well. Love all 3.

[@samkent405]

@@walkawaycat431 I'd add Sam and Man o War!

[@stereokid]

5:20 that is a late start for the big races, but obviously it has worked out well. Secretariat had already run his 21 career races and was retired in his three-year-old year. It's so hard to compare horses / athletes from different times. Is greatness judged by career wins or by the competition they faced and by how much they won by? Secretariat won the Triple Crown, and set new race records in 2 of the 3 races. The Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes (by 31-lengths) records still stand today.

[@Ggaaiill2]

Go Zenyatta! Go Zenyatta! What a story... It would be exciting to see Zenyatta win!

[@angelafrantz]

I look forward to the race on Saturday. God bless Zenyatta.

[@Venckman]

@Nishanii There is no way to ascertain "best" when comparing horses in different eras, running over different surfaces, in different conditions, at different distances, under different weights, etc. All we can do when faced with one of the great ones, is to call them what they are and enjoy them. The "best ever" tag is a hook for the casual viewer, and also the words of a jockey who loves her so much he tears up just speaking of her. She is one of the greats, and it was a lovely feature.

[@tomcarroll6116]

Zenyatta was special and her crushing stretch drive was something to behold....but Ruffian was the greatest!

[@eddieschultz3289]

I agree

[@dutchoboe]

Still love this piece ~ And relieved for the arrival of her new full brother and son this month- Thank you Zenyatta~

[@orcashadow8989]

I'm still sad that she lost her final race when she was more than capable of winning it. Mike Smith is a terrific jockey and admit that he got too confident and didn't tap Zenyatta into gear at the right time. Even one second earlier would have given her the win. I can't imagine how much guilt Mike felt/feels over that race. But later he rode Justify into a Triple Crown winner... He's brilliant.

[@gdbynoe]

Yeah ... and Justify was a MUCH BETTER horse than Zenyatta. Has a Triple Crown to prove it.

[@shawnbb73]

I was at the track that day for race 20. I was with two fellow horse betters. One friend picked blame to win. I of course was a huge Zenyatta fan. My other friend picked the 6 horse. I dont recall the name but that horse was 30 to one. I didnt have a lot of money so I bet a big $20 exacta 8 5. Then I boxed it a few times. I didnt have enough money to pay the tripple. My friend told me to use the 6 horse because at 30 to 1 it was going to bring big payouts. I of course didnt have the money to do this. My other friend bet blame to win and he did a good exacta 5 8. The race finished 5 8 6. We stood and talked about this race before the race started for one hour and none of us played the trifecta. It was a sick feeling knowing the race was 5 that was 5to1 ods 8 4/5 ods and 6 30/1 odds. The trifecta was huge. I had tears in my eyes that my favorite horse just lost. I had made thousands on this horse hitting trifectas in the past but on this day I had the three horse on my lap and didnt bet it.....It was the worst day.....She was the best race horse ever for me. I think Mike started her run to late but I dont blame him. The winner was just so spot on that day. Zenyatta would have won that race 90 out of 100 races for sure....It was not her day.

[@atticuskilby515]

I watched her win the BC Classic at Santa Anita with my dear cousin who has since passed away. It was one of the most special days of my life, extremely electrifying. The emotion in the crowd that day is indescribable and I am so very glad that I was part of that.

[@thomasburesh5602]

Well I think Secretariat WAS great but oh Zenyatta is my favorite horse of all time!!

[@foots-qt4pk]

Imagine, if they could breed Zenyatta to Secretariat! They have a lot in common. They both loved to pose for the crowd, they both liked to start slow and win from last place, they both had a calm and gentle nature, and both loved to run.

[@garialmarsh6721]

No need to think...SECRETARIAT is undisputable.

[@zenyattafan9921]

They should make a movie

[@Hixboy67]

Zenyatta, win or lose you have already captured the world. You are absolutely Magnificent. Children will read your race stories for centuries to come. In one more hour you will race in the 2010, Breeders' Cup Classic. They think your previous races have been soft. Who cares what they think. We love you no matter what. Good Luck Zenyatta ,,, We'll be watching with love.

[@2727taterbug]

Zenyatta looks more like Secretariat than any other horse since.

[@2727taterbug]

No way. Barbaro was great, but not nearly as consistent as Zenyatta. Not to mention he had to work his ass off for wins. Zenyatta looks like she is hardly running. Her type of dominance is some we wont see again for a long time. Honestly, if she was a colt she WOULD be considered as great as Secretariat. Because most of her wins came against the ladies, there will always be doubt.

[@signoresantinoburnett1169]

2727taterbug Barbaro won the Derby by 6 lengths. Then broke down in the Preakness. WTF are you even talking about?

[@adarqui]

great piece

[@LopeForestLope]

Zenyatta is definately tied with Ruffian as my most favorite racehorse of all time! :)

[@selenawilliams2219]

That is Awesome🐎 Go Zenyatta🙏🏾

[@ijazmoh9545]

You all have obviously never heard of Frankel but don't forget off...Personal Ensign.

[@VellaTek]

Personal Ensign, Go For Wand, Bayakoa, Aleysheba all great gals.

[@AlwaysSchleich_]

Love how the jockey isn’t abusive!

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

You forget Kincsem, the Hungarian Wonder Mare. Won 54 of her 54 starts. She ran in the top races of Europe, in England, Germany, and France.

[@ilovelexy11]

@RuffianQueenOfRacing thank you for correcting me; and Zenyatta was at her best in 2008 and 2009, in 2010 she races were not as easy for her as the used to be. Either way she deserves credit for her races. Also, I am not that familiar with those horses so thank you for introducing me to them.

[@saramadi100]

My favorite Racehorse is Black Caviar.. -_- And I soo look past "my on nose". I just respect Zenyatta a lot for going 20 races and finishing in the money -_-. I love Makybe Diva, Zarkava, Frankel, Sea The Stars, High Chaperal, and more. I like American racing beacuse it's local to me. I just hate seeing comments that are disrespectful for a horse, no matter where they're from...

[@Synexin]

@LilyLightofMine Except that Ruffian was doomed regardless of what age she went to the track. Her sire broke down THREE times before being retired from racing, and her damsire, Native Dancer, is notorious for passing on soft bones to his descendants. She was a ticking time bomb. She had a few injuries before the big one, including a hairline fracture - that should have been a warning, considering her sire. But nope, it was only a matter of time. Ruffian suffered from bad breeding.

[@saramadi100]

Gio Ponti, Mine That Bird, Switch, Rip Van Winkle, Regal Ransom, Awesome Gem, Summerbird, Paddy O'Prado, Fly Down, Lookin' At Lucky, Musket Man, First Dude, Quality Road, Blame. Witch is a bunch of SOMEbodies ._.

[@strappernick9891]

My favorite mare ever! (Well other than the one I owned)

[@tabithamaxson4185]

How Mike said no man is worthy of her. ❤️ he really loves her!

[@bogeysbaby]

I agree, Antonio. She shouldn't have lost.

[@emma-iw1vj]

Well she did

[@chris23316]

@Raymond, I do feel somewhat sad that Mike seems to have forgotten about Holy Bull. Nevertheless, I seriously doubt Holy Bull OR Secretariat would trounce her in a 1.5 mile race with a full field. She really understands the strategy involved, and she has the talent to overcome any obstacle--mentally and physically. I don't think Holy Bull would have caught Blame and devastated the rest of the field in the BC Classic of 2010.

[@DanielSong39]

Zenyatta was a nice horse but let's not compare her to Holy Bull LOL

[@Kimberlytheresam]

I love zenyatta, but Secretariat is the greatest racehorse of all time. He transcended racing and still holds all track records for the triple crown. No horse has even come close to breaking Secretariats track records. His races were so impressive, no other can compare.

[@conor940000000]

The way Mike Smith was pounding Zenyatta with his whip was absolutely disgraceful, he hit her 20+ times in the final furlong. Its entirely his fault that she lost, because he was clearly trying to showboat on her. The poor girl ran her heart out, and regardless of the jockeys incompetence, she'll always be remembered as one of the best. Zenyatta, from Ireland, i salute you.

[@kellyarnette4897]

The most beautiful racehorse in the world. I just wish her babies had her racing talent.

[@colleenmonfross4283]

So grateful to her trainer, most will push a horse too young and ruin them. He respected her and gave her what she needed to reach her potential.

[@alsosusieq256]

Zenata was amazing and she does belong in the Superhorse class..I get so tired of all the comparisons. She is great and will be thought of that way. Tired of all the "greatest" talk...can't people just say great and that be it? And yes I do feel about the others strongly too! Yes I saw Secretariat race too. Stop all the horse bickering and applaud greatnes..you know she was and you know comparing horses is moronic. Horses at least have more sense some times than humans..I think that's why they call it horse sense. Secretariat would laugh. He really shouldn't be put up for comparison because there was something nearly supernatural about him..and you'd know it if you saw the Belmont live. It couldn't have been real but it was..so that's not even up for comparison. Zenata I saw live and she galloped in place walking the 17 hands of her. She's a superhorse no doubt she amazed me watching her run

[@passion4tennis8]

This needs to be a movie!

[@coobird1ify]

Yes ,,SECRETARIAT STILL holds the record for the fastest horse in racing history. Also a triple crown winner. And won Belmont Stakes by THIRTY ONE LENGTHS! That race is considered to be the greatest of all time, to this day.

[@tucsonagent]

Z Girl's loss in the Breeder's Cup was probably her best race. All sorts of trouble, a not so hot ride, and she loses by a short head. She is magnificent standing still, racing she is simply spectacular. I really miss her.

[@mrsportschampion5796]

Zenyatta and Invasor my two favorite horses.

[@johnwalsh3215]

Z is something special, few and far between!

[@ThornBoyz2207]

What time does she race today (I'm in wisco)? What channel? I don't normally get into this stuff but this story grabbed me. What an awsome horse!!!!

[@WeirsBane]

Raced only twice out of mares grade.....to even have her in the discussion of best best racehorse ever is hilarious

[@jreinel1966]

When a horse win 19 out 20 races and loss the 20 one by a nose,yes,best horse ever,amazing..!

[@jamesdavis8731]

Secretariat is the greatest racehorse to ever look through a bridle. He would have destroyed Zenyatta in any race going a mile to a mile and a quarter. Secretariat was just in another league....of his own.

[@ryleigh995]

James Davis how do you know he would have beaten her? They’ve never raced each other so you never know what could have happened.

[@jamesdavis8731]

@@ryleigh995 seriously? LMAO. If those two horses raced 10 times and both ran their best races Secretariat wins EVERY time. Do you not realize how GREAT Secretariat was? Check out his times in the Kentucky Derby, The Preakness, The Belmont Stakes. All of them are the fastest times EVER run in those races. How old are you?

[@ryleigh995]

James Davis like I said before they’ve never raced so you don’t know who would win, time doesn’t matter when comparing horses the only thing that matters is them actually racing. Affirmed beat Seattle skews kentucky derby and belmont time does that make him the better horse?

[@claudeciancio1933]

Ridiculous! She ran the majority, overwhelming majority, of her races against limited competition. If her connections wanted her to be considered one of the greatest racehorses ever, she should have raced consistently in open company, against the males and outside of the short week fields that characterized the California distaff division during her time. One of the greatest mares ever, yes. One of the greatest racehorses, not even close.

[@parkerbohnn]

It's etched in stone Dan Patch was the greatest horse of all times. No single horse even compares to the immortal Dan Patch.

[@bambimixyyumi]

Riffian would have smoked them all had she not broken down. I love Zenyatta and Rachel A. too now.

[@lespangen]

Would love if she would go to Old Friends after she retires from breeding. Where her popularity could help the other retired OTTBs

[@randallmartin2549]

C’mon she lost one race lifetime in the Breeders Cup Classic. She is one of the greats without question. Race times are not the only gauge of greatness. A win is a win whether by a nose or 20 lengths. Unique.

[@randalcolucci6833]

All due respect to Zenyatta.....Secretariat was the best. He was otherworldly.

[@tman651]

Stance so proud and beautiful ⚘

[@danaparker6988]

I am a huge fan I know that she won 20 + races and she won the breeders cup classic on a all boy field in 2009! She has had 30 foals but her best foal was lady's big man in 2010 she is now living at the Kentucky horse retirement home I. Lexington Kentucky! I got to meat her in 2013 so do not be leave the people that say she is dead! Lol I'm a huge nerd!!!!

[@marysueeasteregg]

Yes, Zenyatta won the 2009 Breeder's Cup against males. That's almost the only info you've got correct. She did not win "20+ races; she won 19 of 20. As of 2015, when you presumably posted, she had had 3 foals. (I assume 30 foals was a typo --15 would be a lot of foals at the end of a mare's breeding career.) Her foals have been named Cozmic One (born 2012), Ziconic (2013) and Z Princess (2014, deceased later that year.) In 2016 she had a fourth, unnamed colt foal, who died a few days after birth. No TB named Lady's Big Man is listed in Pedigree Online. She raced through November 2010, so she had not retired, much less been bred/given birth, by that point. Zenyatta is not living at a Kentucky "horse retirement home." She is living at Lane's End Farm, which is a full-scale breeding farm. Lane's End is near/in Lexington. She is retired from racing, but not from a breeding career. "Retirement home" would suggest a place for pensioners, horses who are retired from any "job."

[@donmay8650]

Look at Secretariat, he hasn't produced anything like himself but he has produced great mares and so he's what is known as a good/great grand sire

[@theOlLineRebel]

Broodmare sire.