Zenyatta officially retired at Hollywood Park
California racing fans and horse racing enthusiastic cheered world champion thoroughbred Zenyatta on Sunday at Hollywood Park as the six-year-old horse was officially retired.
Zenyatta and jockey Mike Smith paraded in front of fans during a 40-minute ceremony, both in the paddock and on the racetrack. After walking past adoring fans in the grandstand and clubhouse, the horse was led into the winner’s circle for a short ceremony.
Zenyatta was scheduled to be flown on Monday morning to Kentucky, where she will reside at Lane’s End Farm and will begin a breeding program in 2011. Another retirement ceremony is scheduled for Monday at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky.
While Zenyatta was being walked past the crowd at Hollywood, Jerry Moss, who co-owns the mare, Ann, stood in the middle of the paddock taking in the scene.
“This is pretty amazing,” Moss said. “It’s very moving and certainly deserving.”
The Mosses and trainer John Sherriffs have been inundated with gifts and cards from well-wishers in recent weeks, a reflection of the mare’s popularity.
“My desk is ridiculous,” Moss said. “People sent tapes, photos, and moving tributes. It’s amazing what she means to people.”
Zenyatta was the victor in 19 of her 20 career starts. Her only loss was to Blame in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs last month, Zenyatta’s final start.
Blame is the other top contender for the 2010 Horse of the Year title.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.