Zenyatta Celebration – Honoring a Legend

Winner of the 2010 Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year, with 87% of the public’s vote, Zenyatta was victorious in nineteen of the twenty races of her career, becoming the American record-holder for consecutive victories in unrestricted races. Referred to as the “Queen” by her trainer, Zenyatta was selected for NTRA’s Moment of the Year Award three years in a row – in 2008 for her victory in the Ladies Classic; in 2009 for her Breeders Cup Classic win; and in 2010 for her very narrow defeat in the Breeders Cup Classic. Ceremonies held at Hollywood Park and Keeneland Race Track were attended by thousands of fans when she retired from racing and started her new career as a brood mare.

While she may no longer be competing, Zenyatta will not be forgotten, and her fans will have the opportunity to attend the inaugural Breeders Cup Zenyatta Celebration to be held at the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs on 4 November 2011. Kicking off at 11:30 am with the Zenyatta Reunion Luncheon, ticket-holding fans will have meet-and-greet opportunities where they can mingle with the legendary mare’’ connections, including her owners Jerry and Ann Moss, her trainer John Shirreffs accompanied by his wife Dottie, and Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith. Zenyatta will be present at the event via live video feed from the comfort of her stable at Lane’s End Farm. Autograph collectors will have a great time as time is set aside for celebrity signings, with the event featuring an extensive Zenyatta memorabilia display, as well as a silent auction.

Visitors have a number of options to choose from, with the All-Day Zenyatta Celebration including lunch; grandstand seating; access to the hospitality area, complete with food, a cash bar and a betting machine; and the after party for $170. Other options are lunch and grandstand seating at $95; use of the hospitality retreat $75; and the after party at $40. The after party will give racing enthusiasts the opportunity to rehash the highlights of the race day, while paying tribute to the Queen of the track – Zenyatta. Proceeds from the event will go to the Breeders Cup Charities.

Reminiscing about the glorious career of Zenyatta, owners Ann and Jerry Moss noted that they continue to be overwhelmed by the love of Zenyatta’s fans, and they were thrilled and honored that Zenyatta has been included in the Breeders Cup festivities. Senior vice president for Breeders Cup was reported as saying that the Zenyatta Celebration is sure to become a Breeders Cup tradition, noting that it is a worthy tribute to the legendary mare’s incredible legacy.