Zenyatta lost the Breeders' Cup yesterday, coming in second to Blame. Once again the winner of a highly-touted race was put in the unenviable position of forced graciousness. Just about everyone wanted the big mare to win and finish a perfect 20-0 career. But she got a bit boxed in during the race and, despite making her signature run, just didn't have the time to make up for it. Or maybe, as some analysts saw it, she thought she had finished before she actually did. Or maybe, used to running on a synthetic surface, she was momentarily thrown off by the dirt thrown up early on by the track. Jockey Mike Smith, who has a remarkable face, was visibly devastated by the loss. No doubt all in the Zenyatta camp were. Still, it was a thrilling, memorable race under the lights at Churchill Downs last night. By its end, I was feeling drained from two days of compelling, beautiful horse racing that featured drama and heartbreak of all kinds.
Someone said the Breeders' Cup is racing's equivalent of the Stanley Cup. I can see that. Goldikova, another great filly that, like Zenyatta, makes a specialty of coming from behind, did it again to win her race in stunning fashion. I missed the race with Uncle Mo, said to be some kind of special horse. And I learned only later about the horses that broke legs and had to be euthanized.
This morning's NY Times online edition had a spectacular photo of Zenyatta and Blame as they headed for the finish line under the lights.
