Stable 55 at peace after Zenyatta’s defeat
Stable 55 at Hollywood Park, which once used to be the epicentre for camera crews or autograph seekers eager to capture a glimpse of the undefeated Queen of the American thoroughbred racing industry is now a tranquil place with no such activities going on.
After losing her 20th and last start of her great racing career, Zenyatta rests comfortably in her stall. The talented mare is not as much affected by her loss in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday as her connections. She still acts like she
is the Queen and responds in a champion manner. Although, she was involved in the taxing week that also included two flights and the extraordinary media interest, she is seen to be in the perfect health and form.
However, things are not the same for her connections and her fans who felt so close to her. They will probably never be able to forget this narrow loss of Zenyatta.
The famed jockey Mike Smith is still haunted by the mare’s defeat, meanwhile her trainer John Sheriffs said in a post event interview, “We wanted a fairy tale ending and we didn’t quite it.”
The 65-year-old trainer, returned to his office on Tuesday where he said that he is still in a state of “quiet time” and does not really know how to react to his great racehorse’s first fall of the career. What upsets the jockey and the trainer the most
is the fact that Zenyatta could not nudge past Blame (the winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs) who was just a head ahead of Zenyatta.
The trainer added, “She showed so much heart and courage. It is one of those moments that have come and gone. You have to feel it wasn’t meant to be.”
As for the future of Zenyatta after her retirement, her owners Jerry and Ann Moss have not announced their plans. John Sheriffs and his wife Dottie Ingordo will be seeing the Mosses next week to discuss the options for the Queen of the thoroughbred industry.
When Mr. Moss was questioned about Zenyatta, he said, “I am not sure if I am still in the right world, or even this world. It was almost like if she had stuck out her tongue that would have done it.”
On the other hand, his wife says, “We are just so grateful, and now she’s home.”
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