Something So Special About Zenyatta

History was just made, my friends…Zenyatta is now the proud holder of a perfect 17 for 17 record, better than Cigar, better than Secretariat, better than Man O’War. Perfection.

She had to go six wide in the Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park, and in those last 50 yards the announcer even asked if the great racemare would finally suffer the first defeat in her career…But no! As usual, Zenyatta provided a thriller of a race in the stretch, her fans screaming at televisions and computer screens (NTRA.com aired it live) nationwide, to win again! Like a real champ, she dug in when some thought she might actually lose (honest to goodness, I had no fears). Despite having lost some weight, she won yet again, ears pricked, her competitor close behind—but not fast or mentally strong enough to beat Zenyatta past the wire.

Rachel who? Pffft. Wilts in the face of a real challenge. But not Zenyatta.

The only other horse whose races make me cry is Secretariat. Zenyatta’s unprecedented Breeder’s Cup Classic win had me bawling, and this one did too for some reason. It’s not something I understand, but I’m happy to go along for the ride.

Go, go, Zenyatta!