Zenyatta was a sensational winner of the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic.(credit:
Jack Kendall)
Zenyatta confirmed herself as one of the best of all time when she became the first mare to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Saturday night.
It was an astonishing victory and with half a mile to run, the five-year-old was as much as 15 lengths off the pace. She soon swept down the outside, collaring Gio Ponti and Twice Over late on.
Aidan O’Brien’s big hope for the race Rip Van Winkle was almost tailed off by the end of the race and there was clearly something amiss.
Winning trainer John Shirreffs was understandably thrilled and explained: "Tears are coming to me eyes and I just can't believe it. What a great, great filly.
"She came out of the gate and was on the wrong lead and it took her a while to get going. She's just all heart isn't she?.
"I love everyone here. They cheer for her, they clap for her and she does a little dance for them - what a relationship.
"When she got out and started to come with her big challenge I got excited and when she crossed the finishing line in front it was unbelievable.
"This is the championship of races and I hope that people appreciate what they have seen."
Winning jockey Mike Smith said: "I was a little concerned at what happened at the start. When she went back in the gate I didn't want to move her, but then I thought she might not move period when the gates opened so I was worried.
"When she jumped she was on the wrong lead but eventually she got on to her right lead and warmed to it.
"At the half-mile pole the field was stacked up in front of me and I thought there was no way I could get round, but they parted like the sea.
"I kicked on but she heard the crowd and started to pose and prick her ears. I got after her and she galloped on.
"I think she must be sent from God.
"It takes an incredible, incredible mare to beat the colts, but her stride and size is unbelievable.
"I wish Rachel Alexandra had been here as Zenyatta could have really proved to the world what she is all about.
"If there had been another horse in front she could have caught him too and only does enough.
"She's horse of the decade by far and will go down as one of the greatest horses of all time."
Cecil said of the Khalid Abdullah-owned Twice Over: "He's run the best race of his life and just met a great filly."
Teddy Grimthorpe, Abdullah's racing manager, added: "It was the first time on that surface for him and he travelled well and ran on really gamely.
"We will certainly look at Dubai after this and consider a shot at the World Cup. As for Hong Kong, I'm not so sure."
Murtagh said of Rip Van Winkle: "He's got a huge stride on him and I didn't really want to break it.
"I was four horses wide but I got in and was in a lovely position but at the four pole I knew my fate.
"He was hanging a little bit left and I think a hard year might have left its mark on him. For me he is a miler."
With the 2009 Classic out of the way, punters can already grab a free bet on the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic with Blue Square.