5-year-old mare makes history in winning the $5-million Classic finale, crosses finish line with ease
In the grand finale of the afternoon, the 5-year-old mare, Zenyatta, made history by winning the $5-million Breeders' Cup Classic, running for the first time against males, and winning her 14th consecutive race. She's undefeated.
Coming from last place around the final turn, Zenyatta slipped up on the inside, then fanned six horses wide to make her patented stretch run. She exploded past top older male, Gio Ponti to win the 1 ¼ mile race with apparent ease.
It was a popular win. The crowd of 58,845 cheered here wildly when she returned to the winner's circle. Jockey Mike Smith showered the track with the yellow flowers from her winning garland.
“There are tears coming to my eyes,'' said trainer John Shirreffs. “I can't believe it. She is a great, great filly. She is all heart. The way the crowd took to her was just amazing. They cheered for her, they clapped for her, they love her. What a wonderful relationship.''
In earlier action, Conduit, owned by the small Ballymocoll Stud in England, repeated as the $3-million Turf winner, catching pacesetter Presious Passion.
Reddam's Red Rocks, winner of the Turf three years ago, finished fifth.
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