Rachel Alexandra in 4F Move at Fair Grounds

In her second work of the week, reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra breezes four furlongs in :50 3/5 Feb. 6 in New Orleans.

$5 Million Lure to Get Rachel, Zenyatta

Oaklawn Park president Charles J. Cella has upped the purse of the April 3 Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. I) to $5 million provided champions Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta both start.

Hangin' With Haskin: Apple Blossom Time

Oaklawn Park made all the right moves with their big Apple Blossom announcement. They put up the money, the changed the distance, and in short they dangled one heckuva carrot in front of Jess Jackson and Jerry and Ann Moss.

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Zenyatta Could Run in San Margarita Handicap

Undefeated champion Zenyatta could return to racing in the $250,000 Santa Margarita Handicap (gr. I) on March 13 at Santa Anita.

Oaklawn Park to Announce 'Race for the Ages'

Fueling speculation that it is setting the stage for a first-ever matchup between Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra and champion older mare Zenyatta, Oaklawn Park will announce "A Race for the Ages."

Training the Offspring of Street Cry

As a companion to the article in the January 30, 2010 issue of The Blood-Horse magazine, Ron Mitchell talks with Oliver Tait about Street Cry, his qualities and the qualities of his offspring.

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Eclipse Voting Made Unanimous for Zenyatta

Voting for the 2009 older female category has been revised to reverse an error made by a voter who mistakenly voted for Icon Project instead of Zenyatta.

And They're Off: Eclipse Awards Recap

Lenny and Steve review the Eclipse Awards and present the top 10 real reasons that Zenyatta is returning to the races.

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Poll: Will Rachel Alexandra & Zenyatta Meet?

With both superstars returning to the track in 2010, will the dream race finally come about?

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Eclipse Awards: Event Full of Grace, History

Rachel Alexandra gets the main prize, but partisan crowd shows admiration for both at the 2009 Eclipse Awards.

Rachel Alexandra Named Horse of the Year

Super filly Rachel Alexandra tops Zenyatta in Horse of the Year balloting.

Champion Older Female: Zenyatta

Jerry and Ann Moss' wonder mare won all five of her 2009 starts and capped off the year with a scintillating win over the boys in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I).

Zenyatta Back to Work at Hollywood Park

A day after owners Jerry and Ann Moss announced that the undefeated champion Zenyatta would return for her 6-year-old season in 2010, she worked five furlongs in 1:01 2/5 for trainer John Shirreffs at Hollywood Park.

Horse of the Year, Eclipse Awards Tonight

One of the most competitive races for Horse of the Year honors in recent memory will conclude tonight, Monday, Jan. 18, with announcement of whether it is Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta.

Zenyatta's Back; Now, the Envelope, Please

After looking at Rachel Alexandra's and Zenyatta's accomplishments it is a shame one will be denied Horse of the Year.

Mosses: 'We're Fans; We Want to See Her Run'

Jerry and Ann Moss decided at 3 a.m. on Jan. 16 to keep champion Zenyatta in training for 2010.

Zenyatta to Run in 2010

After conferring with owners Jerry and Ann Moss, a decision to run the champion mare Zenyatta will run in 2010, trainer John Shirreffs confirmed Jan. 16.

Zenyatta Wins NTRA 'Moment of the Year'

The historic victory by the undefeated Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) -- the first in the race by a female -- has been voted the 2009 National Thoroughbred Racing Association Moment of the Year.

WTR Results Changed; Zenyatta Still Gets Nod

Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra, instead of being joint fourth and fifth, respectively, in the final global standings for 2009, should be third and fourth.

Horse of the Year - Final Arguments

With less than a week away before the winner is crowned, we're giving Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta fans a final opportunity to state their case.

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TVG to Air Exclusive Eclipse Awards Coverage

TVG will broadcast exclusive live coverage of the 39th annual Eclipse Awards from the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on January 18.

The Race for Horse of the Year

Female superstars Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta lead the list of finalists for the 2009 Horse of the Year, which will be announced on January 18th during the 2010 Eclipse Awards.

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It's Zenyatta Over Rachel in World Rankings

Zenyatta has received another boost, with the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) winner rated one pound ahead of Rachel Alexandra in the World Thoroughbred Rankings.

Shirreffs, Moss: Zenyatta is Still Retired

When Zenyatta worked a half-mile in :48 Jan. 6 at Hollywood Park, speculation continued that she may race again. The more mundane explanation revolved around cold weather in Kentucky and an injured exercise rider.

Eclipse Awards Finalists Announced

Female superstars Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta lead an all-star cast of finalists for the 2009 Eclipse Awards, recognizing excellence in Thoroughbred racing.

Girl Power: Females Rule 2009 Earnings List

For the first time, female Thoroughbreds occupy the top two spots on the list of leading North American earners in 2009, according to final statistics released today by Equibase Company.

2009 - Year in Review

Lenny Shulman takes a look back at an exciting 2009, which can be identified as the year of the female.

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Zenyatta, John Henry Honored on Opening Day

Crowd of 35,292 takes in two grade I races; Breeders' Cup Classic winner paraded and John Henry statue unveiled.

Zenyatta Second in AP Female Athlete Vote

Zenyatta, who became the first female to win the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) last month at Santa Anita, finished second to tennis star Serena Williams as Associated Press' Female Athlete of the Year in 2009.

Zenyatta Highlights Santa Anita Opening Day

Santa Anita Park, which opened on Dec. 25, 1934, will celebrate its 75th anniversary season beginning with opening day, Saturday, Dec. 26, with a special early first post time of 11:30 a.m. PDT.

Bramlage: Resting Rachel Right Thing to Do

Filly needed a break following the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) more than she needed to face Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup.

Zenyatta Helping Fellow Horses

Zenyatta may be retired, but she remains the gift that keeps on giving. Through her memorabilia and "Moneigh" paintings she has contributed to a number of worthy organizations.

Fans to Vote on Racing's Moment of the Year

Zenyatta, who garnered the 2008 NTRA Moment of the Year for her victory in last year's Ladies' Classic, may again win the favor of fans for her memorable triumph over males in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Rachel, Zenyatta Featured in Digital Magazine

In celebration of the historic year by two of racing's great females, The Blood-Horse and ExclusivelyEquine.com will offer a digital edition Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta commemorative magazine titled "Queens of the Turf: Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta's Race for 2009 Horse of the Year."

Zenyatta to be Honored at Santa Anita

Undefeated superstar mare Zenyatta, who was retired following her brilliant last-to-first victory against males in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) at Santa Anita on Nov. 7, will make her final race-day appearance at Santa Anita on opening day, Dec. 26, prior to shipping to Kentucky to begin her new career as a broodmare.

Queens of the Turf: Rachel and Zenyatta

Queens of the Turf: Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta's Race for 2009 Horse of the Year

Change in Horse of the Year Voting Rejected

Two of the three voting groups for Eclipse Awards have rejected a proposal to change this year's Eclipse Awards voting procedures to allow for a vote for co-Horse of the Year, a move that could have led to Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra sharing that top honor.

Oak Tree Honors Zenyatta With Grade I Race

The Oak Tree Racing Association has announced that the undefeated superstar mare Zenyatta, last-to-first winner of the Nov. 7 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) at Santa Anita, will be honored by having the name of the race she won in both 2008 and 2009, the Lady's Secret (gr. I) renamed The Zenyatta, effective next year.

Smith to Join 'Inside Scoop' on Zenyatta Day

Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith will be Kurt Hoover's guest on a special edition of The Inside Scoop Nov. 29, which is "Zenyatta Day" at Hollywood Park.

Talkin' Horses Podcast with Mike Smith

Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith answers questions about Zenyatta, how he started riding, the "Jockeys" show, and more.

Transcript now available!

Haskin on Horse of the Year: Stalemate

These are the final words from here on the Horse of the Year debate between racing's two monarchs, Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. Unfortunately, only one likely will be crowned, but you can be sure both will rule in the hearts and minds of most racing fans.

Hollywood Park to Salute Zenyatta Nov. 29

Undefeated champion mare Zenyatta, who finished her career with a perfect 14-for-14 record by beating males with her dramatic late charge in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) at Santa Anita on Nov. 7, will be saluted by Hollywood Park and Betfair/TVG on Nov. 29.

THS: Mrs. Revere Stakes (Video)

Jason, Tom, and Les Instone of twinspires preview the Mrs. Revere Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill Downs. Plus, Jason eats Humble Pie!

Haskin's Breeders' Cup Wrap: Final Thoughts

All the comments made about Quality Road being a rogue or crazy are way off base. Dr. Larry Bramlage called him a juvenile delinquent following his meltdown prior to the Breeders' Cup Classic. A juvenile, yes, in many ways, but being scared out of your wits does not make you a delinquent.

Sam Houston Offers Race for Zenyatta, Rachel

Sam Houston Race Park and Gallery Furniture continue to step up efforts to bring super star females Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra together in a stakes race slated for Jan. 30.

Sire and Pedigree Notes - Breeders' Cup 2009

PORTER ON PEDIGREES, by Alan Porter

Alan Porter recaps the 2009 Breeders' Cup with pedigree observations about the sire lines, dominant female families, and inbreeding of the 14 winners.

Haskin's BC Wrapup: Z One and Only

Over the course of the next week, we'll have several wrapups, going over different aspects of Breeders' Cup 2009, but let's face it; this year's event will forever belong to Zenyatta.

Shirreffs: Classic Winner Zenyatta is HOY

A day after undefeated Zenyatta became a giant of the racing world with a spine-tingling victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), trainer John Shirreffs said she should be Horse of the Year over favored Rachel Alexandra.

Gulfstream Reissues Offer to Zenyatta, Rachel

Whether Zenyatta or Rachel Alexandra is the better horse is a question Gulfstream Park president and general manager Ken Dunn believes best answered in the Feb. 6 Donn Handicap (gr. I). The race will be run the day before the Super Bowl in nearby Miami Gardens.

Zenyatta Reclaims Top Spot in Poll by a Nose

Zenyatta reclaimed the top spot in the final National Thoroughbred Racing Association poll of 2009.

Breeders' Cup Slideshows

Relive the 2009 Breeders' Cup with our collection of photo galleries.

Breeders' Cup Handle $150 Million and Rising

Through Nov. 8, the all-sources handle for the recent Breeders' Cup World Championships exceeded $150.2 million. The total does not include an estimated $24.75 million in exchange wagering handled by Betfair.

The Morning After: All Zenyatta, All the Time

Although she was back in her barn at Hollywood Park after her historic Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) win, Zenyatta was the hot topic the morning of Nov. 8 among those gathered at Clocker's Corner at Santa Anita, one day after they witnessed history.

It's All Zenyatta in the BC Classic

Zenyatta made it look all too easy, becoming the first female to win the $5-million Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I). Gio Ponti was second and Twice Over third.

Nov. 5: Lillie Acts Up; Zenyatta on Track

On an otherwise routine morning, Lillie Langtry tosses rider and forces trainer to climb aboard.

Zenyatta is 5-2 Favorite in the Classic

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Moss' Zenyatta, undefeated in 13 career starts, was installed as the 5-2 favorite when she takes on males for the first time in the Nov. 7 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I). She is attempting to be the first female to the win the World Championship's marquee event.

'Pretty Much Perfect' Work for Derby Winner

In what trainer Chip Woolley labeled "pretty much perfect," Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird worked five furlongs in 1:01 2/5 at Santa Anita Nov. 2 in preparation for the Nov. 7 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I).

Zenyatta Sends Right Message in Final BC Work

Zenyatta gave trainer John Shirreffs and jockey Mike Smith precisely what they asked for Oct. 31 in her final work before the Breeders' Cup. With regular workmate Green Cat providing a target, she worked six furlongs in 1:12 2/5 at Hollywood Park at about 9 a.m.

Classic Offers Tough Handicapping Challenge

A hodgepodge of horses from all walks of life will converge on the Santa Anita Pro-Ride Nov. 7, most of whom would not be a surprise should they win.

Ladies Classic Has Appeal Even Minus Zenyatta

Rachel Alexandra isn't coming and Zenyatta is leaning to the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I). However, anyone who believes that doesn't leave much for the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. I) needs to think again.

THS: 2009 Breeders' Cup Preview (Video)

Jason, Tom, and James Scully Preview the Breeders' Cup, focusing on those races with returning champions. Plus, a look at Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Zenyatta Would Be Favored in BC Classic

If Zenyatta's connections opt to run her in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), she will be the favorite on the official Breeders' Cup morning line.

Zenyatta 'Definitely' Leaning Toward Classic

Trainer John Shirreffs said on a national teleconference Oct. 28 that the first preference for Zenyatta is the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) as long as she works well this Saturday at Hollywood Park and appears to be peaking for the race.

Here They Come: BC Draws 166 Pre-Entries

A total of 166 horses were pre-entered Oct. 26 for the 2009 Breeders' Cup World Championships to be run Nov. 6 and 7 at Santa Anita.

Zenyatta Turns in Sharp Work at Hollywood

Zenyatta worked six furlongs in 1:11.20 at Hollywood Park Oct. 23 in her first work since winning the Oct. 10 Lady's Secret Stakes (gr. I). Jockey Mike Smith was aboard, and the mare worked in company with Green Day and Sabina Fay.

Countdown to the Cup: Now Comes the Waiting

There is so much to discuss after the weekend's stakes extravaganza, but one race that likely had the most profound effect on the Breeders' Cup was the Goodwood Stakes (gr. I).

Perfect Zenyatta Repeats in 'Secret; BC Next

As professional as ever, undefeated Zenyatta equaled Personal Ensign's 13-race winning streak to begin her career, sweeping past the pacesetters in upper stretch to capture Oak Tree's $300,000 Lady's Secret Stakes (gr. I) at Santa Anita in characteristic fashion Oct. 10.

Breeders' Cup Bracket Battles Round 2

Congratulations to Breeders' Cup Bracket Battles Round 1 winners. Round 2 voting is now underway. Cast your votes today and register for a chance to win weekly prizes from YouBet.com.

Zenyatta After 13th Straight in Lady's Secret

Undefeated Zenyatta attempts to equal Personal Ensign's streak of 13 consecutive wins when she goes to the post in Oak Tree's $300,000 Lady's Secret Stakes (gr. I) as the heavy favorite Oct. 10 at Santa Anita.

Zenyatta Set for Lady's Secret After Workout

Trainer John Shirreffs said his undefeated champion Zenyatta came out of her six-furlong workout on Hollywood Park's Cushion Track Oct. 3 in good order and is on course to defend her title in the $300,000 Lady's Secret Stakes (gr. I) on Oct. 10 at 1 1/16 miles.

Countdown to the Cup: Zenyatta's Turn

Now that Rachel Alexandra is through for the year, it is time for Zenyatta, the defending Queen of all Turfdom, to take center stage, and her presence will be a welcome sight in a year where the Breeders' Cup has gone a bit haywire.

Countdown to the Cup: Big Chasm between A-Z

It's time to accept the fact that Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta are not going to meet. As the cliche goes, that ship has sailed.

Jackson Reaffirms No Breeders' Cup for Rachel

The Breeders' Cup board of directors Sept. 11 said the organization will increase the purse of the $5-million Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) by $1 million if Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta start in the 1 1/4-mile event Nov. 7 at Santa Anita Park.

Rachel's Options Open After Woodward

Majority owner Jess Jackson said on a national teleconference Sept. 1 that plans for Rachel Alexandra following Saturday's $750,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) are up in the air, and he did not dismiss the idea of putting her away for the year.

NYRA Joins Rachel Alexandra-Zenyatta Bidding

Online wagering companies TVG and Betfair have pledged an additional $400,000 to the New York Racing Association to invite Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta to participate in the Beldame Stakes (gr. I) at Belmont Park Oct. 3.

Mabee Looks Like Wide-Open Affair

Tuscan Evening has taken tremendous strides in going from a maiden to a graded stakes winner in just one season, but the 4-year-old filly will now get her stiffest test yet when she faces a solid field of fillies and mares that includes multiple grade I winner Magical Fantasy in the $350,000 John C. Mabee Stakes (gr. IT).

Zenyatta Gets a Free Ride to the Donn

Gulfstream Park added the name of unbeaten champion Zenyatta to the list of superstar nominees whose fees have been waived to the 2010 Donn Handicap (gr. I).

And They're Off: August 12, 2009 (Video)

Lenny and Steve are back! Topics include night racing, breakdowns at Del Mar, Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, Gio Ponti, and Bob Baffert's Hall of Fame induction.

Zenyatta-Rachel Alexandra Match Race Proposed

James McIngvale, a Houston horse owner known for his high profile promotions on behalf of his Gallery Furniture stores, is proposing a $2-million match race between Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra.

Zenyatta Cuts Perfection Close in Hirsch Win

Unbeaten Zenyatta remained perfect in 12 starts, but she had her closest call yet in Del Mar's Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (gr. I) Aug. 9. Forced to circle the field six wide on the turn behind a slow pace, the giant mare just managed to get up by a head over Anabaa's Creation.

Zenyatta After 12th Straight in Hirsch Stakes

She's beaten most of them before, but undefeated Zenyatta won't be lonely in the starting gate when she defends her title in the $300,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (gr. I) at Del Mar on Aug. 9.

Zenyatta Sends Message With Big Hirsch Drill

The undefeated champion Zenyatta sent a clear message to any of her prospective foes in the $300,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (gr. I) on Aug. 9 with a scintillating five-furlong breeze in 1 minute flat on Del Mar's main track Aug 2.

Ten Nominated to Meet Zenyatta on Aug. 9

Ten fillies and mares have been nominated for the Aug. 9 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (gr. I), the anticipated next start for unbeaten Zenyatta.

Moss: Zenyatta's Plans Still Up in the Air

Jerry Moss, owner of undefeated champion Zenyatta, said July 22 that he has not made a decision on the mare's next destination after her try in the Aug. 9 Clement Hirsch Stakes (gr. I), but he reiterated that he still wants to do "something different" with the rest of her 2009 campaign.

Wygod Could Land Big One With Life Is Sweet

Owner-breeder Marty Wygod is spending the week in Canada on a fishing trip before returning in hopes of hooking the big one -- the $700,000 TVG/Betfair Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) on July 11.

Zenyatta, 'Rachel' Duel Unlikely Before BC

Jerry Moss, owner of champion mare Zenyatta, said he hopes to meet Rachel Alexandra in the Breeders' Cup, but likely wouldn't ship Zenyatta east to tangle with 'Rachel' this summer.

Undefeated Zenyatta Masters Another Vanity

A 129-pound impost wasn't enough to stop the undefeated champion Zenyatta, who earned a repeat win in the Vanity Handicap (gr. I) at Hollywood Park June 27 for her 11th consecutive victory.

THS: the Vanity Stakes (Video)

Jason, Tom, and the Wizard preview the Vanity Handicap (gr. I) at Hollywood Park on June 27.

Zenyatta Aims for 11th Straight in Vanity

Unbeaten champion Zenyatta will break from the far outside in the $300,000 Vanity Handicap (gr. I) at Hollywood Park June 27 as she goes after her 11th consecutive triumph. The strapping 5-year-old mare will carry 129 pounds and will spot her seven rivals from 13 to 18 pounds.

No Breeders' Cup for Rachel Alexandra

Stonestreet Stables' Jess Jackson, majority owner of Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) and BlackBerry Preakness (gr. I) winner Rachel Alexandra, said in a wide-ranging media teleconference June 24 that the superb filly would not race in this year's Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita but that there is a good possibility that she would return in 2010 for a 4-year-old campaign.

Zenyatta Assigned 129 For June 27 Vanity

Zenyatta, the undefeated champion older filly or mare of 2008, was assigned high weight of 129 pounds for the June 27 $300,000 Vanity Handicap (gr. I) at Hollywood Park.

And They're Off: May 27 (Video)

A review of the Preakness and the Triple Crown so far, including the jockey situation, and the return of Zenyatta. Plus, special guest Jack Wolf of Starlight Stable, who has raced many stakes winners including Monba and Take the Points.

Zenyatta is a Perfect 10 After Milady Score

Though it was her first start in seven months, undefeated Zenyatta's 10th consecutive win proved to be no more difficult than any of her earlier victories. In disposing of her top-notch stablemate, Life Is Sweet, the 5-year-old daughter of Street Cry rolled to an easy 1 3/4-length win in the $150,000 Milady Handicap (gr. II) at Hollywood Park May 23.

Zenyatta Makes Belated Seasonal Bow in Milady

Undefeated Zenyatta, last year's champion older female, gets her 2009 campaign off to a slightly belated start when she carries top weight of 126 pounds in Hollywood Park's $150,000 Milady Handicap (gr. II) May 23.

Zenyatta Scratched From Louisville Distaff

Last year's champion older female Zenyatta has been scratched from the $350,000 Louisville Distaff (gr. II) May 1, it was confirmed by the Churchill Downs racing office.

Zenyatta May Not Run on Oaks Undercard

Although the Kentucky Oaks undercard May 1 got an added dose of excitement when trainer John Shirreffs announced 2008 champion older female Zenyatta would make her 5-year-old debut in the Louisville Distaff (gr. II), the talented Street Cry mare may be forced to scratch due to weather.

Zenyatta Makes Return in Louisville Distaff

The Louisville Distaff (gr. II) is a fine race in its own right, but with the surprise addition of undefeated champion Zenyatta, the $350,000 event has now become the main attraction on the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) undercard May 1 at Churchill Downs.

Zenyatta Headed for Louisville Distaff

The undefeated 2008 champion older mare will ship to Kentucky this week and is expected to start in the Louisville Distaff Breeders' Cup Stakes (gr. II) May 1.

Kentucky-breds Honored by KTOB/KTA

Breeders of Kentucky-bred champions were honored during a ceremony April 22 at Keeneland.

Zenyatta's Dam Voted Top Mare

Vertigineux, dam of champion Zenyatta, was voted top broodmare by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders board of directors. Also honored were the breeders of the 2008 Kentucky-bred champions.