Before Zenyatta leaves for a new stage of her life as a broodmare at Lane’s End Farm in Kentucky, Hollywood Park will stage an appreciation day for the brilliant mare Dec. 5.
Zenyatta, who has been stabled at Hollywood Park throughout her career, will be paraded between races, giving local fans a final chance to see the 6-year-old daughter of Street Cry before she leaves California next month.
The entire Zenyatta team will be on hand, including owners Jerry and Ann Moss, trainer John Shirreffs, jockey Mike Smith, racing manager Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs, exercise rider Steve Willard, groom Mario Espinoza and hot walker Carmen Zamona.
An eight-time winner at her home track, Zenyatta came within a head of finishing her career 20-for-20. She was defeated in a photo finish by Blame in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) Nov. 6 at Churchill Downs.
Prior to her only loss, Zenyatta had strung together nine consecutive grade I wins. She finished her career with 13 victories at the grade I level, including her unforgettable score in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita. She established the earnings mark for females that have raced in North America, winning more than $7.3 million.
Hollywood Park will have drawings during the day for Zenyatta memorabilia. The feature attraction is the $150,000 Bayakoa Handicap, a grade II for older fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles over Cushion Track. Shirreffs has won the race a record five times, including an 11-1 upset with Zardana in 2009.
Post time Dec. 5 is 12:30 p.m.