With the greatest American horse race coming up next week in Kentucky, "60 Minutes" takes another look at one of the greatest U.S. thoroughbreds ever to grace a track, the nearly undefeated Zenyatta. Bob Simon reports.
I love that they took their time and let her mature physically and mentally before racing her. Best way to keep a horse sound and healthy and avoid breakdowns. The whole industry could take a lesson from this.
she loved what she did, that's for sure. it warms my heart to watch horses, in any discipline, just relish in their work and fitness. they're just like people in that way - they like their relaxation, but they enjoy the fulfillment of exercise and competition. truly incredible, heartwarming, admirable creatures, and Zenyatta was one of the best. "she's gonna have a great life after this! green pastures, motherhood..." that line cut me deep to hear. if only she could have. she deserved it, but that just shows how indiscriminate life is. you can be good, the best even, and never do wrong in any way, and fate still stays the same. she will live on forever in the memories of those who were inspired by her brilliance.
Blame was perfectly set up for that race. It was his favorite track, and he had a perfect trip. Zenyatta weaved around horses from far far back, came from way outside, and still nearly won. I was heartbroken by the race, but it just wasn't her day. She was still better than them all.
Cuddos to both the trainer and owners for being patient with her. Lots of people in the business make the mistake of pushing horses into racing. All of us were rewarded watching her run.
I was there when Blame defeated Zenyatta. So many wept; we were in shock. Unforgettable night. But that night did not define her career. And she drinks Guinness! 🇨🇮
She weighs more than Secretariat did when he was racing, and he was enormous. She's also taller: 17.2 hands vs. 16.2. [ But you carry it beautifully, gorgeous girl:) ]
Chloe Smyth she is a beauty but then again her bloodline comes from Secretariat. been watching her on video and her behaviors are a lot like his as well. True greatness I would say
Chloe Smyth they stopped racing secrtariate at 3 years old. She started after 3 years old. A horse doesn't reach full maturity until about six years old.
No horse has come close to bug reds time and big reds last race was and still is unbeat able cos no horse has both speed or stamina he did and yeah maybe she came close but ever thought cos bog red foaled over 600 foals she could be related to him down the line some where cos hay I know a horse that is
Allowing Zenyatta to grow as a horse and not rushing to race her, was a great thing to do for her and for her future well being. I wish everyone gave these horses that great respect. Zenyatta certainly was a BOMB.
I'm so happy to see this about Zenyata....thank you.....heard lots about her but was unable to actually see more on what she did and the races she ran and won....thank you for this.....I love it, and I too am glad they took their time with her....made a difference as well....they need to do this with more of the horses many of them are NOT ready for such a vigorous schedule of racing....that is why many break down early in their careers.
there was nothing wrong with ZENYATTA'S breeding she was out of Street Cry who bred some good horses and is very good at the Classic distances and she could handle the dirt just fine maybe you forgot her Oaklawn races in the Apple Blossom she won there twice by daylight beating Ginger Punch the champion horse at the time
@@kwgrid I got to meet her at Hollywood Park the last weekend before they shipped her to Kentucky! I happened to be in the LA area for vacation with my daughter so we bought some carrots and found Hollywood Park. We walked back to the barns and there she was holding court with over a hundred people to have their pictures taken with her. I stood on her right side with my hand on her shoulder. Her withers were over my head. She is gigantic and amazing in person. She posed like a queen with all the people. I got my picture with her and I treasure it..
Big girl..... And, a BIG HAM, too! LOL She was very aware of everything around her. She loves people....especially kids....and gentle as a lamb. Loves attention. Have a Guinness for me! (With a teaspoon of Aloe Vera juice please)
Gwen Gebruers She did it 20 times and only lost by a nose to Blame AND THEN the Dance... I understand what all of you are saying and yes there are others that came from last. Gwen she really shines out. When I talked to Mike Smith he expressed some details about her that are extraordinary
Gwen Gebruers Hi Gwen I hope all is well.. The thing I was trying to say is that she was way back it is true others were last but not way back. Am I wrong?
Tara hillebrand, you are not nuts at all. I think your comment and level of honoring Zenyatta are beautiful. I believe in reincarnation for humans. Many religions do. I know horses have souls too. I could watch Zenyatta all day and all night. Look at the horrible wars going on- babies in gaza with shrapnel in their bodies...and look at the joy and splendour Zenyatta, Secretariat, and Ruffian have given the world to sustain us in great beauty through it all...we love you equine Great Ones...
We never forget any of them Zenyatta, Kelso, Seabiscuit, Citatation, Secretariat, Man O' War, and many, many, more. They are cumulative to make racing complete. It wouldn't be complete without anyone of them. Including of course, Secretariat! Hats off to all of them. We salute you.!
Zenyatta is a magnificent racehorse so magnificent I have her and her first Colt Cozmic One as Breyer models horses and all of Zenyatta's fans were so upset she lost her last race but she is the only horse that I know that won 19 races in a row without being undefeated that's pretty good still no matter what if she win or lost her owners still love her yes she definitely loved the camera she knew she is a famous racehorse she is a horsey Superstore
The size of her is just incredible. Look at her rear end in comparison to the other horse during her workout. She really is a freak of nature. Ive seen a lot of fillies in big races in the 40 years ive followed horse racing. Ive never seen one that towers over the male horses, or could pass them late in races like Zenyatta. Most of the time when fillies run against males, they are on or near the front end, and try to hold off the boys. This horse had the physicality to be able to give them a head start and overtake them. Absolutely incredible.
I was under the impression that the "X-factor" had been charted genetically. I know ultra-sound can detect the hearts size . BUT then, if they know for sure they probably would be reluctant to say so publically. Thanks for te info !!!
Anyone else believe that she could be secretariat reincarnated? She’s big like he was, loves to dance and pose for the camera, loves all people and kids, loves to start at the back and make her way to the front when racing. Literally two of my favorite race horses of all time and will never change.
Great horse - the list goes on Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Man o War, Forego, Dancing Brave, Sea Bird, Ribot, Citation and Frankel, Golden Fleece, El Gran Senor,Cigar, John Henry, Curlin, Sunday Silence, Ruffian, Lost in the Fog etc etc etc. May they never be forgotten.
And not just American horses! Phar Lap comes to mind the most, but Australasia , Ireland and Britain in particular have produced many great horses with unforgettable histories. In the 21st century alone, Makybe Diva, Black Caviar and Winx stand out.
Imagine Secretariat & Zenyatta running in the same race… Competing for last place out of the gate… Who would wind up the winner? It’s a lovely fantasy ❤
this has to be one of the best stories that i have ever listened to and watched on 60 minutes and i have been around for almost 70 years. the people surrounding zenyatta have to be thanked for taking care of her the right way.
This might be crazy but.. I believe god has sent Ruffian and Secretariat back all in one. He chose the king and the queen of the track and brought her here. Shes got Ruffians beauty (not that secretariat not) and speed and got Secretariats quick kick at the end and his stratagy. Maybe im just nuts but hey.
+Tara Hillebrand It's entirely possible that Ruffian lives again and Zenyatta is her. Other than Zenyatta Ruffian was the greatest filly to ever live, and both undefeated until their last race. Funny thing is Ruffian was never behind in a race for a second, and Zenyatta was always last until the very end, but maybe Ruffian changed her style. Not sure if two souls can be combined, but maybe, and maybe that explains the different running style.
Don't forget about the mares which did most of their racing in Australia. In the 21st century alone, Makybe Diva, Black Caviar and Winx (still racing) are in the same league as Zenyatta and Ruffian. Winx, although very different physically, races in a similar style to Zenyatta, usually from far behind.
Very special horse. There will never be another one like her, ever. To win almost every race from dead last is impossible, but she did it. I believe Mike Smith made the mistake in her last race to lose.
Maybe people like me always mention Secretariat because all three of his winning times in the triple crown races still stand ,They haven't been beat yet and it's 42 years later.
Wow. So gorgeous and graceful. You may not believe me, but it’s true. My mare, Penny, her sire was Street Cry so that makes Zenyatta her half sister. Zenyatta was a whopping 17.2 hands, but my girl is a little shorty and is only 15.1 hands lol
Secretariat did start from the back but that was only about 100 feet he ran in the back and made his way through and kept the lead and just let more length expand in his legs to make him faster wich i love him as much at Zenyatta.
He was pretty beaten up coming out of the gate in his first race, which is why they say he laid back a little. I wonder if with Zenyatta it was her size - needing to build momentum to catch up with the pace? (Sorry, don't know too much about this; just speculating.)
C h q l i s your kidding right? Have you never watched the kentucky derby or the Preakness where he was at the back until it was about to go into the final turn and then he passed everyone like they were sitting still
Richard Grace Not quite. In the Preakness, Secretariat made that tremendous rush unusually early, on the *first* turn, not entering or while in the stretch, the way Zenyatta *always* did -- he led the Preakness about 2/3 of the race. His Derby was more in Zenyatta's style. He was 5th through most of the backstretch, and was second as they straightened for the wire. Zenyatta usually lagged more/longer, but some of her races were run very comparably.
@@marysueeasteregg lol but I always watch a secretariat race thinking that it looks like he is just jogging along until he gets bored and decides it's time too go 🤣🤣🤣
I agree with you, that is why I think so many people fell in love with her and Team Z, I never felt there was a money issue, I always felt the love for her from everyone involved, She is the most amazing creature I have ever seen, and she brought me dear friends, especially Kari from Animals Rock 4 Love who we lost. I will always be grateful to Zenyatta for helping me over my Mother's death, Michele.
In general i would agree with you. Indeed, arguably zenyatta is one of the great fillies of all time. its too bad, and sad that Ruffian died because if she has raced through her 3 yr old season would have been exciting. Still, her 10 races were extraordinary. * stakes race records and 2 race course records. lead at every pole of every race. won the filly triple crown - now called the triple tiara. average length of victory over 8 lengths. she ran away from her competition - like secretariat
Sehr sympathischer Trainer jocky und Eigentümer sie haben alles richtig gemacht haben ihr die Zeit gelassen die sie brauchte und da siehr man am Erfolg es zahlt sich aus
Broke my heart when her War Front filly had to be put down due to a paddock accident. She was gorgeous!! I'm hoping that her Candy Ride filly is the right mix for a super star! It would be appropriate if her fillies outperformed her colts. mho
She hasn't done well as a broodmare so far, but she's also had very bad luck. : ( Cozmic One, her 2012 foal by Bernadini, is 5:0-0-0 and has won $5,770. Ziconic, her 2013 colt by Tapit, is 12:0-2-6 and has won $70,465. Those are her only starters so far. Her 2014 filly by War Front was put down as a weanling following a paddock accident. I'm far from an expert, but I thought that filly was the best-looking of her foals. Lovely girl, Z Princess. In 2014 Zenyatta was not bred, so she did not produce a 2015 foal. Her 2016 colt foal by War Front died two days after birth from meconium aspiration. In 2017 she had a filly by Medaglia d'Oro. This spring (2018) she had a late miscarriage of a foal by Into Mischief. She was not rebred after the pregnancy loss and will not have a foal next year. So the result of three of her six matings have been lost. : (
