Mary Lou Whitney - Amen sister!!

The Eclipse Awards took place this past Monday night. Several extraordinary things happened. Two females, one human, one equine, were given the highest honor, respect and accolades that they richly deserve, by the horse racing industry.

The equine award winner, Horse of the Year Zenyatta, has been profiled on this blog before. I just wish that all thoroughbreds, racing or not, could have the exemplary life, the loving care, that she has had. Her connections are a shining example to the rest of the horse racing world.

Here is a little background on Mrs. Whitney, winner of the Eclipse Award of Merit: She was one of the founding members of the The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. She has been a major contributor to the Secretariat Center at the Kentucky Horse Park, where the Marylou Whitney Barn is located. She is an active proponent of finding retired racehorses new careers and loving homes once their racing careers have ended. Attached to each Jockey Club registration paper of every horse she breeds is a message indicating how to contact her if one of her horses needs a home.

Mrs. Whitney had the courage and class to stand up before her peers, and make this statement during her acceptance of her award:

"Being part of this horse racing family is a pleasure and a privilege…but it also requires responsibility.

Many first-time owners get frustrated if they do not achieve instant success.  However, over the years, we have all learned success—as an owner—means our horses have finished a race unhurt. All owners need to be accountable for their horses--from the beginning of their lives to the end!  We are their advocates. Together, we must fight to ensure there will never be another horse slaughtered in America!"

Congratulations Mrs. Whitney - I wish there were more like you!

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Why I love thoroughbreds II

The "look of eagles"...
Zenyatta with trainer John Shirreffs and groom Mario Espinoza

There are many questionable elements about the thoroughbred racing industry. Let's please set them aside for a moment, to talk about unquestionably the best horse to come along in many years - maybe ever - Zenyatta.

I've been following this astounding race mare since her career started - at the age of four - because her trainer, John Shireffs, realized she was not ready to race as a three year old (or god forbid at two!). Just the first of many wise decisions made for her by her connections. Zenyatta is undefeated in nineteen races, and should she win on Saturday in the Breeder's Cup Classic (again) she'll be the winning-est tb in history. 

Where to start... she's a huge, gorgeous mare, bursting with dapples and personality. She has become famous for the Spanish walk she does in the post parade and on the way to the gate. She laps Guinness Stout out of tupperware containers like a dog, loves her beauty sleep and is reportedly super kind to handle. Her connections are in awe of her - you can tell.

Zenyatta's racing style is what really sets her apart. She's a closer whose thrilling late in the race, come from behind charges could induce heart failure. She seems to know exactly how much effort she needs to put forth to win. John Shirreffs believes this is the key to her longevity and soundness. Mike Smith, her jockey for all but three of her races, believes he has not gotten to the bottom of her yet. All I know is when she starts to go, the horses she passes look like toys. Her stride is that huge. And she's so relaxed that her ears just flop back and forth as she crosses the finish line and gallops out.

John Shirrefs has been generous enough to post frequent video of her over the course of her career. One of my favorites is this one where you can take a ride with her on one of her morning gallops. Not to be missed.



It was (prematurely) announced that Zenyatta would be retiring after her Breeder's Cup victory last year. Thankfully, her connections decided to race her for one more season. The owners, Jerry and Anne Moss, have more money than God, so I believe them that their decision was in her best interests - plainly she loves what she does - as well as the best interests of horse racing in general, which needs more stories like Zenyatta's.

Greed and disregard for the welfare of the equine athlete have tarnished the reputation of the sport of kings... perhaps on Saturday it will be the sport of queens :)