How Many Races Did Zenyatta Win?
Zenyatta, a legendary thoroughbred mare, is known for her impressive racing career, winning 19 out of 20 starts. But what makes her achievements even more remarkable is the fact that she was a female horse competing in a male-dominated sport. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Zenyatta’s racing career, exploring how many races she won and what made her so successful.
A Career Spanning 4 Years
Zenyatta’s racing career spanned four years, from 2007 to 2010. During this period, she won 19 of her 20 starts, with her only loss coming in her final career start, the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic. She was undefeated in her first 19 starts, winning 14 stakes races and earning over $7.3 million in prize money.
Breakdown of Her Wins
Here’s a breakdown of Zenyatta’s wins by year:
- 2007: 2 wins
- 2008: 5 wins
- 2009: 6 wins
- 2010: 6 wins
Stakes Wins
Zenyatta won 14 stakes races during her career, including:
- 2008 El Encino Stakes (Grade 2)
- 2008 Santa Anita Oaks (Grade 1)
- 2009 Santa Anita Handicap (Grade 1)
- 2009 Vanity Handicap (Grade 1)
- 2009 Lady’s Secret Stakes (Grade 1)
- 2010 Apple Blossom Handicap (Grade 1)
- 2010 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (Grade 1)
- 2010 Lady’s Secret Stakes (Grade 1)
Notable Performances
Some of Zenyatta’s most notable performances include:
- 2008 Santa Anita Oaks: She won this Grade 1 race by 4 lengths, setting a new track record.
- 2009 Santa Anita Handicap: She won this Grade 1 race by 1 1/4 lengths, earning her first victory in a Grade 1 race.
- 2010 Apple Blossom Handicap: She won this Grade 1 race by 2 1/4 lengths, earning her third consecutive victory in the race.
Achievements and Accolades
Zenyatta’s achievements and accolades are numerous:
- 2009 Horse of the Year: She was voted Horse of the Year by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA).
- 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic: She finished second in this race, her only loss in 20 starts.
- All-Time Earnings Record: She holds the all-time earnings record for a filly or mare, with over $7.3 million in prize money.
Conclusion
Zenyatta’s racing career was marked by incredible success, with 19 wins out of 20 starts. Her achievements and accolades are a testament to her talent, dedication, and perseverance. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest thoroughbred mares of all time, and her legacy continues to inspire and awe racing fans around the world.