Zenyatta rules Breeders' Cup Classic with breathtaking, 14th straight win

Her last-to-first triumph under jockey Mike Smith in the five million-dollar Classic — highlight of the two-day, 25.5 million-dollar Breeders' Cup extravanza — left the six victories of a strong European contingent in the shadows.

“She's sent from God,” Smith said. “I think he wanted a horse and made her and brought her down here to race against everyone.”

Zenyatta, who surpassed Personal Ensign's U.S. record of 13 straight victories for a filly or mare, proved herself against colts for the first time. Her 14th and likely last triumph was a gritty one, as she overcame a poor start to roar past a talent-packed field.

She seized the victory from Gio Ponti in the final furlong. Twice Over, saddled by legendary British trainer Henry Cecil was third with Tom Queally in the irons.

Zenyatta's beaten foes could only shake their heads and tip their hats.

“The horse ran a great race,” trainer Christophe Clement said of his Gio Ponti. “But he couldn't beat the winner. She's a freak. What can I say? She's a freak.”

Queally, who piloted Cecils' Midday to victory in the Filly and Mare Turf on Friday, said there was little more that could have been done to foil Zenyatta.

“We ran a cracker,” he said. “My horse probably didn't handle the home turn too cute, but I don't think we would have beaten Zenyatta in a million years. She's an exceptional, exceptional filly.”

Bob Baffert, trainer of sixth-placed Richard's Kid said seeing Zenyatta's win was a thrill.

“It was the only time in horse racing that I didn't mind getting beat in a big race,” Baffert said. “Zenyatta made the Breeders' Cup. And the way she won! I've never seen a crowd so captivated. It felt like a horse winning the third leg of the Triple Crown.”

European standout Rip Van Winkle, trained by Aidan O'Brien, faded from third to finish 10th.

O'Brien saddled just one winner over the two days, Man of Iron in the Marathon.

Among them was another outstanding filly, Goldikova, who emulated the great Miesque in earning back-to-back Mile crowns.

Goldikova, too, showed her heart as she ran down Courgeous Cat in the final yards to win by half a length.

“I don't have the words to say what I feel,” Head said, “Having ridden a horse like Miesque and now to train a horse like her, it's something you can't dream of.”

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