Magnificent mare Zenyatta retired

Jerry (right) and Ann Moss - owners of Zenyatta

  PICTURE: Nicholas Godfrey  Winner of the Eclipse award for top older female in 2008 and 2009, Zenyatta was initially retired after her first Classic victory in 2009.

However, her workouts impressed connections so much they reversed the decision and kept her in training in the quest to become the first horse to achieve a double in the Breeders' Cup showpiece since Tiznow in 2000-01.

Zenyatta was ridden for most of her career by Mike Smith, but the partnership ended on a sour note as the jockey came under intense criticism - notably from himself - for the Classic defeat, which came after Zenyatta had spent the first half of the race well adrift from the main field.

"Mike was devastated, really devastated," Shirreffs said in the aftermath of the Classic. "He loves this mare so much."

Zenyatta is expected to arrive at Will Farish's Lane's End Farm near Versailles, Kentucky in early December, though breeding plans have yet to be finalised.

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