Zenyatta and Bernardini - A Perfect Match?
Contributed By Post Time PetePosted on 1/29/11 9:04 PM
Most female racehorses adjust to life after racing on the farm without difficulty. The same can be said for horse racing's most decorated mare, Zenyatta. She arrived at Lane's End farm in central Kentucky on December 6th after making an appearance at Keeneland for "Zenyatta Day" in which over 1,000 fans came out to show their appreciation.
The Queen now resides in a 24-stall barn where maiden and barren mares are stabled. The adjustment from the Southern California climate does not seem to be phasing her, but the freezing temperatures have kept her in the stall a lot. She has been hand-walked and there are plans to let her roam in a 3 ½ acre paddock once the snow and ice clear.
Despite her loss in the Breeders' Cup Classic, Zenyatta holds a lifetime 19 for 20 record with over seven million in earnings. She received the 2010 Horse of the Year Eclipse Award and is revered by the fans. Many would say she's as close to a rock star as horse racing has had, especially in the last decade. The question many fans have been asking since her retirement was announced – who would she be bred with?
There have been lots rumors, including 1992 Horse of the Year A.P. Indy and 2007 and 2008 Horse of the Year Curlin. All speculation was put to rest this past Wednesday when owners Ann and Jerry Moss announced Zenyatta's first mating will take place with 2006 Preakness Winner Bernardini.
According to the Daily Racing Form, an advisor to the Moss', David Ingordo, said the reason for selecting Bernardini was based on conformation and pedigree. Both horses complement each other well physically and pedigree wise. Bernardini is the son on A.P. Indy out of Cara Rafaela. He is owned by Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum and is stabled at Jonabell Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. The stud fee is listed at $75,000.
Only time will tell if this is the right selection, but horse racing fans everywhere will be watching this one closely. Tell us what you think below!
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