The inaugural Breeders’ Cup Zenyatta Celebration at the Kentucky Derby Museum will kick off Championship Friday, November 4. Zenyatta, 2011 Horse of the Year and 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, will act as the World Championships’ “Official Hostess” for the official all-day event.
The Zenyatta Celebration starts at 11:30 a.m. with the Zenyatta Reunion Luncheon. A hospitality retreat will be available from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m., with the after-party immediately following the last race of the day.
Zenyatta’s owners, Ann and Jerry Moss, trainer John Shirreffs and his wife Dottie, jockey Mike Smith, and Zenyatta (via live video feed from her Lane’s End stable) are scheduled to appear. Fans will have the opportunity to meet Zenyatta’s connections and obtain autographs, bid on items in the silent auction, and view the Zenyatta memorabilia on display. During the races, the Celebration will offer a hospitality retreat complete with food, cash bar and a betting machine. After the day’s races, fans can enjoy the after party.
Zenyatta finished her career at Churchill Downs when she went into the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic undefeated in 19 lifetime starts and lost by a head to Blame. Even in defeat, she gave her fans a thrilling and memorable experience. She is now stabled at Lane’s End Farm in Lexington where she is in foal to stallion Bernadini.
“We continue to be overwhelmed by the love of Zenyatta’s fans,” said Ann and Jerry Moss. “She is truly a horse of the people, and we want the Zenyatta Celebration to be an event for everyone, from longtime racing fans to the casual fans drawn in to the sport by our queen. We are so thrilled and honored that Breeders’ Cup has included Zenyatta in the official festivities, and we are determined to make the party as memorable and fun as the action on the track.”
“The Zenyatta Celebration is sure to become a Breeders’ Cup tradition,” said Carter Carnegie, senior vice president for Breeders’ Cup. “The celebration will be an amazing experience as we celebrate Zenyatta’s incredible legacy.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Breeders’ Cup Charities. Package options for the Celebration include:
• Luncheon Only (includes grandstand seating ticket) $95
• Hospitality Retreat Only $75
• Post-Race After Party Only $40
• All-Day Zenyatta Celebration (Luncheon, Grandstand
Seating, Hospitality Retreat and After Party) $170
For more information, visit www.ZenyattaShop.com.
Photo: Jessie Oswald
