With darkening skies creating an almost surreal atmosphere, Blame and Zenyatta put on a show for the ages in the Nov. 6 Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I), creating a mosaic of emotions that ran the gamut between joy and sadness, and in the end, admiration.
In perhaps her greatest performance, Jerry and Ann Moss’ Zenyatta’s gallant quest for an unprecedented 20-for-20 record fell a head short, as the great mare was defeated not only by a magnificent horse in Blame but in some ways by the ghosts of Arthur B. Hancock and Arthur B. “Bull” Hancock Jr. on the 100th anniversary of their once-dominant breeding empire, Claiborne Farm, which for many years epitomized the rich and colorful tradition of Kentucky’s Bluegrass.
That is why Bull’s son, Claiborne president Seth Hancock, stood on the racetrack motionless and speechless following the race, oblivious to the almost-eerie hush that had engulfed Churchill Downs and the ensuing rousing ovation for Zenyatta upon her return.
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