Steve Haskin is by far one of the greatest horse racing writer's in the country. Every week after a big race, I sit on Blood-Horse waiting for his articles to be published on Tuesday and always read whatever he writes. He writes so eloquently, but also really gives horse racing a face. He throws in some history of whomever he's writing about and really shines a new light on the people and horses involved in the industry.
I've read a few of the Blood-Horse blogs (and others) on the Classic recap and they've been good, but not great. Since Saturday, I've REALLY been waiting for his piece to come out knowing it'd be good. And it truly is good. He's one of the first people to really write about the emotions and history that the race inspires and creates and not the whole "Blame or Zenyatta for HoY" debate that is now going on (I can't take the debate...This is the 3rd year in a row a horse I don't want for HoY will get HoY, even though said horse had the "harder" campaign).
My favorite line about Zenyatta written anywhere is by him: In victory after victory, she captured the heart. In her lone defeat, she captured the soul.
This line really is what happened and where I stand currently in my feelings. I'm still sad and I still don't really want to talk about it, but I still love her and sometimes it's nice knowing that the "pressure" on her is gone. On the other hand, she could have retired this year 20-0 and that would have been great and would have solidified a lot of things, IMO! The owners haven't mentioned anything about her formally retiring yet, so I'm semi-wondering if they'll keep her in training another year. Blame and Quality Road have been formally announced to be retired already. Goldikova is staying another year (Europe's champ and 3-peated the Turf Mile this year) and they want her to 4-peat next year. So...Who knows. I have mixed feelings about her retiring or not. On one hand (and as her trainer says), she's got nothing to prove. On the other hand, since she's 19-1, sound, and training well, why not keep her another year, send her to the East and keep her fans goin' another year? Most great horses these days retire once the nation start to love them. We've had an extra year with Zenyatta (was supposed to retire last year), so I think that's one reason I wouldn't mind her retiring, but...it'd be great to see her race more as long as she's sound and happy.
Anyway, if you want to read Haskin's report about the Classic, you can read it here: Haskin's BC Classic Recap
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