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Big Sport of Turfdom Award to "Team Zenyatta"

Thu 19th, November 2009

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The people directing the career of Breeders' Cup Classic winner Zenyatta have been named the recipients of the 2009 Big Sport of Turfdom Award. The Turf Publicists of America (TPA) are recognizing the efforts of owners Jerry and Ann Moss, trainer John Shirreffs and his wife Dottie and jockey Mike Smith.

"The management, conditioning and picture perfect rides had a synergetic effect that brought this true champion to light before thousands of fans throughout her career," stated TPA president John Engelhardt.

"Right up to the final start of Zenyatta's brilliant career," Engelhardt continued, "the Moss' and Shirreffs showed great sportsmanship by electing to test her against the greatest male horses in training and Mike Smith followed through with an electrifying ride in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita. Throughout her undefeated career the entire group associated with this history making mare exuded class and made themselves very available to all members of the media."

Zenyatta, a five-year-old mare, became the first female to win the $5 million Classic on Saturday, November 7. Last year she won the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic and was voted champion older female thoroughbred.

"We are very happy and honored to accept it," said Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs when notified of the award. "Who would have thought there could be a moment in racing that could be as wonderful as winning the Kentucky Derby."

Undefeated in 14 lifetime starts, Zenyatta finished her historic career with earnings of $5,474,580. In 2009 she was perfect in five starts, all in California, for $3.3 million.

"Team Zenyatta" will receive the 44th annual Big Sport of Turfdom award on Tuesday, December 8 in Tucson, AZ during the keynote luncheon of the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program Symposium on Racing & Gaming. The Symposium will be held at the Westin La Paloma Resort from December 7-10.

Previous winners of the Big Sport of Turfdom include Joe Hirsch, Penny Chenery, Jack Klugman, Jim McKay, Tim Conway, Chris McCarron, Pat Day, Bill Shoemaker, Carl Nafzger and Larry Jones.