“Toughest Competition”: Horse Racing Legend Mike Smith Reveals the Secrets Behind the Breeders Cup Classic Win

Horse racing legend Mike Earl Smith has had several successful racing moments since 1990. Currently, he’s popular as one of the top-most jockeys in US Thoroughbred Racing. Boasting a record 27 Breeders Cup wins, the 58-year-old didn’t get surpassed by anybody in this. But one of the most remarkable races of his career receives a special mention in the iconic annual series.

On November 7, 2009, the equestrian world witnessed some terrific displays. Further on, owing to a history-making instance, the race earned the NTRA Moment of the Year title. But everything boils down to one equine in particular. And Mike Smith gets teary-eyed at sharing some noteworthy moments from that day.

Horse racing legend Mike Smith celebrates Zenyatta

Zenyatta, the legendary mare who received the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2016, had the world at her feet in 2019. Sharing Smith’s point of view, Breeders Cup’s X handle posted a video with the caption, “That’s the day the ground shook in California.” Relive the magic of Zenyatta’s 2009 #BreedersCup Classic win at @santaanitapark through the eyes of Mike Smith.” In the video, Smith voiced, “The toughest competition she (Zenyatta) had been in.”

The most praiseworthy thing about this race was that she became the first mare to win against an all-boys’ line-up. Further on in the X video, Mike read out, “As she’s running full speed, which is incredible. It’s very hard for a horse to do and she did it like a cat.” Sporting a broad smile of pride, Smith looked at the screen, saying, “And that’s the day the ground shook in California and there wasn’t an earthquake.”

After three-quarters of a mile, the 19-year-old was behind by 9 lengths but took up pace at the final turn. Winning by a length over Gio Ponti, the human-equine duo stood out, despite a brief delay in the starting gate. After her historical performance, the horse racing commentator couldn’t help but scream, “Zenyatta is flying on the grandstand side! This. Is. Un-be-lievable!”

After the race, fans named Zenyatta ‘Queen Z’, and as she entered the winner’s circle, Z gained more attention for beating the boys.

More details of the 2009 Breeders Cup

Finishing the last quarter-mile in just 23 seconds, Zenyatta clocked 2:00:62 as the final score in the racing event. After the win, trainer John Shirreffs said, “She is all heart.” He got further emotional while describing the beautiful scene after the win. The crowd had clapped, cheered, and screamed atop their voices.

Even veteran Bob Baffert expressed his ecstasy, saying, “I switched camps at the eighth pole.” Interestingly, even Gio Ponti’s trainer honored Queen Z by accepting his horse’s defeat and inability to surpass Zenyatta.

READ MORE: Equestrian World Anticipates Two Group 1 Winners Hit the Stage for Sceptre Session Mares Sale

In 2019, Mike Smith went on to become a record holder with 217 grade 1 wins, the most in history. Coming to Zenyatta, she got retired in June 2023 by Lane’s End.

Watch this story: Essential Mistakes to Steer Clear of When Riding a Horse for the First Time