Zenyatta BC victory 2009 NTRA Moment of the Year

By: SPORTS NETWORK

 

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Easily outdistancing the competition, Zenyatta's victory in last year's Breeders' Cup Classic has been voted the 2009 National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Moment of the Year. Of the 14 nominations the historic win by the five-year-old mare received 68 percent of the votes conducted at the NTRA Web site, ntra.com.

"The NTRA Moment of the Year award is a great way for the fans to play an active role in the Eclipse Awards ceremony," said Keith Chamblin, NTRA senior vice president. "Fans clearly love Zenyatta, and we are delighted to salute her unforgettable Breeders' Cup Classic victory as the latest NTRA Moment of the Year."

Finishing second with 10 percent of the voting was Rachel Alexandra's Woodward Stakes win over older males. Races involving the filly in 2009 made up four of the top six moments. They included her victories in the Preakness Stakes, Kentucky Oaks and Haskell Invitational.

Mine That Bird's Kentucky Derby win was third with nine percent followed by Rachel Alexandra's three other nominations.

This is the second consecutive year that a Zenyatta win was voted Moment of the Year. Last year it was Zenyatta's victory in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic.

Zenyatta, undefeated in 14 career starts, is owned by Jerry and Ann Moss and was trained by John Shirreffs. They, along with jockey Mike Smith, will be recognized at the Eclipse Award ceremony Monday, January 18, in Beverly Hills.