How Many Foals Has Zenyatta Lost? A Deep Dive into the Legendary Mare’s Breeding Career

Zenyatta, the magnificent mare who captured the hearts of racing fans with her electrifying come-from-behind victories, had a more challenging journey as a broodmare. Sadly, Zenyatta lost a total of three offspring: two foals that did not survive infancy and one aborted pregnancy. This is in addition to the four registered foals she produced.

Zenyatta’s Breeding Record: A Look at the Highs and Lows

Zenyatta retired from racing in 2010 to embark on her second career as a broodmare at Lane’s End Farm in Kentucky. While she achieved legendary status on the track, her breeding career faced its share of heartbreak. Understanding the specifics of her foals, both those who thrived and those who didn’t, provides a complete picture of her impact on the world of Thoroughbreds.

The Successes: Registered Foals

Zenyatta produced four registered foals:

• Cozmic One (2012, by Bernardini): This colt started his racing career for trainer John Shirreffs, who also trained Zenyatta, but he never won a race.
• Ziconic (2013, by Tapit): Like his older brother, Ziconic also failed to secure a victory on the track, despite being given a chance.
• Zellda (2017, by Medaglia d’Oro): Zellda was placed into training with John Shirreffs but ultimately never made it to the starting gate.
• Zikha (2018, by Tapit): This filly also never raced.
• Nymue (2023, by War Front): Zenyatta’s final foal, a filly, born on June 9, 2023.

The Heartbreak: Lost Offspring

• 2014 Filly: This filly, whose sire remains unspecified in the available information, was tragically euthanized as a weanling following a paddock accident.
• 2016 Colt: This colt, also with an unspecified sire, lived for only several days before succumbing to meconium aspiration syndrome. This condition occurs when a foal inhales meconium (the first stool) before or during birth, leading to respiratory distress.
• Aborted Pregnancy: The article mentions that Zenyatta also aborted one pregnancy, though the year and intended sire are not specified.

This information highlights the challenges inherent in breeding, even for a mare as exceptional as Zenyatta.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Zenyatta and Her Foals

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Zenyatta and her foals, providing additional insight into her life and legacy:

1. Where is Zenyatta now? Zenyatta resides at Lane’s End Farm in Midway, Kentucky. She moved there after her retirement from racing in 2010.

2. When did Zenyatta retire from racing? Zenyatta retired from racing on November 17, 2010, to begin her career as a broodmare.

3. Why did Zenyatta retire? She retired to become a broodmare. Her connections believed she had more to offer the Thoroughbred world through breeding.

4. Who was the only horse to beat Zenyatta? The only horse to defeat Zenyatta was Blame in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic.

5. How old is Zenyatta? Zenyatta is a 19-year-old mare as of 2023. She was born in 2004.

6. Is Zenyatta still alive? Yes, Zenyatta is still alive and residing at Lane’s End Farm. However, she is no longer breeding.

7. How many races did Zenyatta win? Zenyatta won 19 out of her 20 starts, a remarkable achievement in the world of horse racing.

8. Are any of Zenyatta’s foals racing now? No, none of Zenyatta’s registered foals are currently racing. Her first two foals, Cozmic One and Ziconic, started their careers but never won. Zellda and Zikha never raced.

9. Who trained Zenyatta? John Shirreffs trained Zenyatta throughout her entire racing career and also trained her first two foals.

10. How tall was Zenyatta? Zenyatta’s height was reported to be between 17 hands (68 inches, 173 cm) and 17.2 hands (70 inches, 178 cm) at the withers.

11. What is meconium aspiration syndrome? Meconium aspiration syndrome is a respiratory problem that can occur in newborn foals when they inhale meconium (their first stool) before or during birth. It can lead to serious complications and even death.

12. Who is Nymue? Nymue is Zenyatta’s last foal, born in June 2023. She is a filly by War Front.

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15. Where can I find more information about Thoroughbred breeding? Reputable organizations like the Jockey Club, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA), and various state-level breeding programs offer extensive resources and information about Thoroughbred breeding. Additionally, publications such as the BloodHorse and the Daily Racing Form provide ongoing coverage of the breeding industry.

Zenyatta’s story, both on and off the track, serves as a reminder of the triumphs and tribulations inherent in the world of Thoroughbreds. Her legacy as a champion remains secure, and her impact on the breed will continue to be felt for years to come.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information available in the provided text and general knowledge about Thoroughbred horse racing and breeding.