Zenyatta was born on April Fool’s day in 2004. When I first heard about this great filly, it was in 2008 when she won her first Breeder’s Cup and went on to win 2009’s and 2010’s as well. I love this horse specifically and horse racing in general – her beauty, her grace, her stamina, her speed and her heart –she had it all. She was a late bloomer, maturing at the end of her 3rd year which prevented her from competing in the Kentucky Derby spring event in 2007 – a wise decision on the part of her owners (hate that word). However she took off with a blast, winning 19 out of her 20 races. Born with two hearts, she was stamina at its finest and stood 17.2 hands (as tall as many draft horses), much taller than the famous Secretariat (16.2 hands), and weighing in at 1217 pounds. The Trakkus system clocked her win in 2009 at 40+ mph in the closing stretch. Her length of stride was also impressive with an ESPN study concluding it was approximately 26 feet – equal to or greater than Secretariat’s. Her favorite treats are sweet potatoes, pears, peppermints and Guiness. She prefers stout, and knows the difference! But we are pretty sure no one ever introduced her to a pear brandy or she might have won her last race.
The first jewel of 3 races comprising the Triple Crown is the Kentucky Derby (as we know these are limited to only 3 year olds) and will be held at Church Hill Downs. The Derby begins this Saturday, May 4th with Maximum Security chosen as a likely winner. The second jewel, The Preakness Stakes, will be held at Pimlico on May 18th with the third and last race, the Belmont Stakes, to be held at Belmont Park on June 8th.
To start the Triple Crown The Brandy Bar + Cocktails will be offering specialty Triple Crown drinks on Thursday May 2nd.
Brandy Smash (our version of a Mint Julep) -Lairds applejack, mulled mint, Club soda
Blackeyed Susan – Brandy, Maker’s Mark, orange juice, sour mix
Belmont Jewel – Brandy, lemonade, pomegranate juice, orange zest
Belmont Breeze – Apple brandy, dry sherry, lemon, orange, & cranberry juices, mint
The White Carnation (after the wreath of flowers that goes around the winning horse’s head) – Grape brandy, peach brandy, orange juice, heavy cream, Club soda
US Flight (all United States brandies)
