Greatest Living Racehorse?

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by dalakhani

Ive run into Mike Smith a few times and most notably after the BC this year. I don't know him but he was nice enough to stop and take a picture and chat even after that tough loss. I asked him who his best mount was. I even said "holy bull?"

He said "Zenyatta, in all ways Zenyatta".

It could have been the libations or his emotions speaking a few hours after a tough loss but I swear that is what the man said and there were no reporters or boom mics around.

I know that this is hearsay and I will get my deserved thrashing for posting this. Either way, I took him at his word and if that is the case, I don't think its such a joke that she is mentioned.

If we are judging strictly on what we individually perceive as "quality" in a racehorse, then I think GZ or Cigar are both worthy and I think most would agree that an argument could be made.

If greatness is measured solely in terms of the imprint left on the sport, I think Zenyatta is unquestionably the greatest living racehorse. Thirty years from now, will we talking more about her or Cigar?

Again, it depends on how one defines "greatness".

No offense, but I'd rather pull my toenails out one by one than have another Zenyatta discussion. However, Smith also said she was the best horse ever. He might be a bit biased and was totally (understandable) caught up in the Zenyattatardness.