Distinguished Industry Lecture Series
Lexington, KY - Jerry and Ann Moss, owners of iconic race mare Zenyatta, participated in the fourth at the University of Kentucky on September 14. In a rare opportunity, students and racing fans alike were treated to a discussion between the Mosses and former Blood-Horse magazine editor Dan Liebman on their experiences in the racing industry. The event was free and open to the public.
Zenyatta captured the attention of the Thoroughbred world, and the imagination of many beyond it, as she campaigned through a record 19 consecutive victories, which included the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic, making her the first female to win the race.
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In an unusual twist, the Mosses brought the mare back to race as a six-year-old, a phenomenon in the racing industry where successful horses are often retired as early as possible to make money as breeding animals. During her final racing season, Zenyatta attracted mainstream media to her campaign, appearing on and in before her winning streak ended in a heart-breaking loss to Blame in the 2010 Breeders' Cup Classic.
After the 2010 Classic, Zenyatta was retired and moved to Lane's End Farm near Lexington, where she is carrying a foal by Bernardini.
While much has been written about Zenyatta over the years, attendees to the UK lecture heard an especially candid account of her career from the Mosses.
"You just can't be unhappy around her," said Ann Moss of the mare.
Ann and Jerry bought Zenyatta as a yearling for $60,000, a relatively low price by Thoroughbred standards. As a one-year-old, the future champion was unimpressive-she was gangly, immature and recovering from a skin rash. But the Mosses, together with bloodstock advisor Dottie Ingordo and trainer John Sheriffs (who also made an appearance at the lecture) could see her potential for becoming a large, well-mare later in life and decided to bid on her.
After Zenyatta went into training in Ocala, Florida, the Mosses got a call. "They told us Ö this filly is taking one stride for everyone else's two or three," said Ann.
The Mosses, formerly co-owners of A&M Records, named Zenyatta after The Police's album 'Zenyatta Mondatta'. They told the audience that they frequently name horses after friends or records from their days at A&M but "we try not to tell people about it until [the horses] make it big".
Jerry Moss admitted he had hopes Zenyatta would succeed very early on, when she won her very first race by a domineering three lengths. He credited trainer John Sheriffs with remaining patient with the mare, even as she began to race successfully at the highest levels.
While physical power and athleticism drew voters to elect her 2010 Horse of the Year despite her loss in the Breeders' Cup Classic, it was Zenyatta's charisma that left a lasting impression on people.
"At a time when racing needed a spark Ö they gave us Zenyatta," said UK student Natalie Heitz, describing the feelings many fans had for the horse. "The Mosses' horse became our horse and no surprise, everyone loves a winner."
Jerry Moss echoed the sentiment that part of Zenyatta's power was the new interest she generated in the sport, interest that he hopes will continue for fans across the country.
Today, the couple, who live in California, visit Zenyatta at Lane's End regularly and were pleased to report that she is enjoying retirement.
"She looks wonderful, dappled, golden Ö she thinks it's her personal job to mow the paddocks," laughed Ann.
Zenyatta isn't the only champion the pair has owned. Jerry recounted the wonderful experiences he had with Hall of Fame trainers such as Bobby Frankel and Charlie Wittingham through the years, campaigning such champions as 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo, and Zardana, winner of the 2005 Kentucky Oaks.
As host of the event, Liebman asked the couple about their equally incredible experiences outside of horse racing. Ann and Jerry met in Los Angeles during their respective careers modeling and producing music.
"[My friend] said, 'Come to the wrap party and I'll introduce you to the nicest guy in L.A.'. And she did," chuckled Ann.
Jerry's career in music expanded when he founded A & M Records with Herb Alpert in 1962, eventually producing hits by such artists as Sting, The Police, The Carpenters, Janet Jackson, and many others before growing to become the largest independent record company in the world. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 with Alpert for their contributions to the industry.
The Mosses had their own input to the discussion for the college students in the audience impressed with their accomplishments in music and racing. They both emphasized that by participating in UK's lecture series they hoped to inspire by sharing their stories.
"Don't be afraid to dream. This is America, and you can dream big in this country," said Jerry.