It is definitely the year of the girl in horse racing. First with Rachel Alexandra winning the Preakness and now with Zenyatta winning the Breeders Cup Saturday at Santa Anita. Zenyatta is the first filly to win this race in its history. This win brings her to 14-0 for the season and she did it by coming from dead last to making a surge at the last turn and edging the boys out at the post. It was brilliant and no matter what the nay sayers think, girls can race with the boys and leave them standing in the dust. Both Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra are being considered for Horse of the Year honors later this year and if one of them wins they would be the first female to receive this award.
passions and soapboxes 
We watched that race and I was screaming like crazy when she won! I love the races! I was so proud of our girl!
The Europeans always perfered steeds because of their stregnth and power. The Arabs always perfered mares because they were easier to train and maneuver and they’re faster. Now imagine the battles in the crusades when some of those mares were in heat.
In another lifetime I was a book designer and designed a book about female jockeys. It’s called “Great Women in the Sport of Kings.” Your post reminded me of the book. It’s still in print! http://bit.ly/CJjCj
I had no idea you were a horse race fan! My parents, when they lived in Louisville, once owned a race horse. We had so much fun visiting them and going to Churchill Downs. My daughter has great memories of being able to stand in Winner’s Circle and meeting “real” jockeys. Such beautiful animals.