Zenyatta first horse to win William H. May Award

Source: Thoroughbred Times, Bloodhorse.com

31 March 2011

2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta has been crowned the first horse to win the William H. May Award, Thoroughbred Times reports. The William H. May Award is  given annually by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI). She received the honor to "recognize the notoriety and service she brought to the [horse] racing industry over the course of her racing career," according to an RCI press release. 

Wednesday, March 23, marked the date that the famous dancing horse received her award. Dan Hartman of the Colorado Racing Commission recognized Zenyatta as the winner in New Orleans at its 77th annual conference.

“Although no horse has ever received the May Award, the RCI Executive Committee felt that Zenyatta’s contributions to the sport were worthy of this award,” said RCI President Ed Martin. “From her multiple Grade 1 victories to dancing her way to the paddock for the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), Zenyatta was able to capture the hearts and spirits of racing fans around the world."

Bloodhorse.com notes that Kirk Breed, executive director of the California Horse Racing Board accepted the award on Zenyatta's behalf.

Breed acknowledged the members of "Team Zenyatta" that made her career as a racehorse such a success; owners Jerry and Ann Moss, trainer John Shirreffs, bloodstock agent David Ingordo, and Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith.