Zenyatta taking it easy back at Hollywood Park

INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Zenyatta took one look at the attractive pink-and-white floral arrangement delivered to her Wednesday at Hollywood Park before deciding what to do – she reached out and took a big bite.

“Wait a minute,” trainer John Shirreffs said. “Don’t let her eat it, until I get a picture of it.”

Racing’s queen has returned home, and Zenyatta remains the same playful ham she was even before she captivated the sport with a gallant runner-up finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

The short-term agenda for Zenyatta is “walking and grazing” Shirreffs said. And while he waits official word, it is clear that Shirreffs, his staff, and owners Jerry and Ann Moss, are in no rush to say good-bye.

“I don’t think they’re in a hurry to send her back,” Shirreffs said.

For now, Zenyatta will graze outside Shirreffs’s barn, and live the good life. Wednesday morning, she looked as good physically as she looked before she shipped to Churchill Downs.

“She doesn’t look like she just ran a mile and a quarter,” Shirreffs agreed.

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