John Shirreffs & Zenyatta | 60 Minutes Archive

Zenyatta's Undefeated Record and Breeders' Cup Classic00:02

Next Saturday, Zenyatta could become the first great American athlete to retire undefeated in more than half a century since Rocky Marciano stepped down from the ring. She's a six-year-old thoroughbred with 19 wins in 19 races, now going for number 20 at the Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill Downs, the most prestigious competition of the year. All other competitors are males, and at age six, she's the oldest horse in the race. Stakes are high, not just millions of dollars—Zenyatta is so adored that losing would break hearts everywhere, like Babe Ruth striking out in his last at bat. Her life story: she does not know how to lose.

Zenyatta is big for a mare, taller than most males in the stable, very calm with something zen about her. She loves kids and welcomes strangers, especially with gifts. On the track, she transforms, obsessed with proving she's faster and tougher than the boys, driving crowds into frenzy.

Jockey Mike Smith's Perspective02:01

Last year's Breeders' Cup: "Zenyatta coming flying on the grandstand side. Gio Ponti on the inside. Summer Bird is right there. This is unbelievable. Zenyatta."

Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith has won all Triple Crown races and nearly 5,000 more.

How does Zenyatta compare to other horses you've ridden in championship races? She means more to me than all those. And can you explain why? She's just who she is. She's Zenyatta. She's incredible. She's unbeaten. She's done everything we've ever asked of her.