For those of you have the iPhone or similar smartphone you know how great the apps are. In general, horse racing applications have been few and far between.
Recently, Hollywood Park released an application that looks fantastic and I’m looking forward to their meet when I can actually use it. On their app, they’ll have access to news, changes, stable notes, works, condition books, overnights, entries, special events, and YouTube video. I hope other tracks will follow suit and release apps as well. In a world where knowledge is key they provide incredibly useful information for both the serious handicapper and casual fan. I would love apps for NYRA and Santa Anita.
Going across the pond, the UK has already released a couple of progressive apps. I have recently downloaded the Racing UK and Racing Post applications. They also provide news, course layouts, video, entries and free past performances! I look forward to the day where we have the same information on our smartphones from sources such as the DRF, Equibase and Blood-Horse. I hope it’s just a matter of time.

So last night I had tickets to the California Philharmonic under the stars which began at 7:30. It’s the kind of event where you want to get there early and set up your feast at your table and enjoy the food and conversation before the concert starts. Just one problem, however: Zenyatta.

Yesterday’s Clement Hirsch was scheduled to be run at 6:00, but with Del Mar you expect things to run a few minutes late. When we realized the races were running ½ hour late I began to worry. Of course, I didn’t mind being late in order to watch Zenyatta. I was worried because of my fiancé, Graeme, who hates being late to anything. I was a bit surprised when I said to him “we can watch the race later on tape and head out” and he replied “I want to watch Zenyatta.”

Thankfully, we didn’t miss the live running which left us both breathless. Graeme wasn’t a racing fan until he met me but has learned to appreciate the greats of our sport. I wish I could say it was me but it’s horses like Zenyatta who have got him interested the sport. This goes to show how she has captivated more than just us hard core racing fans.

As I got to thinking about the race last night, it’s hard to put into words the feeling you get when you watch her make the wide sweeping move each time. It was another fabulous race call by Trevor Denman who clearly loves Zenyatta as much of any of her fans. That’s what it’s all about, her fans. As much as I love watching Zenyatta, I enjoy watching the fans reaction just as much.

As I watch the fans on the rail who not only watched Zenyatta yesterday but also during the Breeders’ Cup, their emotions are clear — everybody loves Zenyatta! Nobody cheers against her greatness. I say this because in other sports it has gotten very easy to root against their superstars. Just look at Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, and Todd Bertuzzi; they are all excellent at what they do but from my perspective they are quite difficult to root for. With Zenyatta it’s magical. What she does on the track can’t be put into words and she has and hopefully will continue to capture the hearts of all her fans.