Fans Turn Up to See First Race by Zenyatta’s First Foal

The ever-popular mare Zenyatta always had a contingent of fans on hand when she raced – often at Southern California race tracks.

Some of the same supporters were on hand Friday for the debut for her first foal, Cozmic One, at Santa Anita Park.

The early birds even got posters of Zenyatta and her son, who was sired by 3-year-old champion Bernardini.

Fans’ cameras documented seemingly every step of Cozmic One’s travels as an exercise rider rode the 3-year-old colt to the paddock, then as jockey Victor Espinoza rode him from the paddock to the walking ring and onto the track.

Cozmic One was the early favorite in the betting and wound up going off as the second choice at just under 2-1.

Ironically, Volume — a son of Blame — also contested the 1-mile maiden race on the dirt. Blame was the only horse to ever defeat Zenyatta.
A duel between their offspring never came to fruition, and the fairy-tale ending many had hoped for didn’t happen.

Cozmic One trailed the field, but didn’t come up with the same closing kick as his famous mom, who won 19 of her 20 races, including the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic.

He finished last of six, about eight and one half lengths behind the winner. He still managed to garner applause from some fans as he came back after the race.

Tried and True, an Eoin Harty trainee for Godolphin Racing, won at just over 10-1. Volume came in second.

After the race, Espinoza said he was “not at all” disappointed with Cozmic One’s first start.

He said he believes the colt has “the talent,” but described Cozmic One as “a baby” who is still learning.

When asked if he believes the colt could one day be as good as his mom or dad, Espinoza said, “I hope so.”