AN EQUINE LOVE STORY

MY KINGDOM FOR A HORSE… 

 

 

 

 

Zenyatta, Super Horse

 

 

Yesterday, on a cloudy Kentucky afternoon, a beautiful celebrity romance began…and presumably ended.  Unlike other famous relationships, though, there were no paparazzi or a messy public divorce, and no sordid affairs to speak of.  All that is left of their brief courtship will be a surely statuesque creature all but guaranteed to garner headlines in 2015 as a 3 year-old.  Yes, reigning Horse of the Year, Zenyatta, (who won 19 of her 20 lifetime starts) went on a “date” with Bernardini (the 2006 Preakness winner).  Zenyatta, like many girls, was demure at first, but eventually fell for Bernie’s charms.  And who can blame her?  His pedigree is impeccable, dating back through AP Indy, Seattle Slew, Secretariat, and Bold Ruler!!  That’s a Who’s Who of horse racing royalty.  The fact that Bernardini “dated” Zenyatta’s mom for a short time a few years back was apparently not an issue. 

All in one day, the two romantically named thoroughbreds dated, copulated, and parted ways.  No hearts were broken and each retained all their lifetime earnings.  They remain friendly, but neither will have much to do with raising their child.  Just like our precious human celebrities, much of the rearing of the offspring will be handled by trained professionals.

This brings me to the fact that horses have been bred for specific characteristics for several centuries.  Breeders, to my knowledge, actually have a pretty good grasp of what they’ll get from two horses and choose quite carefully among many potential mates for the highest chance at a successful “product.”  Can breeding humans be far behind?  With all the genetic discoveries of the past decade and the millions of dollars thrown at professional athletes, could you blame someone for trying?  It’s already apparent that there is some genetic basis for athletic talent.  Don’t believe me? Look at how many current pros have parents who were athletes.  There are a disproportionate number of baseball and hockey players whose fathers were also in the MLB or NHL, or at least the high minors, in their respective sports.  Nomar Garciaparra and Mia Hamm had twins in 2007 and I’m excited to see what kind of athletic prowess those girls have.  If they turn out to be Olympians like their parents, people will really start to think about this selective athletic breeding.  It could be called the Process for Perfect Procreation!!  And, how many pro athletes would say “no, thanks” to being put out to stud???

Unfortunately, I’m almost sure this idea will eventually become a reality, as disturbing as it may be.  I just hope my beloved Raiders and Mets are among the first teams to get on board.  Maybe Al Davis should get on the phone to Serena Williams to see if she’s interested…