BLOG: The Thrill Of Defeat

No one likes to lose, but drama in an unexpected outcome can elicit powerful emotions and that certainly applies in defeat. 

I'm not the most avid fan of horse racing, but I have an appreciation for the sport along with a relative closeness to the animal athlete (I own a horse, not a racer but a gran prix show jumper). 

The story of the fabulous filly Zenyatta played out to a memorable finale in the Breeder's Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on Saturday night.  Unbeaten in her first 19 career races, the Classic was to be her last race and millions anticipated a storybook conclusion for "Queen Z." 

Adding to the dramatic storyline is that the filly, now 6 years old, has won against male racers and Zenyatta was the only filly in a field of 12 runners  in Louisville.  From the start Zenyatta lagged distantly behind, and it appeared a great career would end in embarrassment.   But her finish was fantastic, bordering on phenomenal. 

A legend with a legendary finishing kick, Zenyatta weaved through the field coming out of the back stretch with jockey Mike Smith urging her along from the outside in an eye-popping run to catch the leader Blame down the home stretch.  Blame reached the wire inches ahead of Zenyatta's challenge in one of the more exhilarating sports moments I've seen and I've seen many.  

The only investment I had in the outcome was the time I gave to be witness to a classic sports moment, yet the payout was powerful.  I was taken in by the emotion of what transpired, seeing fans and the jockey succumb to tears, I couldn't help but feel that emotional tug myself.  Wow, what a wonder…what a joy, even in defeat.  There's beauty in effort, even that which falls short of victory.