Zenyatta

[Pedigree Ann]

Originally Posted by The Bid

They campainged her like a Champion. No owners would bring a mare like that back and risk that unblemished record. .

An unbeaten record can just mean you haven't gone against tougher competition, like (forgive me) Peppers Pride. An unbeaten record does not determine greatness; winning top-class races against the best competition available determines greatness. Sometimes top horses end up with long unbeaten streaks, but streaks in and of themselves are not of any special value.

Champions seek out the best competition; only that can validate a championship. If Ribot had stuck around in Italy beating other Italians, he wouldn't have been considered an all-time great. But instead, he went to England, won the KGVI&QE, went to France twice and won two Arcs. THAT is why he is a legend.