Anything You Can Do. . .

While everyone else is arguing about whether or not Lenny will go off the favorite in Saturday's Florida Derby (I actually hope he doesn't, but he might since he is clearly going to be the sentimental favorite), I would like to point your attention to the fact that the runner-up for the Associated Press's Female Athlete of the year Award, went to Zenyatta. Since the horse was surrounded by two female tennis players, Serena Williams in number 1 and Kim Clijsters in number 2, the best take on this situation is provided by a tennis writer, Beth Rifkin, who consulted with some very good experts.

For starters, she interviewed Dean Richardson, who set her straight about why thoroughbreds should be considered professional athletes, not just the jockeys who sit on their backs. "By many definitions race horses certainly are professional athletes," says Richardson. "They train, they perform--for money--they're cared for and get whatever they need. What's your definition of professional athlete? They work hard for what they get."

There are other similarities between human and equine athletes, of course, training regiments, the necessity of having the will to win as well as talent, and the potential for injuries to disrupt or even end their careers.

When it comes to Zenyatta, Richardson as well as Alex Brown agree not only that she is something special but that she also knows it. "Zenyatta exudes personality," Brown elaborates. "Zenyatta shows off, but she does it with brilliance and class."

As with many other sports, when you are that good, and a woman, you don't always get the respect you deserve. Rachel Alexandra finished seventh on the list of top female athletes, even though she garnered Horse of the Year honors.

Regardless of whether those involved with any other sport recognized it, Rachel and Zenyatta did more for the sport of racing than any other female athlete did last year for their sport. You have to harken back to the days of Billie Jean King beating Bobby Riggs to put the impact in perspective. "It was a very special year to have two females. That poll was interesting--both horses deserved to be up there at the top," concludes Richardson.