In a highly publicized race, the mare Zenyatta was attempting to defend her victory in the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic and retire undefeated.
Running well behind in the early portion of the race, she made a sustained drive but came up a head short of the winner, Blame.
It is run under weight-for-age conditions, with entrants carrying the following weights:[1] Many horsemen and handicappers considered the 2010 field to be one of the best ever assembled, including the top three-year-olds and older horses.
"[2] One of the most popular horses in recent memory, Zenyatta came into the Classic as the even-money favorite off of a nineteen race win streak.
She had only raced against male horses once, in the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic, and the field for the 2010 renewal was considered to be much deeper.
Blame, much closer to the pace and benefiting from a perfect trip, reached the lead by mid-stretch and looked likely to win.
Jockey Mike Smith moved her out wide then made several more adjustments before the mare was able to find running room.
"[4] Blame's Classic victory was the first for trainer Albert Stall Jr. and owners Adele Dilschneider and Claiborne Farm, which was celebrating its 100th anniversary.
"[4] With three Grade I wins in 2010 and the head-to-head victory over Zenyatta, Blame's connections believed he deserved to be named American Horse of the Year.