Is there more to come from the mighty Zenyatta?

Anyone who witnessed Zenyatta's brave attempt to extend her unbeaten winning sequence to 20 in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill Downs couldn't fail to have been moved by the extraordinary scenes that accompanied her first narrow defeat at the hands of the high-class Blame in a race that will live long in the memory, writes Elliot Slater.

More than 72,000 racing fans packed the grandstands and watched the race under the floodlights in the semi-darkness, giving the whole event an almost surreal glow. Her defeat seemed a somewhat unfair way to sign out and retire to the paddocks, even though some would argue that her loss in such amazing circumstances, having made up 15 lengths from the far turn and been blocked in her run at least twice before failing to catch the winner, who had the run of the race, buy just a head, only makes her story that little bit more dramatic. It was certainly a thrilling race for anyone who enjoys horse racing betting and, apart from the first prize purse, the John Shireffs-trained mare lost nothing in defeat.

And now it appears that there is still a chance that America's most popular racehorse and iconic sporting figure might not after all be riding off into the sunset. The news that owners Gerry and Ann Moss are in no rush to pension off their superstar leaves open a window of hope for her legions of fans that Zenyatta might return next season to thrill the masses once more. I wonder what horse racing odds you'd get on her winning next year's Breeders' Cup?

Personally, I hope that she is allowed to accept her pension book and goes off to a happy and successful time at stud. Zenyatta has very little, if anything left to prove. She might not have consistently taken on the best around in the way that European superstar and three-time Breeders' Cup Mile winner Goldikova has, but she has rescued US racing from a spell of adverse publicity and falling attendances and done more than any other horse in recent times to put racing back on the US sporting map.

That surely is more than enough of a legacy for a great mare who should be retired sound and healthy to enjoy a long and happy retirement.