Sports

Zenyatta sets mark at 17 wins in a row

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Zenyatta has won her 17th consecutive race, giving her the longest winning streak by a modern day thoroughbred in unrestricted races.

The 6-year-old mare won the $200,000 Vanity Handicap by a half-length yesterday at Hollywood Park, rallying with her usual last place move to overtake St Trinians approaching the wire.

Ridden by Hall of Famer Mike Smith, Zenyatta ran 1 miles on the synthetic Cushion Track of her home track in 1:49.01 and paid $3 and $2.10 as the overwhelming 1-5 favorite.

Zenyatta carried high weight of 129 pounds — nine to 17 more than her five rivals. It was her record third straight win in the race.

With the victory, Zenyatta surpassed the 16-race winning streaks of Cigar, 1948 Triple Crown winner Citation, and Mister Frisky.