Mike Smith hugs Zenyatta goodbye at Keeneland 12/6/10 (4 of 4)

Near the end of her farewell to racing and welcome to Kentucky ceremony at Keeneland, Mike Smith puts his arms around Zenyatta's neck and gives her a hug.

Over 1000 people had braved the 17 degree weather, snow, cold, and a two hour delay of Zenyatta's plane due to weather conditions, to greet her at Keeneland. The ceremony was originally scheduled for the saddling paddock near the track, but had to be changed to a lighted place. Zenyatta once paraded in this very ring as a yearling, before being led into the auction ring to be sold to Mr. and Mrs. Moss. Five years later, she was back after a stellar career, to give her fans one last dance before retiring to Lane's End farm to a life as a broodmare.

John called out to Mario at the end of the ceremony, "Come on Mario, it's time to go home." Before Zenyatta could be led away into the night, Mike Smith rushed over and threw his arms around her. The crowd went, "Awwwww...." As she was led away, they yelled, "Goodbye Zenyatta, we love you Zenyatta."