Saying Goodbye to 2010

It's been a long year with highs and lows for horse racing. Here are some of them:

The Highs

Both Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra returning for another year

Zenyatta coming a nose of becoming the second back to back winner of the BC Classic

Goldikova winning her third BC Mile (Turf) in a row breaking a record she shared with Lure, Da Hoss (although those where in non-consecutive years) and her trainer Freddie Head's most famous mount Miesque.

Super Saver wins the Derby becoming Todd Pletchers first Derby winner, and Calvin Borel's third in four years. Gives his late sire Maria's Mon his second Derby winner and WinStar their first as an owner second as a breeder.

Lookin at Lucky winning the Preakness becoming the youngest TC race winner since Northern Dancer and giving his young jockey Martin Garcia his first TC race win. Smart Strike's second Preakness winner in 4 years.

Droysselmeyer wins the Belmont giving Bill Mott his first TC race win and Mike Smith his first Belmont. It also finishes the Sire Triple Crown for his sire Distorted Humor.

Rachel Alexandra winning the Lady's Secret at Monmouth almost a year after she almost broke the track record in the Haskell.

Eclair de Lune wins the Beverly D. for her owner Richard Duchesois whose late wife the race is named after.

Freshmen sires especially Congrats, Bernardini and Bluegrass Cat. All three sired graded stakes winners (in the case of Congrats and Bernardini G1 winners). They will have some nice horses on next year's trail.

Awesome Feather showed that the little guys and girls can win. She will be running for Adnea next year.

Uncle Mo shows he will be the horse to beat on the Triple Crown trail.

Blind Luck vs Havre de Grace could end up being the new Affirmed vs Alydar. Especially since Grace has been giving to the unretireing Larry Jones.

Evening Jewel and Lisa's Booby Trap, both heartbreaking stories and captured hearts along the way.

The Lows

Birdstone's Big Two, Summer Bird was retired and Mine That Bird was Mine That **** (and has since been retired).

Z finally losing

Rachel losing three times

Gio Ponti not returning to the same form as a 4yo

Paddy O' Prado being in the Classic when he could have easily won the Turf.

Retirements: Blame, Super Saver, Lookin at Lucky, Rachel, Z, Take the Points, Discreetly Mine, Quality Road, Malibu Prayer, Summer Bird, Warrior's Reward and many more.

Deaths: Mr. Greeley, War Pass, Personal Ensign, Singspiel, Lost Solider, Turkish Tryst, Kip Deville, Chinook Pass, The White Fox, Flanders, Tuscan Evening, Timber Reserve, Wake at Noon, Skip Away, John's Call, Buddy's Saint, Big Truck and many more.

There are several other memories that are high and low that I know that I forgot. Here's to 2011 and that we have a great year of racing.