Rare Zenyatta Items to be Offered in The Racing Memorabilia Auction
Dispersal of John Shirreffs’ collection to benefit Breeders’ Cup Charities and other equine nonprofits
LEXINGTON, KY (October 15, 2026) - Items from the personal collection of late Hall of Fame trainer John Shirreffs will be featured at the inaugural Racing Memorabilia Auction presented by Cross Gate Gallery on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026. The auction will take place both online and live at the Lexington, Kentucky gallery, featuring an exceptional collection of rare trophies, artifacts and memorabilia honoring the history and heritage of Thoroughbred racing.
Under Shirreffs’ training throughout her racing career, the legendary Zenyatta, owned by Anne and Jerry Moss, won 19 of 20 starts, including the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic, and was thrice voted champion Older Female (2008-2010). Following her retirement to Lane’s End Farm, Zenyatta was named 2010 Horse of the Year and additionally selected as the first recipient of the Secretariat “Vox Populi” Award.
Highlighting the rare and historical treasures in the Shirreffs collection is Zenyatta’s original bridle, bit and reins, worn throughout her racing career. In a 2023 interview with the Horse Racing Radio Network’s Mike Penna, Shirreffs poignantly described the bridle as his "most cherished piece of Zenyatta memorabilia.”
Other important auction pieces in the collection include the champion mare’s race-worn blue and white diamond browband featured on the cover of the Zenyatta Commemorative Collector’s Issue published by The Blood-Horse, the original 2008 Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic embroidered morning saddlecloth and associated “Champion” winner’s blanket; Zenyatta's original leather halter; training and race-worn shoes; and her Hollywood Park numbered stall plate, interior wooden stall board, as well as the racetrack’s original Zenyatta street sign — each personally collected and saved by Shirreffs just prior to the racetrack closing.
The collection is being offered in accordance with the wishes of Shirreffs, who died on February 12, 2026 at his home in Arcadia, California. Even prior to his passing, Mr. Shirreffs had begun to disperse the important pieces in his collection as it was his specific intention that the memorabilia be shared with the general public and that it benefit the racing community.
“John so loved our sport and referred to our time with Zenyatta as ‘Camelot,’” said Dottie Shirreffs of her late husband “To share special pieces from Zenny’s thrilling and historic time with us has always been John’s wish and we started doing so some time ago. This auction represents the continuation of John’s vision, and what an honor it is to share his collection with her beloved fans and admirers.”
Proceeds from the auction of the Shirreffs collection will benefit Breeders’ Cup Charities and other non-profit organizations that Shirreffs supported including The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, and Old Friends Retirement Farm.
“The charitable giving resulting from these pieces will benefit the organizations who do so much to assist the horses and humans who are so devoted to our sport” added Shirreffs.
“John Shirreffs’ legacy is defined not only by his extraordinary accomplishments as a horseman, but by the humility and generosity he brought to our sport,” said John Keitt, Chief Operating Officer of Breeders’ Cup Limited. “Zenyatta delivered some of the most unforgettable moments in Breeders’ Cup history, and these treasured pieces represent her remarkable story. We are honored that John’s wishes will allow fans to share in that history while supporting Breeders’ Cup Charities and other organizations that serve the horses and people who devote their lives to Thoroughbred racing.”
Items from a number of other Shirreffs-trained horses will be represented in the auction, including rare pieces from 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo, 2009 Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic winner Life Is Sweet and 2007 Santa Anita Derby winner Tiago. An avid racing history enthusiast, additional artifacts from Shirreffs’ personal collection to be offered include a race-worn Triple Crown winning shoe from Whirlaway’s historic 1941 Belmont Stakes victory and a shoe worn by five-time Horse of the Year Kelso in his 1965 Whitney Stakes victory.
Selected items from the collection are available for public viewing at Cross Gate Gallery. Additionally, a special preview of the Shirreffs collection will take place on October 29 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at 325 W. Main St. in Lexington during the official Breeders’ Cup week festivities. As part of The Racing Memorabilia Auction Speaker Series, “Zenyatta: The Treasures of A Queen," will feature special guest Dottie Shirreffs, who will share an insider’s glimpse of Zenyatta and her husband’s training of the beloved champion, as well as the backstories for the related auction items on display.
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For more information, contact Jacqueline LeMastus at 502.554.6403 ,or visit theracingmemorabiliaauction.com