Zenyatta's little sister wins first race

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INGLEWOOD, Calif., Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Eblouissante, a half-sister to 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta, won her first start Friday, running much like her elder sibling.

Eblouissante raced near the back of the field for the first half mile of the $45,000 maiden event at Hollywood Park, came out for running room when urged by jockey Corey Nakatani, and shot by the leaders in the stretch to win by 4 1/2 lengths.

That running style was similar to the pattern that got Zenyatta 19 straight wins.

Both are daughters of the mare Vertigineux. Eblouissante is by Bernardini. Zenyatta was sired by Street Cry.

"She has so many mannerisms like Zenyatta," said trainer John Shirreffs, whose barn has been home to both. "So when she left and Eblouissante came in, it was like she was still there. It's a thrill, it really is. We're very excited about her. She's such a beautiful race horse.