Zenyatta created history by becoming the first mare to win the Breeders' Cup Classic at an emotion-charged Santa Anita on Saturday night.

In keeping with all her previous victories - which had come against her own sex - she was settled right at the rear of the field by regular jockey Mike Smith.

With half a mile to run the five-year-old was still some 15 lengths off the pace being set by Godolphin's Regal Ransom.

Johnny Murtagh booted Rip Van Winkle up into second but was one of the first beaten as Zenyatta began to make stealthy headway.

Gio Ponti hit the front with over a furlong to go but once the unbeaten star of American racing - named after the Police's third album 'Zenyatta Mondatta' - got into the clear there was only going to be one result.

Henry Cecil's Twice Over ran an absolute screamer in third.

There was drama before the race had even begun when Todd Pletcher's Quality Road refused to go into the stalls and had to be scratched.

Zenyatta was a little reluctant to load first time around and thought about going in the stalls for a second time before finally relenting.

Smith kept his cool on the John Shirreffs-trained fans' favourite and resisted the temptation to make his ground too early but she won going away to take her record to 14 from 14 - despite the fact it was her first race against the colts.

Shirreffs said: "Tears are coming to me eyes and I just can't believe it. What a great, great filly.

"She came out of the gate and was on the wrong lead and it took her a while to get going. She's just all heart isn't she?.

"I love everyone here. They cheer for her, they clap for her and she does a little dance for them - what a relationship.

"When she got out and started to come with her big challenge I got excited and when she crossed the finishing line in front it was unbelievable.

"This is the championship of races and I hope that people appreciate what they have seen."

Smith said: "I was a little concerned at what happened at the start. When she went back in the gate I didn't want to move her, but then I thought she might not move period when the gates opened so I was worried.

"When she jumped she was on the wrong lead but eventually she got on to her right lead and warmed to it.

"At the half-mile pole the field was stacked up in front of me and I thought there was no way I could get round, but they parted like the sea.

"I kicked on but she heard the crowd and started to pose and prick her ears. I got after her and she galloped on.

"I think she must be sent from God.

"It takes an incredible, incredible mare to beat the colts, but her stride and size is unbelievable.

"I wish Rachel Alexandra had been here as Zenyatta could have really proved to the world what she is all about.

"If there had been another horse in front she could have caught him too and only does enough.

"She's horse of the decade by far and will go down as one of the greatest horses of all time."

Cecil said of the Khalid Abdullah-owned Twice Over: "He's run the best race of his life and just met a great filly."

Teddy Grimthorpe, Abdullah's racing manager, added: "It was the first time on that surface for him and he travelled well and ran on really gamely.

"We will certainly look at Dubai after this and consider a shot at the World Cup. As for Hong Kong, I'm not so sure."

Murtagh said of Rip Van Winkle: "He's got a huge stride on him and I didn't really want to break it.

"I was four horses wide but I got in and was in a lovely position but at the four pole I knew my fate.

"He was hanging a little bit left and I think a hard year might have left its mark on him. For me he is a miler."