John Shirreffs Collection Featuring Zenyatta Memorabilia Heads to Auction
According to BloodHorse, artefacts originating from the private assortment of the late Hall of Fame conditioner John Shirreffs will go on the block during the inaugural Racing Memorabilia Auction hosted by Cross Gate Gallery on December 3.
Memorabilia From Racing Icons
The Lexington gallery will host the event both in person and on the internet, showcasing a remarkable array of scarce trophies, historical pieces, and collectibles celebrating Thoroughbred racing’s storied past. Conditioned by Shirreffs and campaigned by Anne and Jerry Moss, Zenyatta triumphed in 19 of 20 career outings—highlighted by the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic—earned champion older female honors for three consecutive years from 2008 through 2010, and secured the 2010 Horse of the Year title. Highlighting the rare and historical treasures in the collection is Zenyatta’s original bridle, bit, and reins, worn throughout her racing career.
In a 2023 interview with the Horse Racing Radio Network, Shirreffs described the bridle as his most cherished piece of Zenyatta memorabilia. Also among the significant lots coming up for sale are the legendary mare’s competition-worn blue-and-white diamond browband—which graced the cover of BloodHorse’s Zenyatta Commemorative Collector’s Issue—alongside her authentic 2008 Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic embroidered morning saddlecloth, the matching champion winner’s blanket, her original leather halter, both training and race shoes, her Hollywood Park numbered stall plate, her interior wooden stall board, and the track’s genuine Zenyatta street sign.
Shirreffs Collection Shares Zenyatta Memorabilia with Public
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, Shirreffs had begun to disperse important pieces in his collection with the intention that the memorabilia be shared with the general public and benefit the racing community.
John so loved our sport and referred to our time with Zenyatta as ‘Camelot,’ Dottie Shirreffs said 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.
Proceeds generated by the sale will be directed to Breeders’ Cup Charities alongside other charitable entities championed by Shirreffs, such as the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and Old Friends Retirement Farm. Breeders’ Cup chief operating officer John Keitt noted that Shirreffs’ legacy is defined by the humility and generosity he brought to the sport.
Selected items from the collection are available for public viewing at Cross Gate Gallery. A special preview of the Shirreffs collection will also take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. ET on October 29 at 325 W. Main St. in Lexington during official Breeders’ Cup week festivities. As part of The Racing Memorabilia Auction Speaker Series, an event titled “Zenyatta: The Treasures of A Queen” will feature special guest Dottie Shirreffs.
The catalog will additionally feature collectibles tied to several other runners conditioned by Shirreffs, featuring scarce mementos connected to 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo, 2009 Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic victress Life Is Sweet, and 2007 Santa Anita Derby hero Tiago. Furthermore, the private Shirreffs holdings heading to the podium include a plate carried by Whirlaway during his legendary 1941 Belmont Stakes triumph that sealed the Triple Crown, as well as a shoe worn by five-time Horse of the Year Kelso during his conquest of the 1965 Whitney Stakes.