Zenyatta foal dies as Thoroughbred’s string of bad luck as broodmare continues

Zenyatta’s rather star-crossed career as a broodmare took another tragic turn Wednesday when her newborn fourth foal died of complications from a lung condition.

The colt was born at Lane’s End Farm on Monday but veterinarians discovered he had ingested fecal material into his lungs. The condition is known as meconium aspiration syndrome. Both he and Zenyatta were immediately taken to the clinic for more thorough care but the colt died Wednesday morning.

Zenyatta is fine and has returned to her regular stall.

Zenyatta has delivered four foals, and this was the second to die, both sired by War Front. Less than two years ago Z Princess, the first filly born to Zenyatta, was euthanized after a farm accident. She was playing with other young horses when one crashed into her and broke her back.

Cozmic One, sired by Bernardini, finished an unimpressive sixth and seventh in his only two races last year. Earlier this year, trainer John Shirreffs told The Times that he was still hopeful of running Cozmic One this year in a longer race where speed isn’t as important.

Zenyatta’s second foal, Ziconic, sired by Tapit, debuted at Santa Anita in February with a strong rally reminiscent of his mother to grab third. However, when he ran back a month later he finished a lackluster fifth.

john.cherwa@latimes.com

@jcherwa