When Joe Pa’s world came tumbling down

A YEAR ago last weekend, tremors of excitement reverberated through America’s midwest.

Two of the heartland’s sporting staples, horseracing and football, were throwing up compelling storylines within minutes of each other.

It was the first Saturday of November and the finale of the two-day Breeders’ Cup was reaching its climax in Louisville, Kentucky. The nation’s favourite mare, Zenyatta, was chasing her 20th victory in her 20th and final race, the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Alas, she fell just short of the perfect career, overcoming a dreadful start to lose by a head in an incredibly exciting race. Her place in US folklore was secure nonetheless.