Good Morning Dear Friends!
I am absolutely elated this morning! I am so honored and thrilled to share the news with you that SANTA ANITA PARK, The Great Race Place, has commissioned Nina Kaiser to create a life-size bronze statue of ME. It is to be installed directly across from John Henry’s statue at the south rim of the Kingsbury Fountain.
I will be located right there to GREET the fans as they enter the track through the main grandstand gates. I will be facing eastward and right by the path the horses take when they walk from the receiving barn to the paddock area directly before each race.
I am SO EXCITED and SO DEEPLY, DEEPLY HONORED!
Nina created this beautiful JOHN HENRY Statue (shown above) for Santa Anita….and now she is completing the finishing touches of ME…a LIFE-SIZE ME!
Another thing that is so special about all of this is while I was at BARN 55, NINA took all of my exact measurements. She visited the barn on several occasions when MY JOHN felt it would be comfortable for ME so she could measure and study ME. Nina knows ME very well….every precise INCH OF ME….from these ‘measuring sessions’! So this statue will truly be a very accurate representation of ME!
From all reports, track management’s plan is to unveil ME during the fall meet at Santa Anita….which usually begins late September and this year will run through Breeders’ Cup. To date, MY TEAM does not know the date when this will take place.
As I hear more of the news, I will definitely keep you posted.
Please enjoy the article in today’s Daily Racing Form written by Jay Hovdey and his interview with Nina about her work on this project, (Blush, Blush!)
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
kelly-Allentown, Pa
Love you Zenyatta! ^-^
signofthetimes
Congrats on being number one;
On this special day OUR QUEEN announces
Her life size statute at Santa Anita
Keta
What great news! A well deserved honor!
For Z’sters especially the girls who post that thery are planning to be jockeys.
This is a good article. Worth the read.
It talks about the good and the bad of being a jockey.
Horse racing notebook: Females jockeying for status in sport
Excerpt:
Gender inequity among jockeys continues to fade. Julie Krone was the knock-that-wall-down lady, becoming the first female to win a Triple Crown race (1993). Chantal Sutherland has burst forward as one of Southern California’s top jockeys. And who can name any young female riders better than Rosie Napravnik?
http://www.chron.com/sports/article/Horse-racing-notebook-Females-jockeying-for-3334881.php
Have a wonderful day of celebration with the Z and the Team!
Linda Shull
Fastastic news. Will be planning a trip to see the statue. You are loved by so many, many people.
Sue/Florida
Hi Z,
Wow what an honor!!
I am speechless this is so wonderful!!
Love to you and baby zbie
Linda Shull
Fantastic news. Will be planning a trip to see the statue. You are loved by so many, many people.
Rhonda Clements
How wonderful!!!!!This is the kind of thing that should be done for the greatest horse I have ever seen in my lifetime!!!! I have no doubt your glory will live on in history as does the other great horses and also have no doubt when experts are ranking them you will be at the top and will always be our Queen!! I love you Zenny Congrats to all of Team Zenny The Mosses and John her wonderful trainer who knew exactly what she needed to make her great!
debbie bassett
What an honor! No one deserves it more. You will always hold a special place in everyone’s hearts. I can’t wait to see it! Congratulations to the Queen and her team!!
Brigid
“a lifesize me …” reminds me of George Burns taking the stand to testify in “Oh, God” and swearing to tell the truth “so help me ME” …
this is Wonderful News!!!!! Can’t wait to see it.
Shema Satya
Oh Zen! I have goosebumps this is so thrilling. and so perfect for you to be at Santa Anita. oh I am thrilled right along with you and your team.
how’s baby, kicking alot? I bet very ready to come out and greet the world!
Victoria
Truly a glorious moment! Congratulations! And at one of the most beautiful inviting race tracks in the country! AND HOME OF ONE OF YOUR GREATEST WINS. Shortly after your likeness is up and available to see, the grass will be completely worn down with the footsteps from the thousands who will come to “visit” you.
Pam
What a wonderful tribute to a beautiful girl – YOU! Much love!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z and Z Fans:
Think having a life size statue of you at Santa Anita is absolutely perfect. Nina will do a fantastic likeness (as she already has done in the Bronze). My dream will be to come to SA some day and see you and John Henry. Hope you and TT are having a great day together in your paddock (weather permitting). Love you and love to all of you, Judy and Russ
Dawn Deems
This is such great news!! Zenyatta and John Henry… two of my absolute favorites. Hope to visit Santa Anita someday.
Hugs and kisses from Ohio. XOXOXO
JAG / Extremely Happy Auntie Judy / So. CA
@ Dawn Deems
My two ABSOLUTE FAVORITE horses, too!!! :D
Kris O. - Chicago suburbs
@Judy, I am sure this more than made your day!! :)
Keeping my fingers crossed for March 9
Might be coming to LA/Long Beach for a business trip and trying to figure out how to visit the track too…
Trina Nagele in So Cal
That’s great Kris. Would it be your first visit to SA? I hope it all works out for you.
Elizabeth G.
This news is SPECTACULAR! We will be abel to see you everyday, and your statue will surely bring joy to all. Everyone will surely stand in awe of your greatness and grandeur and will smile at your “everlasting dance ” to racing. It will be Valentine’s Day everyday at Santa Anita.
Love, Love, Love you Zenyatta!
Ann Maree / Tennessee
Great article in the Telegraph Australia edition with drawn between the careers of Black Caviar and Zenyatta, and recognition given of the enormous boost to a sagging sport which both mares contributed over their long careers.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/superracing/black-caviar-has-lifted-racing-industry-to-a-whole-new-level/story-fn67r1j3-1226271999347
Viva la Zenyatta!!!! Viva la Black Caviar!!!!
Ann Maree / Tennessee
Should have said “with comparisons drawn…”
Terri Z/ So Fla
Thanks Ann Maree for the terrific article comparing the American and Australian queens and their effect on racing.
The girls really have it going on. And now, they have had positive influences on retirement options for thoroughbreds and preventing horse slaughter.
They have brought the “fairer sex” to the race tracks and that has promoted better treatment for these wonderful animals.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Ann, great article! Thank you for sharing!
Keri Mattingly
Congratulations Z! That’s a wonderful tribute to such a sweet and talented lady!!
Elizabeth G.
This news is SPECTACULAR!
We will be abel to see you everyday, and your statue will surely bring joy to all. Everyone will surely stand in awe of your greatness and grandeur and will smile at your “everlasting dance ” to racing. It will be Valentine’s Day everyday at Santa Anita.
Love, Love, Love you Zenyatta!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Since Signofthetimes posted a video link yesterday of Monty Roberts and his Mustang, Shyboy, I have been trying to find out more about Shyboy. It turns out that after Monty R. turned him loose to join a wild herd, he came back to Mr. Roberts the next day and is with him today on his farm. I found this adorable video that I thought all of you would like to see. Hugs, JB
http://www.montyroberts.com/horses/shy-boy/shy-boy-vid-1/
Eveline / Maryland.
Cute video, thanks Judy.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Eveline:
You’re so welcome. Hugs, JB
Julie DuVall / Ontario, CA
I got to meet Shy Boy at the Equine Affaire a few years ago. Monty Roberts did a demonstration with him and after they were done, Shy Boy went around the perimeter of the ring and insisted on greeting every single person standing at the rail. So much for being a “wild mustang”! As Zenny would say, it was TOO CUTE! :)
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Lisa and Dawn:
You’re so welcome. Hugs, JB
Dear Julie:
How wonderful that you got to meet Shyboy. He has quite an outgoing personality. Hugs, JB
Lisa B./Escondido, CA
Such a cute video. Thanks so much for sharing Judy!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Judy, that was too fun!!!! Thank you!
Marty R / Colorado
Judy, We must have been on the same quest this morning as I also found this. Thought it was so great how he RAN into the trailer. I did actually know he had returned and was diaappointed there wasn’t a part 4 yesterday. Glad you found this, too.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Marty:
That’s what prompted me to look for more info on Shyboy. The Part 3 didn’t actually explain if he stayed with the herd or returned to Mr. Roberts. I love the way he runs into the trailer too .Hugs, JB
Jan S. in Houston
Zenyatta,
What a Thrill and Honor to have your own statue at Santa Anita. Immortalized forever.. Hope you are feeling well and getting some rest and pampering before your big day. All my loving coming your way Mommy Z. xoxo
sharon in seattle
such exciting news and such a WELL DESERVED honor!! Can’t wait to have my picture taken with your statue and John Henry’s statue. I have a Seabiscuit statue photo from my trip to the Derby in . . .I think it was 2005. Lines will start forming EARLY in the AM at Santa Anita!! thinking of you and Tasty!
Lauren
Congratulations on your wonderful honor!!! I am sure you will look lovingly at all of the patrons entering the track!!!
I hope you and Tasty are doing well today. Only 14 more days until March 1st. I can’t wait until the baby is born!!!!!!!!!
Love and kisses beautiful girl.
Gloria Jeanne "O.C." SO CAL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMzqwwoK84E&feature=channel
Check this out – in case you have not seen this yet! Congrats to Zenyatta and her Team- Way to go- I can’t wait to visit Zenyatta at Santa Anita – TOO CUTE.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Gloria, isn’t that a great video! The detail of Nina’ work is amazing!
Gloria Jeanne "O.C." SO CAL
Indeed it is – I love everything Zen. YouTube has such wonderful video’s of Zenyatta- whenever I am feeling blue I look on there and watch video’s of Zenyatta and within seconds I am smiling ear to ear.
harold moore
GREAT NEWS BIG Z you are one of a kind.
Pati
I am going to see it during Breeder’s Cup. This is very exciting news!! I read the article last night, and I was very excited!
Sharyn - Vermont
How exciting and so deserving!! I saw the John Henry statue last fall when visiting Santa Anita and was in awe over the beauty of it! Just picturing you there opposite him is a thrill of a lifetime!! How perfect it will be with the Breeder’s Cup back there this year……Probably second best to actually getting to visit with you – one day!!
Great article and congrats to you and all of Team Z!!
Ann Maree / Tennessee
Z, one of the things I got from the article is that Nina will be sure your dapples are prominent! She said it just wouldn’t be “you” without those!!! I think I read the unveiling will take place this fall at the 2012 Breeders Cup at Santa Anita! Really am so proud for you and for your lovely family. I know all at Barn 55 are also very happy. I still miss you so much on the track. but am happy you are in a wonderful retirement, that you continue to draw positive light to the sport and that the honors just keep coming. What a thrill! So deserving. Hugs. Love you, Ann Maree
Stella Bagwell in South Texas
Dearest Zenyatta,
What fabulous news! No one deserves this more than you, dear girl! I so, so hope I can travel to Santa Anita to see it one day! I have no doubt the statue will depict you perfectly—look beautiful–as always! :)
Hope You and Tasty are having a fun and relaxing day. Kisses and treats to you both!
Love,
Stel
Cheryl
Well deserved honor, now they need to rename a race in your honor!
Love you always!
Michael
Dairy Post? Silly Z. :-P
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
After reading here all day yesterday, I just caught that too!
Shanda Hooton
Oh Zenyatta this is such an honor and noone deserves it more than you. You will never be forgotten you are a legend and will be remembered and talked about for years to come! You have brought joy and excitement to so many people. You are the reason I learned the meaning to true passion and it is never to late to dream and make dreams come true,,,it may sound silly to some but it is the truth and I am proud to say it. You have given me so much!!!! Congratulations!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Shanda, it doesn’t sound silly at all!!! I believe Zenyatta has made dreams come true for most of us who adore her!!