Good Morning,
It is beautiful, crisp and clear in Inglewood this morning. We had a touch of rain…but nothing much to speak of last night.
Yesterday was amazing! I had over 100 visitors in the morning. Everyone was so kind. They came bringing all kinds of great goodies for me and the barn. There was an adorable carrot cake (heard it was tasty) wishing me good luck, lots of candy, homemade oatmeal cookies and more! Wow! My friends at the barn are eating up a storm!
One man who visited was in Vietnam the same time as John. It was very sweet to see them speaking together. Lots of memories…for sure. The day before a woman and her daughter flew in to see me from Minnesota. I gather the daughter (in her early 30′s) is having a ‘very serious surgery’ next week…from what the Mother told John. The girl’s wish was to come and see me before this happened. I can’t tell you how special this makes me feel. I will be thinking of her next week…sending her lots of hugs, warm hugs and sincere wishes for a speedy recovery.
The officials from Hollywood Park also stopped by to work with John on my ZENYATTA APPRECIATION DAY next December 5th. Sounds like fun! Not sure of all of the details yet…but I’LL BE READY!!!!
John and Mario will be sure my ‘hair and make-up’ is perfect! Wardrobe is also important. If it is a bit chilly, I do have a lovely closet full of blankets!
I’ll keep you posted on all of the further details.
Enjoy your Sunday, everyone!
Hugs to all~
With love,
Z
Patricia
Zenyatta! I sent John a note sending our appreciation for how you helped us get through a difficult crisis the day of this year’s BC. My 3 year old son has a chronic medical condition & to help us get through his illness, we planned all kinds of in-house activities centered around your race. It helped take our minds off our stress & it helped my son & my daughter to feel like it was just another exciting time for horse racing! This woman who came to visit you, I am sure is feeling such a boost emotionally after visiting with you. I know what a difference you made in our home & we are forever greatful. Stay warm with you blankets…cannot go wrong with PINK!!!
xoxo
Maureen Davis
So glad you liked our carrot cake, Zenny! I understand you have to be careful with your diet these days, but I hope your pals in the barn were able to have some of it. We’ll be there on Sunday to see you being honored, but I’m prepared to do alot of crying that day – we all love you so much!
Barbara
Oh I so hope it is televised. If not please make sure someone films this special occasion on You Tube. Zenny you the best. Enjoy your retirement. We love you. We will miss the excitement you brought to racing. Go forth and have babies. What a great mom you will be.
Have a great day on the 5th.
Jennifer Hodell
I’m trying as hard as I can to get there Dec 5th to see you.. Funds are tight but that would be the best Christmas present ever. Love ya Zenny!!!
keith
Queen Z,
Thank you so much for the great time we were allowed yesterday. It was one of the highlites in life for me. Although I have been in the business for over 30 years nothing compares to meeting such a wonderful individual. Although Dottie was not there, I did get to meet John and Mario and they signed your portrait that I gave to Robin for our anniversary. She loved it. John, Mario, and the whole crew were very gracious and allowed everyone there all the time they wanted to spend with you. This kind of attention and treatment for that attention is unprecidented. Even the great ones before you did not elicit this kind of stature. Well done Z!!!
Debbie
Dear, sweet Zenyatta. I am becoming very concerned. I just looked at the ESPN schedule and I don’t see your December 5th celebration anywhere. Please impress upon your team that you MUST be televised so we can all see you-no matter where we are. Please post the details when you can. Love and hugs!
jahlgren
Had to get me some of my Zenyatta fix. I sure wish I had snapped your picture at the BC 2009. I would love to come down to Hollywood Park and see you and pet you before you start your new life in Kentucky. Make sure those boys “court you right”. Nothing but organic carrots and Guinness if they want a serious date with you! Love ya,
Margaret Story
I am in Lexington,KY do you know if anything will be planned when Z arrives at Lanes End for her fans her in KY.
Thank you for all the posts, you are as special as always and LOVE, HUGS, AND KISSES TO YOU LADY Z!!!!
Zen-Fan
Dito to the comment on televising your Dec 5th celebration. So many of us would love to be with you in some way…yes, I am with Margaret…are they going to have any welcome party for you at Lane’s End? I am sure it will be a tough act to follow, but a carrot cake & fan day would be great, so those of us on the east coast can get our Zenyatta fix! Lots of love.
Dani
Dearest Zenyatta – As your farewell draws near I actually get a lump in my throat. I love horse racing but there will be a big void not being able to watch your long and magnificent strides as you fly by the other horses, one by one and cross the finish line in such spectacular fashion.
I watched the BC 2010 race again last night – I wanted to see that courageous, fearless mythical horse – a moment I still think was one of your most prized races – one where you overcame so many obstacles and nearly beat Blame. I think it was one of your proudest moments even in defeat. What other horse could match your heart in a race? None.
I think Mario put it best, “She is my champion. To me she never lost.” I feel the same way. I think we all do.
With love.
Barbara Wood
We’ve nicknamed our German Shepherd “Little Z” because she prances and dances like you! You are the best ever!
Margie Pabigian
Dear Zenyatta, I got to see you and touch you on Saturday. I’m still not over the joy and wonder of it all. It’s a life time memory locked away in my heart and mind. You have the most soulful eyes and I think you understand each persons need to be near you. I believe you are an angel sent by God at this moment in time for all the people who need their spirit uplifted. For people who need inspiration, maybe hope, perhaps a few minutes of pure magic. I think you give it all. Greatness comes in so many different forms. Your greatness comes from all the different possibilities, but it especially comes from your beautiful heart and soul.
Dottie, thank you for taking the time to chat with me on Saturday and assure me Z will not feel lonely and will have lots of good company at Lane’s End, including your wonderful son and other humans she knows. Make that special project a reality (I’ll be thinking of a name for my “own” Z baby. Thank you, Team Zenyatta, for this unforgettable ride.
Maria
Thanks Zennie for the update. Wow! that is really c o o l!!! You got a fan coming from Scotland to see you. See you this Sunday. I love you!!!!
Roxanne Cook
Zenyatta, it is so heartwarming to read these stories. I read somewhere that the whole Team Z will be accompanying you for the trip to Lane’s End, and hope the day will be video’d for youtube, just as your arrival at Churchill was documented a month ago. It’ll be tough for the team/family to say goodbye after that, but you’re *just* a few thousand miles from home base … it’s like you’re going away to college! I hope to drive down from Santa Cruz this Sunday to see your Appreciation Day. Have fun, and try not to toss Mario around so much with your enthusiasm.
Lori Koellner
ZENYATTA, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL IN EVERY SINGLE WAY AND PERFECT IN EVERY SINGLE WAY. IT JUST DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER THAN YOU. I LOVE YOU! Love Lori
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear Zenyatta and Family: Among the touching and inspiring stories about you, one seemed especially poignant to me. It said that after BCC’10, as you were on the way back to your barn, Garrett Gomez — riding Blame to the Winner’s Circle — stopped and saluted you twice. He was proud of Blame, people knew that; but he saluted YOU — TWICE — in respect and esteem. Those of us who know about you, admire and love what you stand for and mean to us, offer a different kind of appreciation; but to receive such admiration from that man, at that moment, said something else. With your innate greatness, and the special people who nurtured you to excellence and glory, you stand as a pattern for anyone who has never known better how to appreciate and treat living creatures; not only at the highest levels, but at any level. Thank you for this influence and the wonderful fun of learning from you all .. . And may this caliber of appreciation and care be yours in Kentucky at Lane’s End Farm, and all your life.
Sally Blank
Hi Zen!! I wish I could have been one of the one hundred people that saw you. I heard that you will be going to Keeneland in Kentucky for a “farewell to the fans” before Lanes End. Wisconsin is suppose to have it’s first bigger snow storm. God willing I will travel from Wi. after the storm so I can see marvelous you. Love
David Wyncoop
Dear Zenny,
I hope you got my card last week. You have given all of us such a wonderful ride over the past 3+ years. There has never been anything like you and I was around for Big Red (the 2nd) and live near his birthplace. You really laid it on the line with your 2010 BCC finish. It was something to behold! You ALWAYS ran your heart out and one could always predict the outcome of your races. Not many could ever claim that. You are the GREATEST!