Happy Monday Everyone!
I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend. It was nice here…and I know it was pretty on the East Coast. California had quite a bit of rain. It is probably their last few days of rain for this season so it is good they had it. It was great weather to enjoy all of the MARCH MADNESS games on TV. The teams have now gone from 64 to 32 and the Sweet Sixteen play next weekend! Good luck to all who have made it to this level!
I just love this photo of my friends from BARN 55 hanging out in MY STALL! There’s my Mario and Steve sending me a big HELLO. They are on each side of the group. Junior, posed in the front, used to walk me and graze me often in the afternoons. Cheva did too. They tried to help Mario out with me and helped to take care of me on his days off. So sweet! Michelle actually took this picture so she is not in it…but sent her regards.
MY BARN 55 Friends keep in very close contact with me. John and Dottie update them all of the time on my well-being. It is great to see their familiar faces again!
YOU will love seeing them as well! With the contest, Dottie and I have decided that my BARN 55 Friends are the ones who will be pulling out the postcards from the containers. So, Mario, Steve, Michelle, Cheva, Frank and my friends are going to be the ones pulling out the LUCKY CARDS for you. John is going to video this and we will post it all from BARN 55.
Dottie is in the process of confirming with the Post Office the address to use. We should have that in the next day or so. We wanted to alert them as to the number of cards that might be submitted. It is getting exciting! Once the address is on the web-site, we will give you a full week to submit the cards. Then the DRAWING of names begins!
We are also confirming with NINA the details of the BRONZE. She said she is sending the first shipment of them out this week to people who have ordered them. What a thrill!
One other important thing is happening later this week. I will be scanned again to be sure everything is A-OK on my 28 day check-up! HOOVES CROSSED!
YOU will be the first to know!
I’m off to play with my paddock pals. They all send you a big HELLO!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Kathy Baldwin
Thanks for the positive Hollywood Park
thoughts Sharon, Kathy K., Karen G, DJ
and everyone else of Zen’s friends. If
Hollywood Park is good enough for Zenny
and all her “Connections”, it will always
be good enough for me.
I love Hollywood Park! It is so historic
and has the most beautiful infield! And
most everyone there has always been so nice and helpful. I believe that God does
work in mysterious ways and he will work
in favor of Hollywood Park! I think you
would agree Zen, wouldn’t you? After all,
you are a gift sent from Heaven. :)
Kathy from SoCal
L.S.
@Happy Harriet & Bridget,
The cold hard fact is, race tracks don’t make money on live racing anymore.
The Preakness, the second jewel of the Triple Crown was in serious jeopardy earlier this year because live racing almost didn’t happen at Pimlico. (here is a link to one story about it. http://www.wbaltv.com/news/25953084/detail.html)
We’re talking one of the biggest TELEVISED races and it was a scramble to keep it due to the inability of race tracks to turn a profit on live racing. If Pimlico with that big race as an anchor can’t make ends meet, what do you expect a relatively unknown racetrack like Hollywood Park can do?
Ask the typical lay person what track they think of when you say Zenyatta and I’ll bet that 8 out of 10 will say Santa Anita. People outside of CA wouldn’t even think of HP, they think Santa Anita because that’s where Zenyatta’s big wins came.
The hard economic fact is, Hollywood park is worth more as real estate property than it is as a race track.
In cold hard terms as much of a shot in the arm as Zenyatta was to racing, while she was racing, the majority of her fans are not going to continue to go to a track. That means no money being spent at the concession stands, spent at the betting windows, spent in the gift shops. Not at the levels that race tracks need to start operating out of the red.
Sally (B)
Hi my lovely Z; ! I am elated that because of your endearing ways and greatness, they had this picture taken.
Most importantly will be your 28th day check up Z! I just know, but pray it will be great news! Have you felt any morning sickness? Actually mine occurred when I layed down to go to bed at night. Not to worry, you go an have fun with your friends! Miss seeing you.
Love and 2 kisses on your soft nose.
Dani
@J Smith – beautiful and touching wish.
Kathy Baldwin
Oh, and Karen G., you are right about the
Forum next door to Hollywood Park. So much
Laker’s history and so many awesome concerts
there over the years! I consider both places
to be vintage!
Kathy from SoCal :)
Sue Noel
I just noticed something while trying to go back to the first posts on this site and go forward to where I first joined the group,somewhere about number 55 or 56.
Maybe I am missing something,but it seems that if you go all the way back to the first,open that one and read it,there is no way to look at the second post without starting back from 208 again–and so forth.
Is there a way to go through them in order that I am just too computer-inept to figure out?? If not,perhaps there is a way to add that capability to this wonderful website. It is so much fun to re-visit some of the earlier sites to recheck our favorite things–especially number 100,where we get to “ride”the Queen!!
Just a thought –hope maybe there’s already a way and I just haven’t figured it out yet.
Sally (B)
Shari Voltz said
I think it special what you have brought to the class room. It is a way to excite your class, promote writing/learning; but it must be that you choose Zenyatta as your interest. I have excited my three grandchildren who now love Zenyatta but I would never expect a winner of a bronze to present it to me or my grandchildren. If anything, if you want suggestions; don’t ask for yourself, think of giving to charity of thoroughbred race horses. Who is the true owner of this bronze?
Sally (B)
Sweet Z, my sweet peppermint; I have heard that you can not be visited, I understand right now; but I am still hoping I can see you in fall in your paddock. I am healthy, and have not seen any other horses. My heart belongs to you.
love, and 2 kisses on your nose.
Hilltophorsewoman No Cal
Dear Zenyatta, What a wonderful picture of your California “staff”. I too miss you being in California. I loved it when you were racing because it always gave me something to look forward to. Your races were so thrilling! I am excited about the postcard contest and especially since Barn 55 will be involved in it. To win one of the bronzes of you would be beyond belief.
I pray that your 2nd US looks good girl and you are getting lots of TLC and treats . I just came in from giving Bodie and Savannah their afternoon snack of carrots and lots of hugs. We have had so much snow this year, they are actually standing about 2 feet above their stall entrances.
It would be awful if Hollywood Park ended (Happy Harriet’s post) I would love it if all of Zenyatta fans could have a reunion there sometime. Love you Z!!
Maryyette
Hugs and good wishes, Sweet Girl!
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: Please be sure to thank Michelle for this terrific picture. What fun it is to go behind the scene of Barn 55 and meet the incredible staff. I recognized Mario and Steve right away.
Yes, it was a very nice weekend here on the east coast. But wait, tonight we are suppose to get 1 inch of snow. It was a rough winter and no one is happy with this weather report. We were thrilled when spring finally sprung. When I was out to see your race this past summer at the Del Mar, I was told that March is the rainy season for southern CA. At least your CA friends do not have to deal with snow! Anyways, you are right; this week is going to be very exciting!! The contest is about to begin! Such fun!!! Do you think 7 days is enough time for the east coast fans to send their cards to a CA address? I hope so!!!! I better get my postcards tomorrow. No time to wait. Such fun!!! I am keeping my fingers crossed waiting to hear the news with your second scan. Very exciting! Take care, Zenny. Love, Linda
DJ
Nan: On Diary Posts 66 and 71 and there is information about Nina Kaiser’s website for purchasing of the Zenyatta Sculpture. Please forgive me Nina, I gave the wrong site and do not want to risk repeating. Better to be safe. There is always a “bright light” on this Post to help : )
judy berube
Dear Z,
As I was reading the posts today, I noticed a special one from Julie Krone. She was a terrific jockey and she probably introduced “Girl Power” to racing. She’s gotta be a big fan of yours. Love to all of you. Judy and Russ
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
Love that pic of everyone there at Barn55-they all love you so much Zenyatta! Glad to hear that you are doing well. Looking forward to hearing where to send our cards and also fingers crossed for your 28 day scan!
You are unbelieveable!
Love & Blessings to you
Alex Bowdoin
Dear Z, I love seeing the Photo of your “Barn 55” family. It is Great…I miss seeing you run I have to say. I miss your dancing and seeing you run past everyone to win your races…Your great heart. But, I am so happy that you are now able to run free in your paddock and before you know it a Mother…We love you.
jeanie langford
Oh Zenyatta, how you are missed there is no horse out there even trying to fill your horseshoes. I can not wait for the contest to begin. I hope all is well with the scan, hooves crossed. Hugs and Kisses
carolyn
Folks, this was sent to me in an email. I wanted to share it with you all, it’s sad and heartwarming too. read on
Two Horses
Author Unknown
Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it.
From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse.
But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing….
Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.
This alone is amazing. If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.
Attached to the horse’s halter is a small bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.
As you stand and watch these two friends, you’ll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray.
When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back,
Making sure that the blind friend isn’t too far behind to hear the bell.
Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.
He watches over us and even brings others into our lives
To help us when we are in need..
Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.
Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way….
Good friends are like that… You may not always see them, but you know they are always there..
Please listen for my bell and I’ll listen for yours, and remember…
Be kinder than necessary-
Everyone you meet is fighting
Some kind of battle.
Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly…….
And leave the rest to God!
Soc
Barn 55 is a great group of people. You may be in Kentucky, by your still in the hearts of thousands!
Ellen from Mariposa
What a great photo of all those “Team Z” folks! I am looking forward to getting to know them a bit better as they pick cards for the contest.
.
I have been amazed in my visits to Hollywood Park how helpful and friendly everyone there is; not just the wonderful Barn 55 people, but everyone from the security guards to the custodians, from the “pony boys and girls” to the wonderful crew at the Winning Colors gift shop. Everyone was so gracious and willing to answer questions; and they all were so proud to have you there, Z. I felt I’d made a bunch of new friends my first time there!
Not only would it be very sad from a cultural and historical point of view for the track to close, but what of all those great people who work there?
(I still miss Bay Meadows and whenever I drive past the site now I can’t believe it is now all condos and such!)
.
On a more positive note; all the best for your 28 day scan!
Big Hugs (and a kiss on the nose) to everyone at Team Zenyatta!
Jenna
Good night gorgeous girl.
Thank you, Dottie, for all that you are ;)
Have a nice night everyone.
Sleep tight, Zenyatta.
Nighty night.
Jenna
And goodnight to Barn 55.
Joan
Hi Z, love the pic,I recognize them all from my visit there on your retirement
day.That was my first time at Hollywood
Park. Hard to believe it could all be just a memory soon. I fell in love with it.Art Deco to die for. The murals of the jockeys and horses who raced and rode there, many autographed. It was like stepping back in time. You could feel the history at every turn.The shops where race fans purchased clothing, had their hair done,jewelry stores all boarded up. But if you used your imagination you could picture it back then,full of people, enjoying a day at the races. You almost expected Hope and Crosby to come strolling out of one of the doors.I took so many pics and walked thru most of the races trying to capture what it was like back then. What a loss if it is sold and demolished. I do hope that your stall and of course Giacamo’s will be saved to be recreated at another site if the worst happens. I forone will donateto savethem both. Too much history of you and your owners to lose.
Well I hope your next sono is just perfect. Love ya Z
Tracey - Ottawa, ON Canada
I am sure all are missing you back in California! When when someone as special as you comes by it is hard to find another one to replace you. Have fun in the paddock with the girls, don’t kick your heels up too much, always have to be careful. Kisses to you Queen Z ….
Dani
@Carolyn – that story brought tears to the eyes. It is ‘sad and it is heartwarming’ but it is also full of such love. Very inspiring. Thank you for sharing that with us.
.
Tomorrow, March 23rd is Bernardini’s birthday. Please visit his Facebook and wish him a very happy birthday.
.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bernardini/183698388328464
Signofthetimes
Dear Zenny
So loved seeing your Barn 55 family in your stall
Remenicing. Thanks to Michele for taking the
picture. Waiting patiently for your next ultrasound. With
The warm weather I know you have been keeping
That embryo warm. Just went to Mr Besilu Facebook page
He is sure a doll. And he had a green leprechan hat on. Balance your 1/2 sister the dam and the great AP Indy as his sire. Can he run?
Everyone is waiting for his debut: especially at 4.2 million.
Will be sending you some delicious pears from Harry and David for your
Actual B-day next Friday. Maybe you can share them with your girlfriends and have a great B-day brunch. XXXXOOOO
Linda
Well, my goodness. I was thinking of you tonight, Zenyatta, and just found out the very, very good news. Congratulations to you and Bernie. What a way to bring in Spring in Kentucky. With child/foal…
Meredith
That is the most wonderful picture of the barn folks. I just love it. Go play!
Signofthetimes
@Dani
Thanks for sharing Bernies Facebook page. He looks so cute in
His birthday hat and his birthday suit. Love the collage of Zenny and
The cute photo of her flirting. He is soooo handsome and gorgeous.
I would love to bid on his first Moneigh. I think it goes to auction at
The Fastig sale in September
XXXOOO Z And B sitting in a tree kissing!!!!
Paula Higgins
Great picture of all the wonderful people who took care of Zenny. They should be very proud of the work they do, which is caring for one of GOD’s greatest creatures-horses. Thank you Michelle for the picture and to Dottie for posting it. Can’t wait to hear how Zenny’s foal is progressing. Keeping my hooves crossed.
Barb France
Everyone in Barn 55 has a smile and it’s great to see everyone who took care of you, Zenny! Thanks Michelle!
Z, hooves crossed that your next scan will positive.
@carolyn…what a wonderful story, thanks for sharing.
@Barbara Wood-praying your surgery went well.