HAPPY THURSDAY TO ALL!
Yesterday was such a fun day! As I mentioned, Isabelle wanted to RIDE ME ONE MORE TIME for her Birthday. Here is the picture of us out ‘playing and exercising’ together. We look GREAT!
John took lots of photos for Isabelle and put them on a disc for her to keep. We hope she enjoys them…all of them.
Then, notice my saddle towel. When we were at Oaklawn Park for the Apple Blossom this year, the track made a pretty pink saddle towel for Mario to keep. The last few days, he has brought it out to the barn and has put it on me. I do look good in PINK…if I say so myself. (Of course, I also look good in PINK/GREEN as well.) This saddle towel is going to be something Mario will cherish forever.
I have continued to have so many visitors. I just think it is amazing the way people love to come and see me. I must say, I am quite flattered by this!
60 Minutes has been working with Dottie on filming my trip to Kentucky on Monday. They are getting security clearances now to film my leaving the barn and traveling to the airport in CA. This is so special.
I must say, I also love reading all of YOUR comments on the Diary. I will ask if they are going to show my ZENYATTA APPRECIATION DAY on TV. I believe TVG will show lots of it. Not sure about any other channel. I will try and find out for you.
The schedule for the day seems to be staying as we reviewed in an earlier Diary. After the horses leave the paddock to go to the track for the 6th race, I will go there. Then when the 6th race finishes, I will go to the front part of the race track. Too cute!
I also saw that some of you wanted Steve to wear the Jockey Cam one more time…so we could all have one more joyous ride together. John said he’d get the batteries charged up…and see if it will work! Oh, technology! Let’s see how it turns out!
It is all getting so exciting. I am one lucky girl!
With love,
Hugs~
Z
Sandra
I choke up with tears thinking about how I will no longer be able to see anymore of your exciting races and dance moves. I am glad you came through strong, able to retire and be a never foregotten icon in the industry. I will miss you Zenyatta, I dont believe I will ever be a fan/follower as much as I was for you!
Dawn A.
Holly T. Your words ring so true!! Zenyatta you are a very special lady! You have shown the masses what true Love is!! So glad your retiring while still healthy, happy, and so beautiful!! You have made a horse lover out of me!! Thank You Zenyatta!! Love to You!!
Gloria
Hey Big Mama Z and all of Team Zenyatta! Looking forward to the big day Sunday. Can’t wait to see ALL of you. Love you guys!!
ashley
Ahhh!!!! Z, my horses colors were pink and green too! Its been a month and three weeks since I put her down due to navicular and ringbone! :( Shed love u!! I know shes a fan!!!!!! =D Glad you had sooo much fun!! :D
Rita Stack
Beautiful Queen Z, I love you so much. You both look great, so nice of you to do that for Isabella. I know that you will have a wonderful time on Sunday. I am working on Sunday and cant go but I will record you. Please keep up the blogs, I will always be interested in your life, you have given so much to so many. Thank you.
Cheryl Heath
What a wonderful day for you and Isabelle. How special. I can’t think how it will be if we don’t get posts from you at the farm in Kentucky. I will see you on Monday at Keeneland.
Sophia
Z, I am already looking for the biggest box of Kleenex I can find because I know Sunday is going to be a tear jerker for me. But my heart is filled with so much joy in knowing I can bring my daughter to see you for her 1st time on Sunday. We have moved heaven and earth to be there to see you and it has been worth EVERY moment!!
Until Sunday beautiful girl…..
Dona
I think Ralph Cramden said it best, “Baby You’re The Greatest”.
Jess
Even on my worst days, you’re wins made me smile! I’ve been a loyal fan of yours for the three years you’ve raced. I’m sad to see ya go, but I will visit you in Kentucky!
Love ya big girl, thanks for the ride of a lifetime! and thanks to all of your connections for the many years of letting you grow into the champion you’ve become.
Lots of love to ya Queen Z.
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
Thanks for sharing the great pic of you and Isabelle, loaded with sunshine. You have given so many who haved followed you a ray of hope & joy in their lives as various as the different reasons that fans have made a personal connection with you…given us all a ride we will never forget. Keep those ears forward in anticipation of what is yet to come. Best Wishes. Will be watching for all the TV & TVG coverage I can get! Love to you Big Girl. cj
Sheila
What an awesome shot,you and Isabelle look so happy, and free as the wind-it just brings tears to my eyes-I’m so happy you’re keeping us up to date on your life, you have a Beautiful Spirit inside and out (and in my heart you won your last race)Keep us posted Zenyatta-Love You
Suzanne
Can’t wait to see you in Kentucky on Monday!
S
Have to stop reading these in my office! Tears every time and getting worse as we get closer to Sunday! But…I will be there:)
Annette Reynar
Z, I really hope that I can view the festivities they have planned for you this weekend. Not too sure we’ll get tv coverage here in Cananda but I do subscribe to HPI and have watched many of your races so I’m sure they’ll have you that day too. From all your loyal fans here in Toronto and at Woodbine, have a safe trip to your new Kentucky home and make babies as magnificent as you!
P.S. Its my birthday very soon, how I wish I was that lucky excersise rider, what a gift.
Zen-Fan
Zen-I hope Mike Smith also gets “one last ride!” I just read his comments on Daily Race Form & I feel really sad for him as well. It is apparent how much he loves you & will miss you. He stated he will jump the fence at the Farrish’s just to see you…that is true love.
Best wishes & lots of hugs & kisses
Elaine
I love reading your diary. I hope you keep it up when you go to Kentucky. We will all miss you so much here in California. So glad 60 Minutes is again doing a piece on you! I think a movie should be made about you NOW so YOU can star in it! No other horse could ever compare with you!
Mustang Man
Z, it’s not time to hit the mommy route. You need to start learning to jump and do dressage and become the first horse to go from being the greatest race horse of all time to the first race horse champion to become a GOLD medal Olympic Eventer, if its possible only you can do it. Your to young and to talented to start having babies.
Carol (U.S. Virgin Islands)
Zenny, please let your farewell parade at Hollywood Park be on another channel along with TVG. So many of us want to see you there and at Keeneland on Monday but we don’t get TVG. Enjoy your days Zenny. We love you!!!
helen rasmussen
Zenny. And Dottie I so wish I could be a part in all this!! I wish you all the best from the mid west!! I sure hope you continue to be happy and some lucky person is allowed to gallop with you at times as I truly believe that would make you happy! Lucky isabelle. I am glad she got such a nice birthday gift. Looking forward to coming to see you in 2011!! Big hugs and Peppermint kisses. Oh, be sure they have your Guiness in stock in KY!
Helen
Brittany
your such a pretty girl Queen Z, we love you :) thanks for the phenomenal ride
AnnG
The world is a better place because you are in it. Thank you for sharing with us!
Cathy Cook
I too get choked up when I read these. You have been such a big part of all or our lves. I know when you move to KY you are technically retired but would it be too much to write in your diary at least once a week?
Sissy
You are the best ever! We love you Zenyatta! Can’t wait to see Pictures and videos of the 5th and 6th. Can’t wait to see you one day! Be happy and be safe. Be forever ZENYATTA!
Alexandra Bowdoin
Dear Zenyatta,
It is great to see the picture of you and Isabelle having fun! I do like the PINK
saddle towell that was made for you and Mario. Something to be treasured forever!
Yet again I have tears in my eyes. You have touched many peoples hearts with your
Courage and Big Heart, the Look of Eagles is what you have! Thank you so much Dottie for posting her Diary every day! I think you should write a book on Queen Z?
Wow, 60 Minutes again. That is Fabulous News and I already have my DVD from the other show, will have to get another! I think the idea of another jockey cam, with Steve on you is Great! Hugs and Kisses
Sara
It’s sad that you are retiring Zenyatta. I still feel you had another good season in you. Why retire when you are still at the top? I am thankful your owners let you run this last year however. What a gift to true racing fans! I saw you win the Ladies Classic and wish I went back down again (I live in San Francisco) for the 2009 Classic. I don’t think I will be able to make it for your parade this weekend as I am getting ready for a move back east too (but not to have babies!). I have loved watching your performances through the years Zenyatta. You are a very courageous mare and you have inspired me to persevere in my own life as I work towards creating a more fulfilling life for myself while still holding onto my ideals. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Kate
Bella Zenyatta !!
Please keep us posted on the when and where of your 60 Minutes appearance! You are a beauty and a wonder and I will always marvel at you! And of COURSE you look good in PINK – GIRL POWER!!!
Jen
You beautiful girl…When I read these diary posts I am filled with joy and sadness at the same time. You will be greatly missed on the track. I do know that you will be happy and you will be a great mommy:)We hope to visit you in Kentucky. Enjoy your special day on sunday. You most definetely deserve it. We love you pretty girl. Please continue to write to us in Kentucky. It brightens our day!
jena hobert
Oh Zenyatta its been a few years since I galloped a racehorse but what a rush. Isabella is very lucky. I am jealous…..lol. I am going to check Lanes End website to see when we can come visit. I missed Secretariat I Will Not miss you. Dottie thank you for keeping us in touch with Zenyatta. Carmen hope you are over your cold. John thank you for the memories. Mario give the Queen extra hugs from all of us here. God Bless the Queen in our hearts you will always be. Secsea Dance, Salawgi,Simon and Picasso.
Theresa
I too get very emotional when I read these wonderful diary entries. I just am not ready to say goodbye! But then again, I never will be.
I really do hope TVG shows you Zenyatta! That way I can record it and hang on to that for a long time, just like the 60 Minutes piece.
Penny
Z…you are so cute and such a talented writer. If John could make a disc for Isabelle, maybe he could make a disc, or have one made, when 60 Minutes comes to follow your trip to Kentucky. It would be nice to include Zenyatta Appreciation Day. I will watch you on TVG but would like to own a piece of history. Have fun Sunday; travel safe on Monday!