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
Dawn
Enjoy these days Zen. They are ones you will remember forever!!!
Debbi Martin
Dear Zenyatta, I am so excited for you that you get to see Life Is Sweet soon. I bet you two will have a wonderful reunion, and I think it is very fitting that a friend with that name is waiting for you as you embark on a new life. Oh, how I will miss seeing your come from behind thrilling rushes, but I must admit that you’ve come close to giving my heart a scare. :) You have nothing else to prove on the race track and so much more to offer your sport by passing on part of you to future generations. I am happy that 60 minutes will be following your arrival, because I’ve been wanting to take the day off to come see you arrive, but I am a school teacher and really need to be in my classroom. I am sure you understand. THANK YOU so much for sharing yourself with all your fans, and I can’t wait to come to Lane’s End to see you since I can’t make it California.
Sue B
This is a new beginning for Zenyatta. Go Girl. She’s a come from behind horse. Could she have the large heart that Secretariat had? Studies show that large hearts are inherited from the dam. Could we see another Secretariat from Zenyatta’s offspring? What a thrill it would be.
Laura Miller
I look forward to your posts everyday Z! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and daily activities with us. I hope your retirement celebration is awesome for you, I will be watching on TV and sending you love and positive thoughts for a safe trip to KY! Lots of Love, Laura
Bailey G.
Zenyatta, the only thing missing in that picture are some pink polo wraps! I think you are beautiful in ANY color though :) Lime green would look quite dashing too.
I love that Mario has something so special to remember you by. I can’t imagine what it will feel like for your family to walk by your stall and hear something inside, but to pass by and it, well, NOT be you! They love you and always will!
I am excited to hear about all the coverage of your trip, you are a very special lady – the First Lady of Horse Racing if you will. It would be very exciting if Mike was able to wear a helmet cam at Hollywood Park the last time he rides you onto the track, I’m sure to see from your point of view would be amazing!!
jo johnson
Oh Isabelle how blessed you are. Zenny, you seemed to be saying, come on lets go a little faster just for fun! Please team, I dont want her to be lonely for her loved ones. She so much loves her family. Someone move here with her! Thank you John for taking pictures for Isabelle, as a rider, I know how special those are. ps guys, its supposed to be a high in the 20s on Monday here in Lexington and lows in the teens. Winter has suddenly come early
Nancy Love
Good Afternoon Zen……I hope John gets to video your last ride before you start your journey. My Husband and I loved watching the ride while John wore the helmet cam. We could feel your spirit and beauty during the ride. You are an incredible athlete. Your gal pal, NL.
Thoroughbred Info
Okay, this whole retirement thing just became real with the mention of the “last” ride and the jockey cam being worn one “last” time. I’m sure I won’t be the only one bawling my eyes out on Sunday, Zenny. I even cried last year during your FIRST retirement ceremony at Hollywood! And now look at everything else you ended up accomplishing during the 12 months between that date and now. Parting is such sweet sorrow, indeed…
We really enjoyed visiting with you a few weeks ago for our birthday. Thank you for posing for a few photos with us. And we hope your hard-working crew enjoyed the carrot cake!
Love you mucho, Big Girl!
Cynthia Moore
Dear Queez Z,
Seing you win the Breeders Cup Classic in 2009 was the highlight of my life. I have never heard a crowd roar like that. I wish you all the best and I hope I get to see you in Kentucky sometime. You are truely amazing !!! All the best to you and your connections.
Felicia H
Love all the posts. Someone needs to get fathead.com to make a poster of Zenyatta! Wouldn’t that be the coolest thing on the wall- her and Mike galloping at you!
Leslie
Zenyatta, you have meant the world to me. As it gets closer to your departure from Hollywood Park, I get teary eyed. I’m going to miss you so very much.
Thanks for sharing the pic of you and Isabelle. It looks like you both were having fun. That is a very pretty saddle cloth.
It is exciting that 60 Minutes is going to film your trip to Kentucky. Please let us know when it is going to be aired. I don’t want to miss it! I hope they also include showing you in your new home. Your fans would love to see that.
I hope the jockey cam works!! It would be great to have that one more time.
Have a nice afternoon, sweet girl. Enjoy your celebration week!
Love always,
Leslie
Sharon Bank
Zenyatta, you bring tears of joy to my eyes. I have owned horses for over 30 years, and I don’t think I have ever seen any horse quite as magnificent as you. You were the horse of my dreams when I was a 5-year-old girl. Have a safe trip, and God bless!
Sharon
http://www.CoolFitWear.com
Sara
Oooooh! I would be soo happy if I were to see another cam ride! I cry every time I watch the first one. You are truely one amazing horse and no other could ever ever replace you! <3 you Z! :]
Jennifer Hodell
I also begin to cry everyday when I read these post. Mario…I so worry about Mario. How is he going to handle not waking up to Zenyatta every morning??? My heart hurts for him!!!
cheryl
ZENYATTA simply the BEST!
ZENYATTA connections, simply the BEST.
THANK YOU for taking the time to keep all us fans and admirers in the loop, much appreciated.
Lori Koellner
QUEEN ZENYATTA, You & Isabelle looked WONDERFUL. You look BEAUTIFUL in PINK. I will be watching your APPRECIATION DAY. I wish I could be there. Please let us know when 60 minutes will air your trip. THANK YOU for everything you have given us. I LOVE YOU LADY Z & TEAM ZENYATTA. Love Lori XOXO…
Candace
This made me cry….I cant wait to see you Monday Zenny but I have to admit that I hate that things have to end. There will never be another you.
Henrietta Wolfe
You are, PRETTY IN PINK!!! You are one busy girl and so loved. I am in awe of you and the fan base you have. I feel like a big part of me is moving to Kentucky. (*_*)I for sure will be back there to see you in the spring. I know you will keep in touch with all of us after you move. We MUST know how you are doing. (*_*) You are, AN ANGEL WITHOUT WINGS!!! The memories you are leaving us with will last FOREVER!!!!!!xoxoxoxoxxo
Jan
Zenyatta,
You walked right by me at the Breeder’s Cup. I can’t wait to see you again on Dec. 5th and 6th. Will come and see you in Kentucky. Lots of Love from Houston.
Jan
Nancy
I can picture it now…when you get turned out in a nice big paddock…unleashed, as it were, to run like the wind, your tail hiked up over your back, nostrils flaring, snorting (ladylike snorts, of course), drinking in the good Kentucky air of that spectacular farm, remembering all those you vanquished, what a life. Good job Zenyatta….good job.
Ella
Zenny-You & I share so much in common. We both like pink & have someone else do our posts! I just got off the bus & my mom couldn’t wait to show me your pic of your ride with Isabelle. You both looked like you were having so much fun! My mom told me John is working on the jockey-cam for Sunday’s party…we live too far away, so that would be really great. You are probably resting & relaxing right now. And yes, dress warm, winter is here on the east. I cannot wait for spring…I am saving money in my piggybank to try to come & see you. Do you like pink tulips? We have lots of them at our house & I will bring some for you. Anyway, cannot wait for Dottie’s next post! Love, Ella
PS As always, I will keep you close to my heart & in my dreams
Marty
I will miss you so much…..I don’t want to say goodbye. Before you I never liked horseracing. I feel blessed to have been able to meet you and have my picture taken with you. May god bless you and all of your babies!!!
Sandy
60 Minutes is where I found you, and I am thrilled to know that I’ll see you there again. Please, please, please – somebody let us know when it will be on. I don’t get any horse-racing TV channels so I am REALLY hoping that there will be some widespread coverage of your party on Sunday and arrival at your new home. Kentucky is beautiful, and I think you will love it there. I have to believe that Team Zenyatta will be sure that you don’t get homesick. Thanks again to everyone who has made you so accessible to all of us – even those of us who have never been “horse people” before we knew about you. Have a safe trip to Kentucky – hope to see you there some day. Sandy from Ohio
Pokeyann
We just love you, Z. I hope you know how much and we look so forward to reading your diaries and sharing your days! We hope to get out to visit you sometime soon but we live in Oregon so it might not be as soon as we’d like!
Linda Shull
Love these diary posts. Will they be doing these when you get to Kentucky (hope so)!!! Planning on a trip to Kentucky in the Spring hope they will let people visit you at Lane’s End.
Fran
Your post today brings tears to my eyes. Has to be so hard for your team. I wish I could be there to see you on Saturday, but unfortunately I can’t be there to see you in person. I will be glued to the TV for your party! I won’t say a farewell-it is a party to commence your new adventure. Love you Z!
Ingrid in MA
Jockey Cam!!!! YAH!!!!!!! Only wish it were Mike carrying it – would LOVE to see the 2 of you together again. There’s no better match-up than you and Mike. Wish it were Mike riding you in your retirement parade – that seems only fair, that the 2 of you “ride off into the sunset” together. You’re my Hero, Zenny! Love you!
Dawn
What an awesome birthday present for Isabelle! You look great on the track.
I will be watching your retirement ceremonies on TV (hopefully TVG shows it all).
Would LOVE to come visit you at Lane’s End some time. Please tell Ann, Jerry and John, that would be my greatest wish.
Love you!
Mary Stanford
Ok…this must be a girl thing….I sat here alone reading your post…am 63 years old…and I started crying when reading about Mario putting the pink towel on you. I know it is going to be so hard on many to see you leave CA. You have touched so many hearts and there has never been another like you. Yes…we love to watch you race…but your personality is what has truly won us all over …and to love you so much. Like the dancing and just to look at you and know how excited you are about people…and how people love you…then you give it back. Now how does a horse do that? There has to be a little human in there somewhere. All kidding aside…you are rare…one of a kind…and we all love you. I will be watching on Sunday from Virginia…on TVG and I will be watching the 60 minutes special….I see they all have fallen in love with you too there at 60 minutes. I will follow you while in Kentucky. I know you will make a great mom and there is no other joy in the world more than being a mom….I have two sons. You will stay in our hearts forever!!! Love you Z..
Albuquerque Greg
I thank God I have lived long enough to have experienced the joy Team Zenyatta has brought me and my family. And Mr. Shirreffs, you are in a class all by yourself as a horse trainer and a loving human being. If you had been in charge of another 17-hands-tall horse, Eight Belles, she would be still be racing and looking forward to her 6th birthday in February. If only the horse-training world would follow your example.