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
Joan
I love you so much, too, dear Zenyatta. It won’t be the same next year without you. I hope they do allow us to come see you at Lane’s End sometimes. You will be much closer to me there, but how I wish I could come see you on Sunday. I hope you enjoy your day and I know the crowd will show you the love we all feel for you. I hope you will be happy in your new life in KY. I know it is time for you to move on to this new phase of your life, but how we will miss you. I don’t know how those closest to you will stand being without you in their daily lives. These diaries are wonderful but I get tears in my eyes reading them, too. Love you, Queen Z.
Delrene
Today when I saw you sporting your pink towel, I cried. I hate to see you leave Ca. Do you think Liza could sing your song at the Appreciation Day in your honor? Or at least her video on the big screen? I think it describes you perfectly!!! See you Sunday.
Grace Anderson
You are one great race horse. I wish you the best in Kentucky. I sure wish I could see you in person, I had a chance to see Seattle Slew in person. A day I will never forget. Just my Grandfather and myself. He would of loved to see you also. Please let us know if they do a DVD of your races and your life in Kentucky I would love to get it and put with the one I have of Seattle Slew. You will be greatly missed at the races. Wish you the best in all you set out to do. Take Care and God Bless you and the people who care for you.
Mary Alice Kier
Ahh Zenyatta – such joy with Isabelle’s birthday ride, Mario’s pink saddle cloth,
60 Minutes and Dottie working on your Goodbye Tour – this is the best and you deserve every moment…salute…tribute…
for the grand legacy you leave and your fans wanting more. WHAT A ONCE IN A LIFETIME RIDE YOU HAVE GIVEN US…..for this and your incredible Team Zenyatta I thank you!!
Rhonda Lynn
Darling Zenyatta, You have been a busy girl this week. So much great news about your Retirement Celebration. PINK is your color! You look fabulous.
You are such an inspiration to me, just like so many other fans have also expressed. I am always touched by all of the wonderful thoughts everyone posts, and I adore your Diary Posts. I too usually find myself reaching for the Kleenex.
I’m an actress and I am in awe of your zeal to be the strive to be the very best. After seeing you race I began to notice how auditions can be like racing…many are going for the win but only one is the most outstanding! You inspire me to be outstanding!
Thank you for all the sweetness and magnificence that you are. Thanks to team Zenyatta for allowing you to be your best and sharing you with us. I think you deserve your own Star on Hollywood Blvd. What do you think?
I hope to see you tomorrow and I will definitely see you on Sunday.
Much Love, xoxo RL
Gerrie P.
Zenyatta, your leaving is so heart breaking.
You are truly God’s treasured gift to all of your fans.
A special thanks to John for his superior training and care for your well-being.
How does one recover from Zenyatta fever?
tezkar
Zenyatta…words can’t express what the heart feels…you have touched my heart like no other horse…and I have loved horses all my life. Stay safe. I am sure you will be a great mom someday.
Love you
Beth Sinclair
Dear Queen Z from my heart to yours:
A look, a laugh, then the love.
A tear, a sigh, then goodbye.
Goodbye my friend, thank you for so many wonderful memories to be treasured forever.
Zenyatta forever!!!
I wish I could be in the USA for your appreciation day. I was watching the movie Secreatriat yesterday and I thought that soon, they’ll make a movie about you!! I tuned in on the 6th of Nov. to watch your last race. I live all the way in Kuwait (Arabia) I had school the next day but I just NEEDED to see you!! You deserve Horse of the Year more than anyone!! Rock on Queen Z!!
linda - ky
HI Z! I AM SO GREATFUL FOR YOU BEING HEALTHY AND SOUND, THANKS TO YOUR TEAM. I WILL MISS SEEING YOU RUN BUT HAVING MY OWN BROODMARES, I KNOW YOU WILL ENJOY YOUR NEW LIFE. I AM ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR YOUR ARRIVAL IN KY AND WILL BE AT KEENELAND TO SEE YOU WHEN YOU COME. WE DONT LIVE VERY FAR FROM WHERE YOU WILL BE AND HOPEFULLY I WILL GET TO VISIT YOU OFTEN. WE LOVE YOU HERE IN KY TOO!!!
Cathy Marshall
Hi Zen!
I just wanted to say that I saw you at Churchill Downs. You came through the tunnel, and I was standing right there. It was a moment I will cherish forever. You will be a great mom. Best wishes and enjoy your retirement.
Hugs and Kisses from Tennessee!
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, I was simply too emotional to write to you last evening after reading this post. The photograph is so exceptional and I can tell from your mane and tail flying in the wind that Isabelle was probably letting you boogie. And the pink saddle blanket, of course you look good in it and indeed Mario must treasure it too. I am overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of John, Dottie, Mario, Carmen and the entire team Z for sharing you with us. It’s no wonder that you have the mind set that makes you so special surrounded by all this love. Not only do we cherish you even more but now I want to meet all of your family because they too are most endearing. I cannot travel to CA or Keeneland on Monday so I pray that Lane’s End will make it possible to see you just once in my lifetime. Also, I do not get TVG in this area of Florida so please set those hooves down and make it possible that a video of you on Sunday is available to us. Keep in touch dear one.
Suzanne Parent
I have no idea how a thoroughbred who loves to race, tones down to become a broodmare. Won’t Z miss the running?
Will she be sad in KY away from her team? The weather is so different than what she is used to? Will Z be depressed?
Won’t she realize alot has changed?
Donna in Canada
Ira: You’re going to love it. I did it for the Lady’s Secret…..Toronto to LA to see a horse……I loved every minute of it, I have my very own special pictures of her,( http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=229990&id=729675722&l=1ffecfa76d ) and Mike Smith’s autograph. As Sunday gets closer, it gets so hard not to do it again….
Zenyatta, honey, thank you for the ride of a lifetime. You’re Horse of My Heart! I’m so happy you’re retiring at the top of your game…still fresh enough to enjoy the rest of your life. You’re going to love rolling in the fields, free as a bird….just give yourself a chance to get used to it…..and I’ll await your babies on the track, may they all be as lucky as you with the people in their lives.
Debbie
Dear sweet Zenyatta. What a lucky woman Isabelle is to have her birthday wish come true. I am still looking forward to Sunday but I don’t get TVG. Any chance John can convince ESPN or ABC that thousands of people still want to see you? I hope so, so please let us know. Really looking forward to your new 60 Minutes piece. Love and hugs!
Stephanie Lambert
I love you sweet girl xoxoxo
Mary
Those moments that take our breath away, the ones that touch our hearts, that we don’t forget…watching Zenyatta thru her racing career has given me many breathless moments. I am one of her biggest fans. Santa Anita, Del Mar will never be the same without her, but I will see her babies run, someday.
Kristy
I kow you are sad to be leaving sunny california, but I must say I cannot wait for you to be in Kentucky so I can come visit you. Love ya Z!
Jackie
OK HERE IS THE IDEA OF THE DAY
How about a Zen Cam- Yes it could happen- Give us the oprortunity to see you as you life moves on- We could have run times posted for us to log in and check how your new life is- What do you think? Could work and be AWESOME!
Julie of Diamond-D Farm
Z, words can’t express the love I have for you and your wonderful team of caregivers, owners, trainers and all those close to you. I will never be able to afford a racehorse but watching your career from start to finish, and being able to see your last race was a dream come true for me. It is the closest thing to being a racehorse owner that I can have. Your life and career has lifted the spirits of so many in these hard times. I wish you Godspeed to your new home in Kentucky and all the health and love you can get while you start a new life of creating your dynasty and new legends. You truly are the greatest race mare of all time. (I am secretly hoping you get to “meet” Curlin.) Hugs and love from all of us here at Diamond-D Farm.
Cheryl Smith
Zenyatta, I do hope that your parade is televised. You are so special! I do hope to come and see you at Lane’s End if it is allowed. You are without doubt “The Queen” of everyone’s heart!
Loretta Bresof
Looking forward to your televised “Goodbye”.
I have a question? Are there any plans for you becoming a “Trails of Painted Ponies” figurine? I hope so. It would be a wonderful tribute to the “Queen” of America’s race horses.
Lynne
Zenyatta
You are the greatest!
I will miss so very much seeing you race and your pre/post race flirtatious antics.Have a great life.
“do a little dance”
Sally L. Hopkins
Luv Ya Z! Keep me posted. I enjoyed reading them. I hate to see you go. I’m going to miss you. You will always be our California Queen.
Marilyn
Wishing Zenyatta and her family beautiful moments during the coming week-end. Since it’s so much cooler in Kentucky, are there special steps that will be taken to help Zenyatta get accustomed to the colder weather? Thank you for the kindness and generosity you’ve shown all of her fans.
Wishing you a safe journey on Monday.
Allen
Queen Z, I am going to miss seeing you run, but I am so thankful that you are able to retire sound. Thanks to Team Z for taking such good care of you. I know all your Ca. family and friends are sad to see you leave, but now all of us in the southeast will be able to visit you in Ky. I hope Lane’s End will allow all your fans to vist you and bring you treats. Travel safe, Love from everyone in Tennessee.
Kim
Zenyatta-See you Monday at Keeneland. I love you and am just beside myself right now with love and admiration for you, and anticipation of seeing you on Monday.
Christine Peters
Zenyatta you are Horse of the Year, Horse of the Decade and Horse of the Century period!!!
Thank you for the ride Zenyatta and a special thank you to the Zenyatta team, for sharing her with the fans and the sport. We need more people like you. People open to allowing access to these super horses. Racing keeps missing the boat on these opportunities, but Team Zenyatta has been amazing!! Thank you,
I only hope that fans like me will have access to visit Zenyatta at Lanes End that’s a concern of mine. I hope to visit her sometime in 2011, but I’m concerned the access will be almost impossible at Lanes End. Perhaps they can have published Zenyatta appreciation days for the fans?
Save trip to Kentucky Zenyatta!!
Lisa
Hey Queen Z,
Make sure they film everything including all your friends, daily routines, and you with the fans cheering you on. It will make great memories for you and your family. Thank you for all the fun and inspiration. Zenyatta, you are amazing. I hope I get to visit you at Lane’s End. Hugs and kisses from your fans in San Diego.
Gail
Dear Zenyatta,
thanks for so many special memories…I’m glad I got to see you at the ’08 BC and ’09 BC…you are the greatest in my book…best wishes in your retirement!
you will be missed…hugs, Gail