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
Mary Copelin
Dear Queen Z, you are so much more than a queen. You are an amazing soul. I will be forever enthralled by your greatness.
Visiting you in person allowed me to see the look of eagles in your eyes. You are truly a gift to the world. You are indescrible- perhaps, “Perfect” comes closest. Love, Dr. Mary C
Theresa Buck
Z I wish I could be there but I have to work…but I am going to try to watch it at work….Good Luck on your journey to Kentucky…I know they are going to love you as much as we do….big squiggy huzzzzs
ms bay meadows
Zenyatta, you are so special, thanks for all these great posts, I hope they continue when you get to Kentucky because we need to know how you are doing. I hope they have a heater for you in case you get cold, I read that Tiznow doesn’t like the cold and has a heated barn! I have a friend in Lexington who said he would visit you but we will send you fan mail there–lots of it, we love you, have a safe trip. Thank you for showing us how to be the best and give 100% everytime,
love from northern california
Tory
I hope 60 Minutes will come to see you too when you have Curlatta and Zenlin.
Theresa Buck
happy birthday next month
Valerie Chase
Hi Zenny! Can’t imagine how thrilled Isabelle was to get to ride you one last time – I’m sure she will never ever forget that ride! You and your family were so generous to let her do that. Sunday is almost here and I’m so excited to see you and take pictures one more time before you go. Was hoping to have the priviledge of seeing you at your barn and touching that wonderful fuzzy muzzel before you left California, but know I’m fortunate to be able to see you one more time in the paddock. Going to be awful difficult to see you go, but I know in my heart how happy you will be in your new home and I’m very happy to know your family will be visiting you often. Hope you can keep sharing your adventures with us – words can’t express how much we all look forward to reading them. Oh Z, I’m up at the NFR right now and there’s a booth where they make customized license plates in any color and he made me the most beautiful plate holder in your silk colors that says I love Zenyatta and it will be displayed proudly on my truck!!! He didn’t know who you were but before I left he did!!! :) Love you!!! xxoo
Ellen Zachary
Love you, love you….
Ellen Zachary
Hello Ms. Z…how great that you wore the pink saddle towel for Mario…I will be watching your farewell from a place called Red and Jerry’s in Denver , CO…you have so many fans there…we will all be watching and cheering for you…love you…Ellen
cheryl
I wish Mario and Carmen could stay with you a little while in Ky. till you settle into your new home and new routine. Just so you would not be too lonely or confused. I know you love grass and will be happy for the good grazing there. But you are so used to people and being so adored, hoep you can adjust well.
JIM from Vegas
Queen of our Hearts you will be greatly missed in California.I was hoping you would stay until DEC.26. Christmas in our family was only the day before Santa Anita opened when we lived in Arcadia.I was hoping your “party” would be at Santa Anita,the track of your greatest victory. WE LOVE YOU ZENYATTA !!!
Carole
Go to the Daily Facing Form website == drf.com — and vote for Zenyatta as Horse of the Year.
Wendy Averill
We animal lovers are apt to anthropomorphize about animals. However, if you have ever met Zenyatta, you can believe that she might write such postings! She seems to truly love all the goings on, the people who come to meet her and the joy she brings to people who adore her. We will not see her like again. She was placed in the perfect environment: a champion race horse, a trainer who knew how best to work with her and her public, a staff that is outstanding, owners who are willing to listen to what is best for their horse and a time in history that needed such an icon. She is truly the Perfect Horse. How fortunate we all are to have known her.
Bryna Dambrowski
Zenyatta,
You are not only horse of the year but horse of our hearts. You have been so good for horse racing and the Shirreffs have been wonderful in sharing you with us, your fans. On my facebook page my profile picture is of you and me outside the barn at Hollywood Park – I am laughing because you were nuzzling my cheek – I cant be there tomorrow but I will be watching on TVG! Safe travels!
Lanie Johnson
That’s great that Isabelle was able to spend the time with you!! Looks like both of you are in great form..as always!!
I am excited about 60 mins..thanks for telling us!!
Duty calls and I can’t be at Keeneland on Monday..:(((((…but I will see you at Lanes End!!
Have a wonderful day tom…the cam sounds really great!!
I sure hope they televise it…I can’t get that channel but will have my son or daughter record it for me!! Please have a safe trip here to Ky. We will worry until you are here on the ground!! God bless all of those you are leaving..I can’t imagine how deeply their feelings are right now…I just can’t imagine!
I’ve voted for you on every site out there…HOTY…it HAS to be!!!
Souper Spectacular races today at Calder..I’ve placed my money on him across the board!! Hope he has a safe racing day!!
God Bless all of you there and again..thanks Dottie for this..it has been wonderful to keep up with Zen and all of you…you’re the best!! Hopefully someone at Lanes End will continue the Diary…we’ll be lost without updates!!My heart goes out to all of you…I don’t know what else to say but God Bless each of you!! Forever thanks for loving and caring for Zen…the World’s horse…we love you all!!
Maryann South
Let everyone know what stations to watch regarding ZEN’s move to KY filming, by 60 minutes or any other Zen TV special. Look forward to it, since I can’t see her up close. Will travel to KY to see her though. Will greatly miss seeing her race.
Maryann South
Let everyone know what stations to watch regarding ZEN’s move to KY filming, by 60 minutes or any other Zen TV special.
Sunny Boyd
Dear Zetty,
60 Minutes’ startin’ to rock again, more Zetty is what they & we need!!! :)Wheeheehee
I’ll be watching it.
Patricia
Dottie! PLEASE, one more post before you all go…with love
Sue
Good morning SWEET ZENYATTA…..These daily posts draw me to them like a moth to a flame; over & over, hour after hour; reading all the ‘heartfelt’ letters from your adoring, grateful fans. And every one of them expressing all of my emotions towards you.. put beautifully, in different forms, but so filled with love & gratitude that NO WORDS can capture it all!! It’s also ‘reassuring’ to know that there are so many others who cry like I do (that I haven’t gone “ZEN-MAD”) because we NEED all the beauty that you represent (in every imaginable way) & the thought of losing that is unbearable. Not that we need for you to continue racing, as we want you to be safe; but more that we really begin to believe you were blessed to us for all the above & how can we bear to have you removed from the limelight & your presence .to pastures beyond our viewing?
Wishing you another wonderful Calif. day….Am sure you’ll be very busy with so much prep work for tomorrow, then your travels. LOVE LOVE LOVE Sue
Zen-Fan
Totally agree with Sue’s comments! Is anyone else out there crying their hearts out? Zenyatta, you have filled my heart in so many ways…irreplaceable, a true one-of-a-“kind!” Be Happy, Be Safe
Thomas Zabinski
Dear Zenyatta,
I wish you a long and happy life. You deserve it. I wish I could see you at Hollywood Park, but I can’t. I hope to visit you one day at the farm and I’ll be sure to bring some of your favorite treats after clearing it with your friends at the farm. Stay safe and happy!
Tom Z
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, Good morning Great One. I’m sure you are busy getting prepared for tomorrow’s festivities and how I would love to be there. Hopefully, TVG will show it online. I just read Barbara Livingston’s tribute to you on DRF-most beautiful words ever written describing you. And yet, words are not enough to express the greatness of you.
OraJean Stevenson
Dear Queen-Z & Team-Z, Thank-you so much for these wonderful updates on your lives.
You are all very special people, to do this. I think you are going to have a big
crowd of adoring fans at Hollywood Park, tomorrow. I’ll be there…can’t wait to
see you all again. Stay well and warm. Fondly, OraJean
Snoprinz
Godspeed Zenyatta. My love and prayers will keep you warm in KY.
Enjoy your Appreciation Day tomorrow. I can’t be there but will be watching and taping the telecast.
I hope that your future as a broodmare will be well-managed and you will be well taken care of as you have been all these years.My hats off to you for a job well done. You are my HORSE OFTHE YEAR.
Kim Noble
Sunday and Monday are going to be very bittersweet days for all of us Zenny. We are all going to miss you more than we can say and we all worry about your safety and happiness. At the same time we are all so happy that you retired healthy and we want you to have a glorious life in Kentucky. Be healthy and safe and happy and know that many people love you. And if you are ever not happy at Lanes End just let your people parents know and I’m sure they will bring you back to live with them.
Snoprinz
Godspeed Zenyatta. My love and prayers will keep you warm in KY. Enjoy your Aprreciation Day tomorrow. I can’t be there but will be watching and taping the telecast.
I hope that your future as a broodmare will be well-managed and that you will be well taken care of as you have been all these years. The credit of course goes to Team Z.
My hats off to you Zenny for a job well done. You are my HORSE OF THE YEAR.
Rachel
Zenny, I am still pinching myself. I got to stand next to you yesterday morning and have my picture taken. My daughter and I had planned a trip to Socal a year ago for the week ending on 12/3. I read a few weeks ago that you would be shipped out early in December and I was so afraid I would miss you. Before heading to the train in LA to return to our home in Tucson, AZ I mapquested the way to Hollywood Park and stopped at a grocery store to pick up a couple of their finest carrots. I found the track and parked near the main entrance. After walking to the main gate I found out we had to walk all the way around the casino and the property and find the back gate and get a pass before seeing you. After about a two mile walk we arrived at the gate and were given our passes. We got directions through all the barns to #55. After wandering a bit I stopped and asked a nice Hispanic woman who was winding bandages where you were and found out I was talking to Carmen! I was so excited I took a video of her and then Mario came around the corner and I got to talk with him on camera. I was almost as excited to meet them as you. After that we went out to the grassy area where you were just done walking and watched as you got your bath and your blanket on and I got to talk to Steve Willard, John Shirreffs and then found I was standing right next to Liza Fly who did your video! After many more pictures and videos we got a ride back to our car from some new friends we had made during the morning. You were the picture of elegance and beauty just as you appear on TV. You stood and posed with head held high for over 50 pictures with fans and never once appeared bothered or spooked. I have never seen a thoroughbred so in love with people or so well behaved. I have never gone out of my way in my life to meet a celebrity but I will always treasure my morning with you.
Kim
My love for horses lead me to becoming your fan. I love horses, but you are my passion. My plates read “Zen-yata”. My family and friends think I have lost my mind. I talk about you alot, watch your videos on you tube from John S. and your other fans. Your Air Horse One video was really cool as well as the Breeders Cup 2010 trip with your own escort. You certainly travel is style. You take the best pictures, too. Where did you find that jockey, Mike Smith? He sure is cute!!! Wish I could be in CA now to bid you farewell and see your team.
Can’t believe your racing career is over. I was hoping for one more career start. You are truly a talented mare – I have enjoyed watching you race. I did not discover you until your 9th or 10th race. It was TVG who introduced you to me; they spread the news of Hollywood’s great mare. I wish I could see you up close. Hopefully your new home in KY will allow the general public to see you. I live on the east coast and would love to see the real you. Thanks to you and your team I have seen history in the making. You are blessed to have such genuine people taking care of you. I don’t think anyone will ever see another as great as you in a million years. Please keep us posted on your future. I’ll be searching this site for a chance to meet you personally.
Your faithful VA fan
Good Luck Queen Z!!!
Tamyatta
Zenny girl, you break my heart like no one ever has!!! I’m loving you forever XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Pamela J Hebert
I get tears in my eyes everytime I read your posts. Now that the time is near to send you off I will forever miss reading them. I look forward to watching the upcoming 60 Minutes piece on you dear Zenyatta. I just finished reading a beautiful article in the Daily Racing Form complete with pictures of you. Perhaps your posts & all the beautiful things written about you could be published-along with a companion DVD. I would cherish it if it could be done. God bless you Z in your new life at Lanes End. I hope you can adjust to it & thank you for being you. Thank you all who have cared & loved her & kept her sound. XOXO