Good Morning Everyone,
Yesterday the drawing of the 64 names took place in my stall at Barn 55. Steve and Mario each drew 32 names from the big tubs. Before this, we put ALL of the cards into these tubs and mixed them around and separated stacks of them at a time like you would a deck of cards. Then Steve further stirred and mixed them over and over again by transferring them from one big bucket to another and shaking them around. He poured 1/2 the cards into one tub and the rest remained in the 2nd container. This took quite a bit of time, as we wanted to be sure all of the cards were separated properly.
After this, Steve and Mario went into my stall to get ready to draw the cards. They turned their heads (NO PEEKING) and each drew out 32 postcards. John took the photos!
HERE ARE THE 64 NAMES WHO WILL BE IN THE DRAWING TO MOVE TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
1) Sharon Peck…………..Seattle, WA
2) Thomas Ronholm……..Rochester, NY
3) Linda Stokes…………..Groton, VT
4) Judith Berube………….Warwick, RI
5) Heidi Kruckenbert……..Vallejo, CA
6) Dawn Conrad…………..Cedaredge, CO
7) Tammi Fry……………….Houston, TX
8) Mary Kay Adams………Bloomfield, NJ
9) Ann Ransone……………Walkerton, VA
10) Michelle Cross………….Decatur, AL
11) Brenda Freeman……….Mobile, AL
12) Georgia Harper…………Bellevue, WA
13) Brenda, Sprunger……..Ontario, Canada
14) Chris Balmes……………Lake Oswego, OR
15) Lynn Meier………………Thousand Oaks, CA
16) Valarie Franklin…………Davison, MI
17) Gretchen Jordan……….Albuquerque, NM
18) Kathy Puffer…………….Tillson, NY
19) George Horn……………Kalamazoo, MI
20) Patti Tan…………………Point Roberts, WA
21) Gloria Horst……………..Orange, CA
22) Robin Konn……………..Aurora, CO
23) Catherine Simmons…..Boonville, IN
24) Starr Davis……………..Phoenix, AZ
25) William Uecker………..Boerne, TX
26) Willie Tomaino…………Newport, RI
27) Cathy Lassilo…………..Tacoma, WA
28) Roxanne Cook…………Boulder Creek, CA
29) Louann Cingel…………Union, MO
30) Rosemary McCauley…Lakewood, CA
31) Marian Martinello………San Antonio, TX
32) Guido Sanchez…………Ewing, NJ (City??Hard to read)
33) Patsy VandenBerg…….Santa Rosa, CA
34) Lydia Ward……………..Batavia, OH
35) Linda Edwards………….Lawrenceville, NJ
36) Delores Baker…………..Glendora, CA
37) Linda Dunn……………..Valrico, FL
38) Linda Hirsch…………….Santa Rosa, CA
39) Tressia Contreras……..Phoenix, AZ
40) Amanda Gilliland……….Dadeville, AL
41) Peggy Noble……………Adel, GA
42) Janie Moore……………North Hills, CA
43) Karen Mitchell………….Berkeley, CA
44) Sarah Powell…………..Clemson, SC
45) Andrea Weilht…………Germany
46) Helen Solomon………..Van Nuys, CA
47) Jill Olivero………………Manalapan, NJ
48) Margaret Lewis………..Sausalito, CA
49) Kathy Madding………..Yucaipa, CA
50) Pam Smith………………Redondo Beach, CA
51) Charlene Booth………..Hemet, CA
52) Jeanne Chick…………..Vista, CA
53) Jean Moore……………..Ocala, FL
54) Robin Stevens…………..Grass Lake, MI
55) Jill Mabry…………………Fresno, CA
56) Gayle Wilberg Paolette..Mountain View, CA
57) Sherry Drish…………….Kearneysville, WV
58) Christine Boyd………….Diamond Springs, CA
59) Nancy Magoon………….Andover, KS
60) Debbie Kalivas………….Eagle Point, OR
61) Pam Giles………………..Newman, GA
62) Vicki Vinson…………….Apple Valley, CA
63) Linda Henderson………Seminole, TX
64) Ingrid Esguerra………..Miami Beach, FL
From this list, we will DRAW the 32 to advance to the next part of the contest!
At this time, I would like to personally THANK ALL OF YOU for your participation! The number of HANDMADE POSTCARDS and the work you put into doing them is extremely touching! I must say, I have some very, very creative FANS! Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH!
We will draw the 32 on FRIDAY from this group of 64. Those names will be posted on Saturday morning!
Good LUCK to All!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
PS…So sorry I could not post the names yesterday afternoon as we originally stated. They are just completing the painting of John’s office at the house…and all of the computers were covered up late yesterday and Dottie could not use them. Painting will be done soon! (YEAH…then John can hang up some great photos of ME again!) Thank you for your patience and for being so understanding!
Tressia
I am in….I am so excited!!!!! Can’t wait to see tomorrows results.
Christine in VA
Well Zen,
With the news from the “government” about not getting paid I had to cheer up and looked at all the pictures I could find of you…Boy that did help. You always help me feel better.My dog and you make a day better. Love ya Zen
Sharon Call
@Molly. Thanks so much, yes I did find it. I actually saved that web site back to “My Favorites” so that I could go back and look at some of the other videos. I did look at one other video a while ago on that web site about John Shireffs, trainer and it was a wonderful insight into him and how he evolved into training and his ideas and attitudes about the horses he trains. No wonder they all seem to come out of it with really good personalities and that bit of quirkiness that is so endearing.
Gloria Jeanne
I would just like to say that I am beyond happy that Zenyatta made it out of racing without any injuries. Jaycito may be out of the Santa Anita Derby with a bruised foot – Premier Pegasus is having surgery today on his hairline fractured foot.
Zen is so lucky and I would always worry so much about her before every race – my heart would race just hoping she would not get hurt, I could hardly enjoy the races some days, mostly I just wanted the race to be over and of course have her win. It was not until about an hour or so after the races that I could finally breathe again. Each race brought so much more anxiety and excitement for me. When I would get home from the races, I would rush to read the Daily Racing Form or Sports Illustrated site for updates to see if all was ok with Zen, after a few days John would usually say that she had come out of the race ok and was eating well and ready to gallop or work again. Then I would the workout reports at Hollywood Park to see if she was in training again. I would check her times against previous works to see how she compared to last time. It was all I could do to keep in touch with her.
It was so much fun to watch Zen mature and grow into the Queen she is. She has been my biggest adventure in life. I always tell people how much she means to me, some know her name others don’t but soon want to. I miss her much, I know she is safe and happy but I often wonder just how much she misses all her Barn 55 family.
Sharon Call
To those people that may have joined this web site in the last couple of months. I just ran across an article that I had saved back from last November called “Into the Vortex”. I had forgotten just how well this was written and how insightful it is into the aura of Zenyatta. If you want, here it is again. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
http://timebandit15.wordpress.com/2010/11/16/into-the-vortex/
Trina Nagele
Good luck to the Mosses’ five-year-old mare Jordanella (trained by your John, Zenny! Was she one of your friends?) today at Santa Anita–post time coming right up at 2:33 Pacific! Wishing a safe trip to all.
Kitei
@Dani – Thank you for the link to Uncle Mo’s video. That is too funny! Maria was almost going to talk to him before she remembered “I’m out to teach him a lesson and just going to pretend he’s not there” and turned her head away.
@Gloria Jeanne – Thanks for the Birthday Party link & LIS’s foal (who is SO cute!).
And, just in case anyone still feels a bit silly about writing to Zenyatta, here’s a book you should see:
http://www.amazon.com/Letters-Seabiscuit-Barbara-Howard/dp/1931643288
Gloria Jeanne
@Sharon Call – THANK YOU for that link into – the – vortex!!! Amazing and I think that Dottie is 100% correct that Zenyatta thinks she won that race – and I agree. That was so beautiful it made me cry. It reminds me of just how much she has touched my life. I have grown so much since first seeing Zen run, it’s amazing… you only live once and you better make the most of it. Don’t be afraid to follow your heart or do the right thing, that because I am a female I can’t. Because I can, forget about the people who say you can’t or don’t believe in you – I say “Have you ever heard of Zenyatta?” Her owner’s taught me that they are people too. John taught me about sharing your knowledge; he shared so much of Zenny with me. Dottie taught me to have fun with life and to believe in one’s self, the entire team including Z taught me to follow your dreams and never ever give up even when so many people are rooting against you. Girl Power and Horse of the Year – that’s you Z.
Zenyatta I always call you my Pegasus and hope to dream about you when I fall asleep at night, I always hope to be carried away to faraway places where magic happens. Someplace where dreams come true, you are my Magic.
Alma
Thank you all for your kind words about Sweetiepie. I do have a 13 year old mix terrier named “Bella” (pronounced “beya” in Spanish). I will adopt another dog during summer vacation when I’m not teaching so I can have enough time to “potty” train and leash train. DON’T FORGET THE SANTA ANITA DERBY TOMMORROW!!!
I think I’m putting my money on Indian Winter with an exacta box Silver Medallion to Indian Winter. It depends how the odds are. It’s wide open so anything can happen.
LOVE YOU QUEEN Z!!!!!!!!!!!
Lori Stein
Good luck to all left in the running. I hope they read the final winner’s card as to what Big Z has meant to them. I’m sure they’re all great, since I know the big beautiful one has meant alot to sooooo many. Looking forward to hearing when Z goes back to Bernardini. I would’t blame her connections if maybe they were a bit more mum this time until things are a little more sure, I’m sure it’s alot of pressure since we all want to know everything we can about our beloved QUEEN. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND BIG Z!!! Lori
Lori Stein
I like Mr. Commons in the SA Derby. Not just because he has the best trainer and jock in the world, but he has some serious talent too. Boy does he look just like his daddy, very beautiful horse and always turned out well ofcourse. Good luck and stay safe Mr. Commons!!!
Molly
Sharon Call, thank you for the “Into the Vortex” reference. To this day, I have not watched Zenyatta’s last race. It really helped to read that Dottie said Zenyatta thinks she won. Well, she did. She won all of our hearts. Glad you found my previous e-mail.
DJ
Dearest Sweet “Z”,
Congratulations to ‘Your’ team and family for Jordanelle’s Place in the 4th Race. Wonderfully done, Chantal!
Cynthia A. Holt
Thank you, Dottie and Team Z, for all that you do for Zenyatta’s loyal and loving fan base. You are all just the best. This contest is beyond fantastic!
Marilu V
Hi Zeny: Jordanelle was second at Santa Anita this afternoon. Congratulations to John and Chantal. Praying Mr. Commons and Mike will have a safe and great race tomorrow. Have a wonderful weekend. Kisses and Hugs, Marilu
Thanks Dottie and all who made the post card contest possible for us!!!!
Molly
Sharon, your article reminded me of a photograph entitled “Experiencing the Vortex”. http://www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/diane-c-nicholson.html
DJ
p.s.
Dear Katie Clawson (future jockey), I cannot help but send out a little prayer your way every time I see Chantal S. artfully succeed in her Vocation! Blessings to you and I hope that someday in the near future I will perhaps recognize your name in print and view your presence aboard a breathtaking race. God-speed to you and equally safe returns…
Signofthetimes
@Gloria Jean
Well said. The body of a thoroughbred is very delicate
Especially in their young years. Zenny is very well built
And sturdy, but things do happen. Good Luck and safe
Keeping for all the horses in the Santa Anita Derby and
The Wood Memorial. XXXOOO. Happy ovulating to the
Queen
Dani
Let me add my congrats to Jordanelle, John and Chantal. Way to go!
Sharon Call
@Gloria Jean. I’m so glad you enjoyed that article as much as I did. I’m glad I saved it back.
@Molly. Awesome pic’s and I can see why you would relate Experience the Vortex with Into the Vortex. Just a beautiful picture. You may have already seen this one of Z’s first time loose in her paddock at LE. If not, here it is.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/videos/watch/7BA0A106-8A93-4BDD-A926-78F30706DDD7
Dani
OOOPPPPSS!! Forgot to add – good luck tomorrow with Green Cat (love the name) and Mr. Commons.
.
Also everyone say your prayers for speedy recoveries for Premier Pegasus, Jaycito and To Honor and Serve – all suffering injuries in the past couple of days.
Linda in NJ
@ Dani: Oh, I am very sorry to learn this about all 3 horses’ injuries. That is really too bad for all of them. To Honor and Serve was 1 of the top 12 going into the Kentucky Derby.
Linda in NJ
Hey Zenny: Be sure to tell John I wish him lots of luck tomorrow with Mr. Commons!!
Monica
My daughter is hearbroken. She was sure she would be one of the 64! Congrats to those who made it.
Valarie Franklin
It is so hard to keep up with the comments here (hint hint Dottie, maybe we could have a discussion board?) but I couldn’t help but notice the comments directed towards MLV who lost their lab. My condolences to you, my Goldens are my children and the day I lose one of them will be the worst pain.
Linda Clausen
Good luck to all whose names were drawn in the contest, especially my fellow Michiganians!
Kim S
I agree with S in San Diego and believe I posted something similar to the last comment, many diary posts ago. Zenyatta’s diary is the last thing I do in the evening before going to bed to read everyone’s heartfelt thoughts, prayers, wishes, etc about Zenyatta, her connections and we diary friends. What an uplifting way to end the day. And I also said if a horse, uh hmm, Superhorse :) (with her wonderful connections behind her) could bring so many people together, with such inspiring ways, too bad the world doesn’t “get it”.
Thanks to S in San Diego, Amanda Gilliland, Dawn Conrad, Michelle and Marshall Perry for your kind words. And to everyone else who “gets it” on this wesbsite and supports us in their on way. What a great forum Dottie has given us by way of Zenyatta. Thanks Zenny for being TOO CUTE you.
Good luck again to the 64 and have a fun and safe racing weekend.
Lotsa love to all
Regina From NJ
Hello Zenyatta: Please join me tonight in wishing all 64 lucky friends of yours a good sleep before the unveiling of the VERY lucky 32! Love and good wishes to all. G’night, Great Mare. xoxoxoxo
Molly
Sharon, thank you for that beautiful video. Zenyatta has convinced me that I need to go horseback riding again, so next weekend I’m heading for Houston. I’ll be riding Anakin (16 + hands) a Missouri Trotter/Racking horse. Giddy Up.
Good Luck to all 64.
lizzy
This may have already been posted, but if not here it is again.
.
Happy Retirement A.P. Wishing the best.
.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/62357/leading-sire-ap-indy-pensioned