HAPPY APPLE BLOSSOM HANDICAP DAY!
I just LOVE this race and want to wish all of the participants GOOD LUCK! It was an absolute thrill to go to Oaklawn Park on the 2 different times I participated in the APPLE BLOSSOM HANDICAP—Grade 1.
Mr. Cella and his staff were fabulous to us, the fans outstanding, and the weather was beautiful! I even had a police escort to be sure the traffic was moving right along as I was in the van going to the track from my plane and then when I returned to the plane after my stay in Arkansas.
I must also say that the Apple Blossom trees located by the outdoor paddock were gorgeous! I vividly remember standing under them as I ‘schooled’ for the race. GREAT TIMES and GREAT MEMORIES…for sure!
Also, later today we are drawing the names of the ELITE EIGHT for our contest! The results will be posted in tomorrow’s DIARY!
Again…all the best to MY APPLE BLOSSOM FRIENDS…and to the people who will be part of the ELITE EIGHT! HOOVES CROSSED!
Enjoy your day!
With love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Robin S
Hi Zenny:
Just this time last year I was leaving work early so I could be sure and watch you run in the Apple Blossom. I never did let anything interfere with me watching you race! Thanks for the memories! A little stray dog showed up on our doorstep this week. We are taking care of her and thinking about keeping her. If we keep her, my daughter asked if we could name her after you. :-) I said that only the true Queen deserves the name Zenyatta but if we keep her, we could come up with something similar. Have a lovely weekend! Good luck to the remaining contestants and thank you again Dottie and all of Team Z! Lots of love!
Kimberly Potter
Zenyatta ~ Apple Blossom will not be the same with out you Beautiful Girl…now or ever. There will never be another You!
@Sophie – Where do I get a Zenyatta ringtone?
@Judy Maass Gadwood – Absolutely love your Apple Blosoom story. When I share the video of all 19 wins with my friends and family, all they can say is “WOW” as well. When they see the 2010 BC Classic, they are in tears like me. But we all always agree that Zenyatta WON that race in her heart and ours.
Good luck Sweet Sixteen in the drawing for the Elite Eight.
I love you Zenyatta ~ Your #1 fan in Montana.
Pam
Thinking of you, Zenyatta, now that it’s Apple Blossom time! The ’08 Apple Blossom was when racing fans in general really sat up and took notice of you — and you never let them down. Wish I could go back in time, three springs ago, and enjoy you and your career even more than I did!
Regina From NJ
Ah, yes – that wonderful day of the Apple Blossom. Can it really be a whole year ago? I remember being there when Zenyatta did exactly what the Kennedys above described – bowing that majestic head of hers twice at her adoring , cheering fans. It was completely spontaneous on her part and another one of those UN-BE-LIEV-ABLE moments that leave you breathless, speechless——-and all teary-eyed of course! Yes, Zenyatta, that’s what you do, Great Mare.
I’m sending good thoughts all the way to California for all sixteen still on the track and still running for the bronze. And, somewhere intermingled in those good thoughts for all, I can hear a voice saying, “PICK DAWN, PICK DAWN, PICK DAWN!” I can hardly wait until tomorrow, so, I can’t even imagine how you all will get through this night. : ) xoxoxoxox to you, Zenyatta
Lisa g
@Robin S: Let us know what you decide to name the puppy?
Peggy from CT
Hi Dottie:
Please address the following very important (to me) question: From all that I have read, John Shirreffs has the very fine reputation of “racing clean.” Was Zenyatta ever raced using the legal drugs Lasix and Bute? If so (or if not), could you explain the benefits of these two drugs? “Zenyatta” has been so helpful in educating those of us fairly new to the racing world through this diary. I would greatly appreciate hearing the answer “straight from the horse’s mouth”…so to speak. :) Thank you!!
Jeanie
Thanks Queen Z,
The Apple Blossom surely won’t be the same w/o you. I’m sure the Oaklawn fans will really miss you!
I’m still hoping that one of my California sisters bring home the mini-bronze YOU. We need to have the mini-YOU back here in CA.
I haven’t heard anything about you and Bernie? What’s going on? When is that happening or did IT? Wishing the best for you, dear one.
Your humble J
Quarterhossgal
Zenny…hope you are warm and dry today, it looks like Kentucky is having the same kind of weather we have. My horses are in their stalls with the noses peeked out to see if the rain has stopped yet. The pastures look so green now I know they are anxious to get out and enjoy the green grass. The Apple Blossom is always one of my favorites, mainly because of you Queen Z.
Lisa g
@Kim Curtsinger: Snap out of it. There will never be another one such as She, Queen Zenyatta…but check out Black Caviar and R. Heat Lightning…Awesome Maria, Blind Luck, Goldikova. Look what Zenyatta has done for this sport and embrace it. No, there will never be another one such as She, but we can still enjoy the racing of others that want so badly to follow in her hoovesteps, especially Black Caviar, she is 12-0, and on her FB, all the Ausies are talking about breaking The Queen’s record (very respectfully so). Check it out, and you are still following The Queen, in a way.
Alexandra Bowdoin
Black Caviar is one Beautiful horse….
Kim
Just re-watched your Apple Blossom from last year that I still have on my DVR. You ran beautifully! Of course, what else is new? Love you Z! You always give us a thrill!
Martha Kinkead
You are a beautiful lady!!!!
Love you, Lady Z.
Cheryl Smith
Beautiful Zenyatta,
Watching you race was like watching angels flying on earth. Hope you are feeling well. We want you to be healthy, happy and safe. May God continue to watch over you!
Love you so much!
Margie
Beautiful as always, Z. Love your Apple Blossom bowing to the crowd – it always cracks me up – you did it right on cue. You’re one smart Girl.
EVERYONE, I have great news for all of us! You will recall in Diary Post #221 the magnificent pencil drawing of Z by the famous TB artist Mr. Sherril Brooke (brookeart.com). I went to the site and saw his beautiful painting of Zenyatta (done for Mr. and Mrs. Moss). There was an email address and I sent him a quick note telling him how wonderful his painting of Z was, and he called me yesterday! What a treat – he shared many of his memories of Z, and of racing history. Here’s the fabulous news: I told Mr. Brooke about Diary Post #221 and how everyone was raving about the pencil drawing, and some wanted to know if there were prints for sale. Mr. Brooke said to tell you all that he is considering doing a new Z drawing that could possibly be for purchase. It might be of Zenny when she was a baby! I gave Mr. Brooke the link to Post #221 so he could enjoy all of our comments about the drawing. He’s an amazing man – his family is deeply rooted in the business of horses, going back several generations in Ireland and England. His grandfather was a jockey. He is the only artist asked to screen the yearlings at Keeneland and has painted the great Secretariat, Seattle Slew and many more of TB racing royalty (including painting for the Royal Family/England). He’s a cattleman as well as a horseman and really knows the industry. He cannot say enough wonderful things about Mr. and Mrs. Moss, and all of Team Z. Each and everyone of them. He is so grateful Zenny went to them, and to train with John. He loves Zenyatta so much; it was so great to talk to him about her. So, there you have it – there may be a Sherril Brooke Zenyatta drawing for us in the future. I’m sure he will let us know when the time comes. Couldn’t wait to share the news with you all. Sorry this is so long, but I’m obviously excited about this turn of events! Everyone have a wonderful weekend – that goes for Zenny and all of Team Z, too! And Good Luck to those of you remaining in the #19 drawing!
Margie
P.S. The setting in the painting of Zenyatta on Mr. Brooke’s site is acutally Mr. and Mrs. Moss’ back yard! You can see the house in the background. No wonder Mrs. Moss wanted to keep Zenny “at the house.” She would have had her own private park!
Lori Stein
It’s hard to follow in your footsteps Big Z, but I like Harve de Grace For this year’s Apple Blossom. She looks to me to have moved forward so far this year. Racing just doesn’t seem quite the same without you. I’m very happy though that you are happy, but there is just something missing-YOU. I’m sure eventually I’ll find another one to almost fill those big shoes of yours. No one can ever replace you. I really really like the filly Mikey is hopefully going to ride in the Oaks-Joyful Victory though. She looks like she could be any kind. He sure has a way with the girls- doesn’t he. Don’t be jelous though, I’m sure no one will ever be as special as you are to him. Well I have to run, I’m at work. Love Ya Big Beautiful One!
Charlotte A. Farmer
Happy Apple Blossom back to you. When I think of apple Blossoms I think of the fruit that the trees product and how delicious the apples are.
I read the post, from yesterday, about Old Friends and the financial situation they are in. Hooves crossed, as you say, that things will be okay.
Love you Zenyatta!
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, Such a pretty girl in any color you select to wear. The Apple Blossom last year is one of my favorite memories, you bowing to the fans when your name was announced and another pic of Mike and you on the track with the gorgeous blooming landscape behind you. Just breathtaking. Bet the girls that are running this year are glad they do not have to deal with you again. We are so lucky to have shared all your competitions and have you come through it in good health. You are and will always be a Red Carpet girl. Love you!
Celeste
Oh, how I love that photo of you practicing with your Apple Blossom saddle towel! That was the only time I ever got to see you in person, Queen Zenyatta, and that is a memory that I will hold dear forever in my heart. It seemed like the entire town of Hot Springs was caught up in the excitement of Zenyatta and it was such a wonderful feeling. I didn’t have a very good place to watch the race since we were on the infield, but the glimpses that I saw were enough to thrill me and it was beautiful to be able to be in the same place with you. Of course, I was moved to tears when I first caught a glimpse of you warming up before the race. Oh, what a thrill!! I still have my winning ticket – lol!!
Margie – what exciting news about the possibility of a new drawing of Zenyatta. Thank you for contacting Mr. Brooke!
Good luck to all of those in the drawing for the Elite Eight! Being in Texas, of course, I’d love for the bronze to end up here – lol, but good wishes to all.
Brian from Little Rock
It was a thrill to see you and Team Zenyatta twice at Oaklawn. Experiences I will never forget…seeing an all-time great win and, on your second visit, accidentally getting to stand next to John while he was on his way to the post-race interview.
Heidi Kruckenberg
I was thinking about last years AB and how much you danced and when you bowed when your name was announced, that was priceless and such a beautiful moment. I remember the race call coming around the final turn for home… “It’s a bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Zenyatta!” Gotta love it! You look so chick in your Pink towel and standing so regal. I can’t wait to check in tomorrow to see if I made it into the Elite 8. Keeping my fingers and legs and everything else crossed. LOL… Anyways, Zenny, have a great day and weekend.. We still want to know when You’ll see Bernie again?! Hugs and peppermint/pear kisses.
Dylan
What a great picture of you Zenyatta! You look fab! Both of your Apple Blossom wins were two of your very best performances, largest winning margins for you. Last year’s it looked like you were merely galloping and you still won! Good Luck to today’s Apple Blossom competitors and the people eligible for the Elite Eight! Take care Zenyatta and your team! XOXOXOXO
Heidi Kruckenberg
Side not for Dottie… I know it shouldn’t bother me but, can you please spell my last name correctly??? Thank you and hugs to you as well. :)
Deborah Richman
Margie, what wonderful news about the possibility of a print of a new pencil drawing by Mr. Brookes!!! Wow! What a fascinating conversation you must have had! Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Good luck to the Sweet Sixteen, and safe runnings to all our horse friends today!
Kimberly Potter
@Margie – Thank you so much for contacting Mr. Brooke. What a wonderful man he is. How fantastic would it be to be able to have one of his drawings of our Beautiful Zenyatta…One more thing to look forward to.
Zenyatta’s #1 fan in Montana!!
Stephanie J Lambert
You are the Blossom of my Heart x0x0x0x0
Jan
Zenyatta,
My favorite part of the Apple Blossom Race was when you were going back to the barn after the race strutting your big Kim Kardashian bum and looking every bit like Wonder Woman :) :) Stay healthy & happy big Mama.xoxoxo
Marilu V
Zenyatta: Have a great weekend. I think the weather in your area has improved. Hope you have been able to go outside after all that rain and storm. Hugs, Marilu
Hernan Tovar
My dear Zenyatta, Apple blossom brings back some many memories to me, you look so beautiful in the photo, you are a DIVA!! I miss seeing you race. Good luck to me!!! and to all winners!!! I love you for ever…
Ingrid from South Beach.
Joan
Awe Z, just watched the Apple Bloosom and it just wasn’t the same without you coming down that short strech. Miss you so, but happy that you are a healthy, happy horse.
Love Ya Z