Good Morning Everyone!
I am so excited! My dear friend and veterinarian while I was at Barn 55, Dr. Dawn Hunkin, helped us in the ELITE EIGHT portion of our contest. She has always been such an important part of My Team. Dawn and I know each other very well. I also know her 2 children, Jack and Emma. As a matter of fact, and this is TOO CUTE, I was at Barn 55 for quite a long time….and while there, I was able to experience both her pregnancies with her! Such fun!
Here are the names of the ELITE EIGHT contestants Dawn selected:
1. Valerie Franklin…………….Davison, MI
2. Georgia Harper…………….Bellevue, WA
3. Dawn Conrad……………….Cedaredge, CO
4. Louann Cingel………………Union, MO
5. Vicki Vinson…………………Apple Valley, CA
6. Thomas Ronholm…………..Rochester, NY
7. Heidi Kruckenberg…………Vallejo, CA
8. Ann Ransone………………..Walkerton, VA
CONGRATULATIONS to these 8 people who will be moving to the FINAL 4! This is truly getting very exciting!
On another note, thank you for the comments about some of MY JOHN’S other Mobile Me links showing up in a prior Diary. The photos of Santa Anita are lovely. The racing pictures are great…and the holiday photos with John and Dottie’s family (and the adorable Sophie Shirreffs in her Christmas outfit) are fun! However, thank you for letting us know that this link was there. It was to be eliminated prior to the video being put up on my web-page. So sorry!
We have let our tech people know to close this. (I guess you are really getting to know John and Dottie’s family life very well. Blush, Blush!) Again, thank you for letting us know!
We will draw the FINAL 4 next week! Dottie has been working with the tech people to get the VOTING procedures organized so all of you are able to participate in the selection of our ZENYATTA BRONZE CONTEST WINNER!
Enjoy the Arkansas Derby and the Blue Grass Stakes today! It is another fun weekend of RACING…plus, the NBA is starting the early rounds of their play-off games! Oh, how I do LOVE SPORTS!
With love,
Hugs to All~(Happy Birthday, Lara!)
Z
Dawn Conrad
Dearest, Zenyatta. Hello, beautiful! Hope you are having a wonderful Sunday in Kentucky, Zenny. I can see on TVG that the sun is shining and there is a great family crowd out enjoying the day at Keenland. Looks like the boys and girls of Spring will be coming into Louisville this next week for their appointment with destiny. The picture continues to change literally by the hour it seems. We have a saying, Zenny, that it isn’t always about the final destination, but the journey to get there. The road to the Derby and the Oaks is filled with so many stories, human and equine alike. Uncle Mo, the blazing star and fan favorite. Mucho Macho Man the young colt who struggled to live with the heart-transplant trainer Kathy Ritvo. Jinks Fires, the 70 year old Ark. native who trained his first grade one horse in Archarcharch and got their magic ticket punched. The lovely Joyful Victory coming back to Churchill with Eight Belle’s, Larry Jones and our wonderful Mike in the saddle. For each horse there are stories. They touch my heart, soul and mind as they are about hopes and dreams fulfilled and shattered. As the song says, “It’s the chance of a lifetime, in a lifetime of chance.” While thinking about this I have to say the experience I have had during the bronze contest has definitely become about the journey. The destination was a beautiful piece of art created by Nina Kaiser. It is something that anyone would be honored to have in their home, but beyond that it is the representation of you, Zenny, that makes it mean the most. AS I HAVE GONE FROM THE 64 TO THE 8, I HAVE RECEIVED MESSAGES OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT ALONG THE WAY FROM SO MANY WONDERFUL INDIVIDUALS WHO SHARE A MUTUAL LOVE OF YOU, ZENYATTA. IT IS THOSE MESSAGES THAT HAVE ADDED TO THE FUN AND EXCITEMENT, TOUCHING MY HEART GREATLY AND BECOMING THE TRUE GIFT, NO MATTER WHAT THE FINAL OUTCOME. SO I THANK YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, WE WILL KEEP THOSE HOOVES CROSSED AND EARS FORWARD. I send Palm Sunday blessings to everyone here, all those fantastic individuals that make up wonderful Team Z, Barn 55 and Lane’s End, but especially you sweet Zenny. Thank you to everyone involved with Zenyatta for all that you do and all that you share with us. Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
@Valarie Franklin and Karen Mitchell – Here is the happy and the sad. Valarie, I am very happy that you are part of the 8. Karen, I am sad my friend, that you are not going forward with us.
@Abigail – I am so sorry to hear someone destroyed you wonderful website. I know it must have been very difficult to see, but I admire your “back in the saddle” attitude. Thank you for continuing to give us your beautiful stories and trying to make a difference in the lives of horses that need our support.
@Susan – Happy Birthday to your 27 year old boy!!!!
@Trina Nagele – Thank you for the links to Mike and Dawn, they were both great.
@Sue Fredrick – Hope you are enjoying your time in Kentucky despite the rain. Isn’t it just too special!!
@Amanda Gilliland – Your story of Uncle Park brought a tear to the eye and a heart filled with gratitude for everything that the men and women of our armed forces give to those of us that live in this great nation of ours. Their service should never be forgotten.
@Shari Voltz – Many, many blessings to you and yours my friend on this Palm Sunday. Love, Dawn.
Abigail from Montreal
Thanks so much Dawn. That’s very good of you & I really appreciate the “hug.”
kealy
@Theresa E. – you certainly took up alot of space here to pretty much say nothing that was in much of any way connected to what I commented to you. Except of course to present yourself as a self-serving “expert” of some sort. Perhaps had you not been so intent on what, spewing whatever it is that you are spewing, you just may have realized that what I was saying, read between the lines if you must, that thank goodness YOU do not own Z and that thank GOD, the Moss’s do. That fact alone allows me to sleep at night quite well. Peace …
Maria K.
Congrats to the 8 lucky contestants. Good luck on the next round. I watched the Arkansas Derby yesterday. I was a bit dissapointed with the result. I cannot get excited with this year Kentucky derby. Queen Z, reading your posts is more exciting. Hugs and kisses to you Zenny.
Trina Nagele
@ Teresa E— As a loyal reader of the comments posted on Z’s diary, I recall that various people have informed us at various times that Vertigineux was sold some time ago to a large breeding and racing operation, Coolmore, that for reasons unknown to me does not “cooperate” with Darley, where Street Cry stands. Neither operation uses stallions from the other. That is apparently why Vertigineux has not been bred back to Street Cry, sad to say. In any case, there will never be another Zenyatta!
mj
@Kathryn Cogswell-well said by you and those expressing the same sentiment. We all have to retire someday, and hopefully sound and happy!! To many more years of fun and freedom to all……
L.S.
@Teresa E
There is no wondering why Zenyatta’s dam was not breed back to Street Cry. By the time anyone realized how good Zenyatta was, her dam was in the hands of Coolmore interests.
.
Street Cry is a Darley Stallion.
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Coolmore and Darley do not support each others’ breeding programs. Coolmore mares do not go to Darley stallions, Darley mares do not go to Coolmore stallions.
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Also from a commercial standpoint Street Cry stands for $150,000.00.
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Zenyatta brought $60,000.00 at auction.
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That is a massive loss from a commercial breeding standpoint. Beyond that Zenyatta did not start running till late 3 year old. That is another commercial FAILURE in terms of the thoroughbred world.
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Least anyone forget, had this mare been in any other hands. Had she been in the hands of owners who wanted to be in the BIG young races (the Oaks, the Acorn, etc) or had she been in the hands of a trainer who felt pressured to rush her, she would NEVER have been the horse we all got to see and fall in love with.
Trina Nagele
@Abigail from Montreal–I’m so sorry to hear that the VAULT was hacked into. I’m glad you were able to save most of it, and I look forward to reading about Giacomo at your new location. I admire your writing and your efforts to fundraise for horse rescue. I hope the VAULT will be safe now (no pun intended).
L.S.
@Diana S,
I agree. I think she’s been rebred and this time they are playing it a little closer to the vest until the 45+ day mark.
Abigail from Montreal
@Trina. Thanks so much! It’s going to require some imagination to see how we can raise more money on an ad-free blog, but it’s also a SAFER blog, in my opinion!
Mary Margaret from Georgia
Good luck to the Elite 8. Thanks to everyone with all the share knowledge. All the Z fans are as wonderful as Queen Zenyatta. Have a great day.
Cindy from LA
I think many of us have know idea how much it
Has cost the Mosses to train, keep and care for Zenyatta.
I imagine millions of dollars. LS ha brought up some
Very relevant points. Zenny has been sooo lucky to
Get into the hands of Team Z and the Mosses. I would
Not like to see what happened to RA happen to Z.
RA was purchased to make her owner a lot of money
It is possible the other mares caught up to her in year 4
but my gut feeling was she was “burned” out in those
Races with the boys. She is soooo talented I hope
She is cherished in her retirement and more than
A baby machine.
Zenny has a wonderful life. And she is soooo very lucky
To have soooo many people who care for her. XXXOOO
Linda from Vermont
Congrats to the Eight!!!! Hugs to Z!!
Sue Fredrick
@Dawn, thanks for your better weather wishes…..it worked, today was sunny and near 70, the grass is so green it hurts your eyes. Don’t know if any of you have been to the Thoroughbred Park but you have to see it if you come to Lexington. There are bronze statues of seven horses running a race that are so magnificent….they’re almost real. Behind them is a beautiful fountain spraying. Up on a hill there are two mares with their foals cavorting between them. I took scads of pics…..so beautiful, a must see. Hope the weather holds I’ve got to get to Old Friends. Goods Luck on the bronze. LUV A KISSES ON Z’S NOSE
Dani
HOLY COW!!! EL VINO – WHAT A RUN FROM THE BACK OF THE PACK!!! Congratulations to the Mosses and of course John Shirreffs the wonder trainer!! Very exciting race.
Especially Horses
El Vino. Congratulations!
Astrid
@Abigail from Montreal – so sorry to hear that your site was hacked into! Glad you were able to safe most of it. I do hope you have backups – your articles are just too valualbe to be lost! Wishing you best of luck for fundraising!
Zenny, hope you had fun day! It’s muddy here – you would love it:)
My heart goes out to the connections of Tokubetsu! What a very sad loss of such a beautiful horse. Run free, sweet boy! Hope jockey Garcia does not have any lasting injuries – he appeared to be O.K.!
Joan
Hey Z, your work partner won it!!!!
Love ya Z
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear Abigail from Montreal & Trina, and those of you all who were better able to speak to one side of some of these issues we all care about, yet step into the shoes of others holding differing viewpoints and uphold their notes with such respect. Thank you. ~ Abigail, it WASN`T Willie Sutton, who coined the quip that he robbed banks because that was where the money was; some enterprising reporter covering his nefarious career did that. But whoever went after ‘The Vault’ should have read a few sentences & would have known soon enough that the real treasures no one but you could mine for us. As for new ways to draw funds to the causes we all hope thrive because of a growing respect and love for the work our favorite groups do in behalf of causes benefiting horses and their ‘families,’ Mike Smith`s FB pages select one group to support each month, such as TROTTusa.com in March, and let his public know what their work history has come to mean to the larger, greater good he supports. You are so good at bringing history to life & as several writers above have written, the stories are so fascinating, that a compilation of good groups, dealt out over the months, with your paragraphs to flesh out their missions, seems a way to meet the needs of many in the same ordered ways you register your archives for us. Off the top of my head, it might be win/win/win for all and keep the site protected. Just one idea.
JLG in CA
Bet you are so proud of El Vino, Z. And you would think the announcer on Calracing.com was TOO CUTE. He always says El Vino looks around, sees you aren’t there, and in essense says, “Is this all there is?” Not quite like the days when you would come racing up when he helped you train. Nice job to J Sheriffs once again.
Renee
okay you Guys ,Dottie was on HRTV and was ask the question.. if Zenyatta rebreed , reply was …Zenyatta needs her Private time..And the barn will let them know????Humm
S (in san diego)
@Diana S. I have the same feeling about Z an B and a quiet reunion. At least I hope we are correct:)
Hope everyone has had a nice weekend.
LauraJ
@Cindy from LA, don’t worry about Rachel. She is doing fine. I attended “Visit Rachel” day a few weeks ago. She is healthy and happy. She is a pleasant horse, and all the Stonestreet personnel are quite fond of her. They were delighted to be able to show her off. Hot Dixie Chick is her paddock buddy.
Trina Nagele
@Amanda Gilliland–Thanks for sharing the touching story of your showing Z’s race videos to your Uncle Park in the nursing home. Did he get to see her dancing? And bowing to the crowd at Oaklawn? Too cute! And how amazing that Uncle Park served his country in all three military branches! Give my thanks to him, please. And I’m sure he would be proud of you for defending Team Z’s decisions regarding Zenyatta’s future. You too have the heart of a warrior, I would say, and I mean that in the best way. You are kind, caring, and classy.
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta. Wow, what a great weekend of racing. I was fortunate to be at Oaklawn Park for the Apple Blossom and the Derby – how great was that. I must say I did pretty well with my bets!!! Of course, we all talked about your performance in the Apple Blossom last year – I remember it very well that you bowed when they announced your name – unbelieveable – your are a treasure and an Angel in Disguise. Just got home and could not wait to send you a note – love you always, eat well, stay healthy and have loads of fun with your BBFs. Love all the pictures – unfortunately, I do not have some program that would show me your airplane ride video. Hopefully, when we get our new computer. Love you. Good luck to the 8 finalists – some lucky, special person will just love your statue. We love ours. We plan to go shopping for a different kind of case for your statue so that we can put all of our books about you below the status, like a shrine!!! Love you.
Cheryl Y
J. Smith”Thanks so much for the link to see Mario and Zen laughing it up-it made my day! I ordered an 8×10,I’m going to put it on my bedroom wall,so I can see it first thing in the AM,can’t think of a better way to start my day,then with a good laugh!Zen,you are surely a gift from above,you make so many of us happy.On a less pleasant matter,will all of you say a prayer for the owners and loved ones of the 6 race horses that were victims of a horse van fire on RT 95 in South Carolina.They were traveling from Forida to New York.They believe the fire was caused by a lit cigarette being thrown from a car window.They could not get them out in time to save them.That is the reason I believe all horse vans should have cameras to see the horses from the cab or the groom should ride in the back with them to prevent such a horrible tradgety.Sorry to bring this sad story to this sight,but I know Zen and all of you will pray for them .
Christine in VA
Hi Zen,
We had some bad bad storms but the eagles hung in the nest. They are getting big. Take a look Zen when the sun comes up. Love ya Big Girl
http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/e-community/eagle-cam
judy berube
Dear Cheryl Y:
Trainer Richard Schosberg had purchased one of the two year olds who died in that terrible, senseless fire. He, along with a number of friends, were partners and looking forward to meeting the horse van when it arrived at Belmont. It seems they were all two year olds on their way to Belmont to start training. We sent a card of condolence to Mr. Schosberg and the other trainers, c/o NY Racing Association. So sad. Judy and Russ
Martha
Hi! Here’s hoping that you’re not a huge LA Lakers fan, they got off to kind of a rough start as did San Antonio Spurs. On the other hand maybe they can play like you ran and come flying from behind for a big finish.
Shari Voltz
Dear Zenyatta I hope you had some good weather in Kentucky. It was pretty out just really windy. I ran again outside and did better than the last time. I kept thinking about you this morning. I love you big girl and I am thankful we have this site and can talk to you. It makes me feel better and I am learning so much from the other posts. I hope to get to Kentucky this summer. I want to see so many things. I might be taking my 87 year old dad with me. I guess we will see. God’s will. I watched some horse races today on HGTV. I love watching the horses run. None of the horses are you but I enjoy it so. Well sweetie I must get ready for school. We have a three day week but Monday will be a long day with an after school meeting. Stay dry tomorrow and sweet dreams. Hugs and Kisses from Shari XXXOOO
@Dawn I hope you saw my earlier post. Happy Palm Sunday to you too. I am crossing fingers, toes and paws for the next post. Thank you for your post today it made me cry. You are one special person :)