Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #123

Well…my Zenyatta Appreciation Day at Hollywood Park is here!

I am very excited…and yet in so many ways reflective. It was supposed to rain a bit today…but now they are saying the rain will be later tonight and into tomorrow morning. I hope it holds off until evening.

Yesterday, I hosted a barn party for all of my friends at the Shirreffs’ Barn. They were able to bring all of their family members. Dottie made big Z’s to hang from the trees outside like large ornaments with each of the employees names listed on them. It looked so pretty and festive. Everyone ate and relaxed and had a wonderful time. Debby, our caterer, did an amazing job! (She always does.)

Then the Moss’ helped me provide gifts for each person who had worked with me at the barn. They felt it would be a special way for me to say THANK YOU. Ann, Lara and Claudia helped me to pass everything out to all my friends. It was great fun!

Later, I was out grazing…in the back grass area….and people were coming over to see me, get photos, hug me…and thank me for their presents. I think I was a really good hostess. I know I tried to be, for sure.

Right now there are tons of fans here to see me again this morning. Yesterday, Steve counted over 162. Cody ushered groups of 10 back and forth to the barn. Michelle, Isabelle, Steve, and Gary helped to organize the people so they could get their pictures taken with me. Mario helped me poise beautifully for the cameras. It was amazing. Everyone has been so kind.

Later today, it is ZENYATTA APPRECIATION DAY! I’m going to relax a bit after the fans leave this morning…and then get ready for this event. I know Mario, Carmen, and my crew will have me LOOKING GREAT! I hope everyone has a great time.

Last night, before John and Dottie left the barn…John looked and me and gave me a big hug and the greatest compliment of all. He said that people really do love me…and they are really so appreciative of all I have tried to do. In his mind, he said, I am SPECTACULAR in so many ways. As a matter of fact, he hugged me again and said…’There is not one thing about me that is not exceptional…not one!

I guess I am one very lucky horse to have people around me who give me so much love, confidence and respect! Yes, one very, very lucky girl!

With love…and hope to see you at Hollywood Park this afternoon!
Hugs~
Z

PS…Kelley Rose…the barn went crazy over your Marble Cake. They are still raving about it! Thank you for making all of them so happy!

Reader Interactions

222 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Very emotional.

    Cannot put into words what Zenyatta has meant to me.

    Many Thanks to the entire team.

    Best wishes to all.

    Thank You Zenyatta for being You.

    – Peace

  2. / Reply

    Queen Z, thank you for every moment. You have taught me so much. You taught me that focus and hard work matter. That embracing your individuality and being who you are naturally and developing that brings even more successs. That loving and appreciating those who help you on your journey gives that journey meaning. And that doing your best is all anyone can ask.
    I love you for all you have been for me and so many. May your journey in KY be as full of love and satisfaction for you can handle. Hope to meet you in person someday at Lane’s End. Love Amy Bears

  4. / Reply

    Zenny, this made me cry! Yes, you are SPECTACULAR!!! It was such a pleasure and priviledge sharing your journey with you. I am glad you had a great barn party with your special people and what a neat idea hanging Z’s all over!!
    Wishing you the most fun on your special day! I so wished I could be there! You are the Queen!! We will all miss you so but happy for your new adventures to come:)
    Thank you, Zenayatta!! Team Z. – you will be in my thoughts as it must be hard to see her go! Safe trip to all and Zenny, say hello to Life is Sweet and A.P. Indy for me and to all your other new friends. You are so very special! Love you!

  5. / Reply

    I wish you could run forever, you were so fun to watch. I can’t wait to see your babies race… Long Live the Queen….

  6. / Reply

    You’re certainly the greatest race horse I’ve ever seen. Maybe me and so many of your fans will get to go and visit you when you retire to Lane’s End in Kentucky. Make sure you get a proper stud for your first “date” and make sure your future babies behave themselves. I love you!

  7. / Reply

    I will be watching your farewell appearance at home today, beautiful Queen, and I am sure I will shed some tears! Thanks for the memories to Team Z!!

  8. / Reply

    Hi Z…Well your special day is here already! Since i won’t be able to be there in person, i am wearing my Zenyatta T shirt today (long sleeved–it is cold here on the East Coast) in honor of you. I hope you have a truly wonderful day. I read how John told you how spectacular you are and I know you know how wonderful he has been to you as well…your whole team has gone above and beyond to make sure you are healthy and happy. What a lucky girl you are! Enjoy your day and safe travels tomorrow! Love you Z! :)

  9. / Reply

    My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, I can’t imagine how your Team Z is feeling right now as they know Monday will come for the final goodbye in Calf. I have to agree with John in your post. You are such a SPECTACULAR RACEHORSE. I wish so much I could just be there and see you in person. To be able to give you a hugh hug and tell you how special you are to me and so many poeple. I have cried when you raced and I cry when I see the videos of the races. They are always tears of joy. Just like when I read your posts each day. Zenyatta, you are a once in a lifetime gift from God and I am so blessed it was in my lifetime! Zenyatta you have a special talent that draws people to you for being yourself. You are a total package as an athlete that reached her full potential and has the ability to give unconditonal love to everyone you meet or reads about you. That alone is so spectacular! I hope you have a wonderful party. I hope the rain holds off till you reach Ky.
    I love you, Zenyatta. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
    Love, Amanda

  13. / Reply

    Oh I wish that I could be among the many to hug and kiss you…..you are such a source of joy. PLease continue with your wonderful diary at Lane’s End. All the mares there will want to be your friend for sure!
    Love you!

  14. / Reply

    Thank you Z and your crew for all you did for his sport. You all are amazing. I cry everytime I read your posts. I also am in the racing industry and have never meet a horse not even my.own that affect me or other the way you do.
    Luv ya

  15. / Reply

    I love you, Zenyatta. You will always hold a special place in my heart, tears fill my eyes as they always have every time I have seen you race, dance and now read your posts. I will just say I feel blessed to have shared your race into history. You touch us in our soul, you truly are spectacular.

  17. / Reply

    Wow Zenyatta, I can’t imagine my day without your diary notes. You are so respected by everyone and we can never ever let you know how much you have done for everyone.Zenyatta I wish we could have you race for a longer time but life is such and you have a big role ahead of you. I love you Zenyatta and you are so special to me.

  18. / Reply

    Zenyatta, I just finished “The Horse God Built” last night–it was written too soon, because it was written before YOU. Your spirit, heart, stamina, grace, kindness–there’s never been another you. I hope the rest of your days are filled with being cherished, adored and told how wonderful you are, and that at the end–very, very far from now–you are honored with a memorial in bronze for all time. Thank you for you.

  19. / Reply

    I cant help but to cry when I read these!!! Thank you for posting these and I can not wait to see her Here in Kentucky! I wish I could be there today but i am watching on TV

  20. / Reply

    You’re killing me, babe! You make me cry every time. There is nothing that is not exceptional about you and that is because your whole team is exceptional. I can’t thank John Shereffs enough for not starting you until you were three! I know it is sad to leave California, but Kentucky is the place to be for a lady of your caliber!
    I dream of seeing you in person one day. Thank you, Dottie for helping Z write her diary. It is so special.
    Have a safe trip to Kentucky.

    love you, girl.

    Selene

  21. / Reply

    iF NO TVG — GO TO HOLLYWOODPARK.COM AND SIGN UP TO BE ABLE TO VIEW THE LIVE VIDEO FEED FROM THE TRACK. TAKES ONE MINUTE. THEY HAVE BEEN SHOWING HIGHLIGHTS AND ZENNIE’S RACE VIDEOS BETWEEN RACES. MORE THAN FAIR CHANCE OF VIEWING HER APPEARANCE IN A FEW MINUTES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  24. / Reply

    Dear Zen, WE are the lucky ones to be alive to see you. Your special time is nearing as I type and the tears are already flowing. And there you are! We love you, Zenyatta. Be happy.

  25. / Reply

    Well, Z, As usual, every time I read something about your family and connections saying “farewell”, I start the waterworks flowing! I really cannot imagine how they are handling this…I guess they have had their private moments to reflect on all that you have meant to each of them…I’m guessing that John had a hard time keeping a “straight face”, as my dear mama used to say. It’s okay for us girls to shed a few tears — Dottie, too — but it’s harder on the guys. Of course, everyone will be flying with you to your new home, so there is still more ceremonies and good-byes tomorrow. Whenever anyone wants to know what “perfection” is in a Thoroughbred, your name will appear, Z-girl. In my lighter moments and when I’m describing you to someone who may not know you very well, I just say, “What’s not to like?” Getting to know you re-kindled my interest in the sport, and I’ve spent a lot of time recently doing research, especially about some of the sport’s most famous champions. I’ve not found any who are as beautiful as you or who could hold a candle to you in personality or conformation. To paraphrase John, there really is not one thing about you that isn’t exceptional! So, hope to see you soon in Kentucky. Best wishes, your friend, Ann Maree

  26. / Reply

    Well, this made me cry right along with everyone else. I can only imagine how much you all love her, especially John, Mario and Mike. Now I am watching her farewell at Hollywood Park and Liza G. fFly is singing
    “she’s the greatest racehorse we’ve ever seen.” She is absolutely right about that. People are screaming HOTY. They are right about that too. Have a good trip Zenny, Dottie, John, Jerry, Ann, Mario and Carmen.

  28. / Reply

    The horse world is crying tears of both sadness and joy today, Z.in appreciation to you and all your team for everything you’ve brought to us and to your wonderful future. Looking forward to many years of hearing about you and your babies and continuing to love you!!! Wishing continued success to you and everyone affiliated with you. HUGS & XOXOXOXOXO always.

  29. / Reply

    Zenyatta! You ARE the Queen and John is right…everything about you is spectacular. Thanks for continuing to talk to us…it’s food for the soul. And to eveyone who is part of Team Zenyatta…you did her proud. Thank you for being class acts all the way.

    Tony and Sue from Virginia

  30. / Reply

    Dec 3, 2010 – a most memorable day. I was able to see you at your barn on that friday. You were truly amazing. Majestic, sooo beautiful, just stunning. The way you connect with the people who are around you is incredible. It’s very easy to get all teared up and emotional. The battery died in my camera and I wish I could get hold of the person who took my pic with you. My email addy starts with LLHAWKI@ if you are reading this please send my pics. Thank you. Laura

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.