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!
Debbie Bassett
Sweet Z-
I love these posts. However, they normally make me cry. You are such an amazing horse. You are a gift to all of us. I love and appreciate Jerry and Ann for sharing you with us. Visiting you last week and meeting John, Steve, Mario and Carmen was a treat. You are surrounded by people who love you. I cant imagine how much they will miss you when you leave tomorrow. I miss you already. You have given us a great gift. I wish you every blessing in Kentucky. I know that wherever you go, you’ll have the love and admiration of everyone. You are amazing in every way. I look forward to keeping up with your diary. I check it and all the articles about you daily. You’re the Horse of a Lifetime. I feel so honored to have met you in person. Lvu sweet Z!!
Gloria Jeanne
Dottie- Thank You! John! Jerry! Ann! Mario! And everyone. Oh And Zenyatta of course! Today was a great day, happy, sad, joyous, thankful and beautiful. Today was here and now it is almost over. Tomorrow a new day begins in the life of Zenyatta – Please make sure Zenyatta remembers how much she is loved by all. Please don’t let her be sad or unhappy, dirty or cold. She is spoiled rotten you know, Royalty- The Queen of the Racing World! Love you All! Peace
Gloria Jeanne
The best part about today was the amount of time Zenyatta got to spend in the paddock with her fans and out on the track and in the Winner’s circle one last time. I think she needed that after the BC last month. Thank you Zenyatta and Team! Love n Hugs
Margaret
Goodnight sweet Z. In the morning when I wake up you’ll be halfway to Kentucky. I just got home from your appreciation day. I cried as you left the winner’s circle. I guess most of all I’m happy that your going into retirement safe and sound ahd healthy. But oh am I gonna miss you.
I still say you should run for President in 2012.
janet
Zenny.. This is a note of Thanks to John..Pass it on please!
Dear John,
Early in Zennys’ training you saw something very special and it tugged at your heart, because it is only from pure love that all the barriers were broken and that love was freely given to all. That is the pure gift of Zenyatta that you allowed to be shared with everyone amd it has come back to you and your team ten-fold. That is the pure love of the game and industry you have shared with all of us. What a great gift you have bestowed upon the people.
As she continues on her journey, you will feel some pain at the loss, and saddened from time to time as you pass by her empty stall, but rest assured, the legacy of Zenyatta that you shared with the people, will go down in history as a true gift of a ” Horse of the Ages.”
Thank you so much for opening your heart enough to share that love with all of us.
Lanie Johnson
Hi sweet girl! You and all have a safe trip today to Ky. We are having record cold temps and planes must be de-iced so I will worry all day about all of you! Saying prayers for a great and uneventful trip here. Stay warm at Keeneland and God Bless!!
Linda Weiss
I love you Zenyatta!!!
Patricia
Zenyatta…I could not be there yesterday, but after reading some of the posts from those that were, it makes me feel like I was able to experience some connection to you through the hearts of those that could be with you on your special day.
I agree with what Janet said a few posts earlier…John, you saw in Zenyatta what all of us see…I try to explain it to people & it is so remarkable, that there are just not enough words in the dictionary to express how most of us feel about this horse. I have stated before, she is like my third child & that is how I feel about her. I promised I would not Safe trip to KY!
XOXO
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, saw you at your Appreciation Day, which BTW is everyday. You looked absolutely beautiful. It is a sad day for us people. I understand your friend, Life is Sweet, is expecting. I look forwarded to hearing about your daughter to be, I named her Zoeyz, until you think of something. I love you dear, beautiful, perfect lady. Lisa g
Zenyatta forever!!!
Dear Zenny,
You are the most beautiful and amazing (and all the other great adjectives) racehorse I have ever seen. Honestly, I rank you up there with Man o’War and Secretariat and especially, Ruffian. You have soooooo much heart, just like her. Watching the Classic, it’s clear to me who Horse of the Year is, it doesn’t take a genius to figure it out. Sure, Blame won but while he was tiring at the finish, you came charging at him with so much grace and power and determination that it just took my breath away. Good Luck Zenny and hope you had the best appreciation day and wish you the best at Keeneland today and at Lane’s End for the rest of your wonderful life.
And The Zenyatta Team, you are the luckiest people to get to be with such a horse and obviously, she’s a lucky horse to be with people like you. I love it when I see people that truly and honestly put the horse first.
Take care Zenny!!
marcia deeb
Dear zenny, I watched your farewellyesterday, how wonderful to see you so well. Just wanted to tell you that your races, you and your crew have gotten me thru some hard times in the past two years.My husband went thru cancer surgery, chemo, another surgery to put the colon together, where he had a cardiac arrest, 2 stents, a pacemaker. I don’t think I could have gotten thru all of this without you. You are an inspiration to me and I WILL get to Kentucky to see you. My husband promised me this trip. I love you. marcia
Ella Emery
Hi Zen! Had to say hello before I go to school today. Have a safe trip in the plane…it is snowing here in New England. My mom read some of the articles & posts from people that were at your party Sunday…what a great day you had. Let us know when we can send you another box of honeycrisp apples at Lane’s End! Well, the bus is coming…I promise to keep in touch…Love, Ella
Kathy S.
Rain fell in California yesterday. Tears falling from the sky for our Queen’s departure. Godspeed on your journey and your new life in KY. I pray you will be happy! I will come visit you at Lane’s End if I’m ever nearby.
Love you, Queen Z!
XOXOXO
sue
I am not a “horse person”, have little knowledge of horse racing or even the basics of horses (riding or care of a horse), but Zenyatta has pinged my heart in a way that is indescribable. HER personality, acknowledgement, awareness of others and her surroundings leave me in awe. I am envious of others who have the honor to care and be around her. I just hope when she moves to Kentucky that people that have cared for her stay with her. I hope that they continue to take the time to interact with her like you all have. I suspect they will be sadness with her when she finally realizes that she will no longer be a working (racing) horse.
It has befuddled me how much how worry about this lovely horse. I hope and pray she has a beautiful life at her new home.
Much love to all who have not only created a beautiful racing horse but cared for her in way that her personality was allowed to show. This is why she is loved and became such a great horse, because you did not break her spirit.
I hope you continue to post videos of her.
~Sue
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, Again, you were spectacular yesterday on the track. I was so emotionally spent by the time you left our sight I could not write to you. To the entire Team Z, thank you for each moment you have so unselfishly given to all of us in the simple gesture of pure love. Zenyatta has an innocent look in her eyes that says “I have been surrounded only by loving people”. THAT SAYS IT ALL.
Lisa Dominguez
Good bye sweet girl, I wish I could have come to see you, but work was calling. You have given so much to the racing world, cant wait to see your babies run!
Dawn
Oh, John’s comments made me cry!!
I watched Zenyatta Appreciation Day on TVG yesterday. Zenny, you looked beautiful in your pink saddle cloth.
Can’t wait to welcome you to Kentucky. You’ll just be down I-75. In Ann’s interview, she said she hoped fans still came to visit you. I hope that means we can come to Lane’s End to visit.
Safe travels on Monday. Bring lots of blankets! :)
Darlene Johnson
Zenyatta….I am so proud of you and wish you a wonderful retirement. Please keep us posted with this great diary. We will miss you in California.
Quarterhossgal
Got to see your final appearance at Hollywood Park. I know you felt all the love and well wishes coming your way. You have a way of looking into our souls with your deep dark eyes. Thank you and your extended family for being so available to your racing fans. We will miss you but hope and pray you don’t forget all your admirers and keep us up to date with all your activities. Love you Z.
Gretchen
Great horses touch our hearts and souls and, I believe, make us better people. Besides being a great race horse, Zenyatta is a horse with a tremendous personality and a kind soul. I am moved by the number of non “horse people” who she has touched and love her. Her whole team deserves the utmost respect for the obvious love and excellent handling she has had and will continue to have. I can’t wait to see Zenyatta babies!
Richard
Zenyatta, I am an adult man and I am not ashamed to admit that seeing you for the last time brought tears to my eyes. I know that in my lifetime I am never going to see another horse like you, you are so much more than your record, in fact I think your record is the least important aspect of you, that might be what got us all to sit up and take notice but now we all see just what a wonderful gift from God you are. I have to ask, can you please address one question I am sure many of your fans have? Can we come and see you when you are at Lane’s End? Ann said that she hoped people would come and visit you there but the farm says that nothing has been approved yet. It would be a huge thrill for me and my family to see you in person, if we can’t I would be heartbroken. I am so glad that you are entering your retirement in the best of health, so many horses are not as fortunate. You are an exceptional ambassador for this great sport and for horses all over the world.
Thank you
Sharon
Hi beautiful Z!! You looked MAHHHVELOUS in your pink, Apple Blossom blanket yesterday! As I write this, you’re on your way to KY – and even more love and new friends!! Not that us west coasters won’t be traveling to visit you in KY. WE WILL.
As they played “thanks for the memories” yesterday and you walked away back toward the barn, I’m sure there wasn’t a dry eye in all of Hollywood Park. Hail to the Queen!
OraJean Stevenson
Queen Z, You are really a “once-in-a-life-time” horse!! You looked so beautiful to-
day, at Hollywood Park’s Farewell Party, and so healthy and happy, I love your TEAM
for taking such good care of you. I guess
your first big challenge in Kentucky, will
be staying WARM! Have a safe flight. Take care and much love, OraJean
Robyn Mullhausen
Zenyatta, you looked so beautiful yesterday as you were paraded out onto the track. You were so gracious to pose for your fans. It was great to see Mike walking beside you for a while and Mario was beaming..probably trying to hide tears. It looked like you enjoyed Liza G. Fly’s song to you. My heart aches for John. I hope he can visit you often in KY, he is going to have such an empty place in his heart when you leave. I pray you have a safe trip to KY and enjoy their Welcoming Ceremony….they have no idea of what a precious soul is coming their way. I know you’ll make many new friends there and many fans will be there to visit you when allowed. I’m sure Jerry and Ann will make sure you continue to be treated like The Queen you are. Now that you will be closer to me, I hope one day I will be able to see you in person.
Cathy P
Zenyatta I love you so very much and I will miss you like you can’t amamgen. I was there yesterday and I cried so much in happiness and sadness. You are the sweetest girl and everyone you come in contact with can see that and I believe they feel the same. I hate to see you leave, because I think we will not be able to see you in KY and it’s so far away from CA. I love you so so very much and good luck being a mommy. Love you seeet girl and VERY BIG BIG BIG HUGS.
Kim
Zenyatta, I hope the cold winter won’t be a shock to your system. Stay warm and toasty.
Bridget Benenate
Kleenex please!!!!! Seeing you on your special day, was the dream of a lifetime. You are spectacular in every way. I love you. I wish your whole team would move to Kentucky with you. I love them too! Thank you so much sweet girl, for just being you! xoxoxoxoxox!!!!!
Joan
Well it is Monday morning in Texas, I just got back from seeing you Sunday. I was at your barn yesterday and everyone was so gracious to all of your fans. I may never wash my right hand again, because it touched you. Mario and Carmen you are so special, Carmen smile for the camera, she is so sweet.
Steve said you would leave at 8 this morning for the flight to Kentucky, I hope you will enjoy your barn and of course Life Is Sweet.
What a thrill you have been and God willing much more to come, kisses to you Big Z.
Eve
Thanks again Zenyatta for all the moments of magic. Love ya,
Gloria Jeanne
It’s going to be cold in Kentucky Zenyatta- be safe and warm – snuggle with your buddies to keep warm. Love you