Good Morning Everyone!
This photo is TOO CUTE! It’s my guy, Mike Smith, who helped us select the FINAL 4 for our ZENYATTA BRONZE CONTEST! Mike stopped by Dottie and John’s last night and held my reins in his hands…just like he did when we were racing. I think this definitely got him IN THE ZENYATTA MOOD to select our Final 4! This photo brings back great memories…for both Mike and I! We had lots of great times together!
The names of the FINAL 4 will be given…along with the thoughts each person expressed as to what I meant to he / she. Go to the bottom of this diary post and click the button next to the person whose entry you think deserves to win. Click the Vote button, and you’ll see the current results.
We will allow the voting to take place for one week. The winner will be announced next Wednesday, April 27th. John will look at the polls before he leaves for the barn that morning (5 o’clock in the morning, CA TIME) and the winner’s name will be posted.
The poll has been moved from the Facebook page to this website so that non-Facebook users may vote!
GOOD LUCK TO ALL 4 OF YOU!
ENTRY #1…..VICKI L. VINSON……APPLE VALLEY, CA I knew Zenyatta was “one” special horse the first time I saw her in person. She came over to me and stuck her nose right in front of my camera. That was before the ’08 Lady’s Secret. Little did I know that a year later she would become the best medicine in the world, in helping me through the worst time of my life. I’ll love you forever Zenyatta!
ENTRY #2…..VALERIE FRANKLIN….DAVISON, MI Zenny, you have made people believe in horse racing again. Our sport has suffered so much tragedy and in this time of economic disaster and with Barbaro and Eight Belles so fresh in our minds, you have given us a chance to escape and to dream. We love you more than you could ever quantify.
ENTRY #3…..GEORGIA HARPER…..BELLEVUE, WA My obsession began half way through your first year and such enthusiasm could not be ignored by my husband. After 49 years, my husband and I have become such good friends but are so busy with work and family we don’t always take time to actually think about one another. As a gift for our wedding anniversary last August, I received an email at work from my hubby with an itinerary attached for San Diego saying “Tickets for my queen to go see the Queen”. We not only had a wonderful day at Del Mar, never leaving the paddock and visiting with so many young people who had been there to see only you but we really enjoyed our time together. I’m not sure what we will do for our 50th this year, but I don’t think it will compete with the happiness we shared last year watching you come across the finish line and celebrating as best friends enjoying not just a horse race but watching the most magnificent thoroughbred ever. We miss you, we love you, and look forward to cheering on your foal.
ENTRY #4…..DAWN CONRAD…..CEDAREDGE, CO Dearest Zenyatta. “Why are you special to me?” Is it the stately stature of the Queen like carriage? Is it the glistening brown coat with the diamond dapples? Maybe it is the dance or those still moments with your head held high? Is it your intelligence and fathomless brown eyes? Was it your first run free or perhaps a camera-ride on the back of Pegasus? Is it posters in the stands, a warm crowd on a cold Kentucky night, the excitement you bought back to racing? Your place in its history and future, the Breeders Cup, 60 Minutes, Horse of the Year, Vox Populi Award? A Fred Stone portrait, Jamie Corum lithograph, Nina Kaiser bronze? The cheers I shouted the tears I shed? Certainly your beauty, power, grace, breathe taking speed, final kick, heart stopping finishes and 19/1. Absolutely your gut wrenching, never give up, try! It is all of this, yet more. It isn’t only who you are, but what you mean to each of us. With Team Z, you are Jerry and Ann’s pride and joy, John’s soul mate and patient masterpiece, Dottie’s muse and she your voice. Mike’s talent, guidance and prayers brought you home safe each race. At Barn 55, you had care from Mario, workouts with Steve, walks with Carmen, loving star struck visitors and kisses from all. At Lane’s End, paddock pals, peppermints, pears and precious motherhood. Your family embodies the word generosity and together you have been transformative. You give pure happiness to thousands. You are a horseman’s ideal, a child’s dream, a friend to charities, a moment of healing to someone ill, a smile in the face of sadness, a sweet memory to all those you meet and a wish of all those that you haven’t “including myself”. While totally unique, I see in you the memories of my youth: the Black Stallion, Flicka, Secretariat and my Cinder (a gift from a brother leaving for Vietman), live again. There were endless summer days of best friends, bareback rides, Breyer’s horses on the bedroom shelves and glorious Triple Crown winners. With you, I am that horse loving girl again. What fun! I have my own challenges in life, as everyone does. While I seek to remain positive there are those moments. You are there to lift my spirits and touch my soul. Your diary is a place of remarkable civility where information, support and all things Zenyatta are shared and celebrated. Facebook, over 70,000 and still counting! The experience has been once in a lifetime and continues to be a magical ride. In the end my love cannot be fully explained, it is simply heart felt and joyful. It is no mystery why the word “angel” is used to describe you, for you are a creation of God, a blessing to us all and a remarkable gift. For everything you are and everything you mean, Zenny, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are truly UNBELIEVEABLE! As always, sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
Wow! I hope you enjoyed reading these as much as I did! Dottie commented that she was literally in tears typing them for ME!
Vote for the ENTRY of YOUR CHOICE!
Blessings to All OF YOU who participated in this contest! I can’t THANK YOU ENOUGH for ALL OF THE LOVE AND KINDNESS you have shown ME!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
This diary has been special to me from the start. Besides being a part of “Club Z”, to come to a place and share a mutual love, admiration, past & present experiences with horses and racing, questions, respectful (for the most part) opinions, personal life situations and awareness about other animals & our families has been a blessing. There have been many memorable posts, and I’m sure after this length of time, recognizable names who have shown a certain flair for writing, whose posts we search out to see “what’s coming next”. I think this group could attend a convention and be talking & debating issues until the wee hours of morning, deceiding nothing and having a darn good timing doing it! Such is the fraternity of the people of Zenyatta. This was not outlined or planned. It was a “Happening”. Sixties people get this. The Synergy of Zenyatta!That’s us. All the beauty, love, charity, outpouring of emotions, and yes, apparently over-sized postcards. Hasn’t the whole fabulous ride been larger-than-life? AND WORTH EVERY MOMENT! Thanks and appreciation to EVERYONE who takes the time to share and for “just being there”. And to ZENYATTA . . . THANKS FOR JUST “BEING”
Liz
When ever I come here I am renewed again with that indescribable joy and grounding I get thanks to this magical horse and all of the wonderful kindred souls who share in the same experience. It’s quite something and I know of no other place like this. Thank you very much Dottie for making this possible.
Astrid
Beautiful pic. of Silverbulletday (foaling soon) and Vertigineux with foal and pic. of her daughters:
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/throughthelens/archive/2011/04/20/catching-up-with-silverbulletday-and-vertigineux.aspx
@ Karina Bussel has a wonderful video of our Queen on fb. Thank you for sharing Karina!
Jeanie
I LOVE YOU MIKE! I tried to give you my phone number when you were signing autographs at Hollywood Park. I tried again when you were signing autographs at Santa Anita. (We were kidding around — I’m old enought to be your babysitter). Anyway, you are, as Queen Z/Dottie says, TOO CUTE! You have the most beautiful smile and eyes. You are a doll! Aren’t you a lucky guy to be forever linked to such a big, gorgeous female as Zenyatta! The two of you should be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a couple! You are the best! Jeanie
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Judy Maass Gadwood — I wanted to visit the KY Horse Park before John Henry died. He raced before I became a Thoroughbred aficionado, but I have read so much about him and his unique personality. When we finally did visit KY last November, it was a treat to spend time with his groom and others who adored him and hear their stories of his antics. Last weekend we saw the life-sized bronze of John Henry which captures his stance in the mornings as he walked onto the track and surveyed all of the action. Santa Anita commissioned artist Nina Kaiser to create the bronze. Nina, of course, is the sculptor of the Zenyatta bronze. I was surprised to learn that Nina worked as an exercise rider during John Henry’s racing career and saw him often. She made sure she not only had John’s conformation and size correct, but she also wanted to reflect his personality. Nina said with John, it was his eyes, larger than with most horses. Nina captured Zenyatta’s personality as well reflected in her magical dance step. We ordered the #20 bronze in remembrance of all her races. It is truly beautiful and has a place of honor in our home. We feel her last race was her most courageous and we were privileged to be there to see it. Congratulations in advance to the winner of the #19 bronze. It is clear from the words of the four finalists that it will be treasured.
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Astrid — Thank you for the link to Vertigineux and her beautiful daughters and Silverbulletday.
Kathryn Cogswell
Savvy about this site? Just was directed to #231 for a poll asking, ‘Who should win? .. .’ and the four finalists` names. Now it`s gone. Things DO come and go so quickly here — has anybody else experienced the trip to the poll on #230? If not, ?!???
the kids of Tytler School Horse Club
We have some photos and Easter Eggs to share with other Zenyatta fans. Enjoy!
judy berube
Dear Z,
Love ya. Hope you are having fun in the paddock. So many beautiful posts today, namely Carolyn (I’m a Sixties person too), Liz, The Kennedy’s and Amanda to name a few. To: Astrid, Thank you so much for the slide show of Vertigineux and her darling foal and daughters (and our Queen). Love to all of you. Judy and Russ
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear Everyone: Scroll up to the top of this #231. A new question asks who should win .. . Perhaps there is a discussion at headquarter considering notes here since the four finalists` writing were listed?
Lisa g
OMGoodness, a contest when someone can take home a beautiful bronze, dancing Queen Zenyatta. She did not have to do it, but she did, cuz she loves us to. What a wonderful thing to do, Thank you Queen Zenyatta, DOTTIE, Ann, John, Jerry, Mario, Carmen, Mike and all the folks that helped out. Kisses and Hugs for all
Kathryn Cogswell
Must be a courtesy to those not wanting to register w/ FB. Very thoughtful, as ever.
Lisa g
I feel very sad that Mr. Jackson will not see Rachel and Curlin’s foal.
Prayers for his family for comfort.
Hernan Tovar
I agree with KITEI, I’m sure everyone who enter the CONTEST wrote something wonderful about you my dear Zenyatta, because we all love you very much!! But #3 did not follow the rules… This is the reason I’m very hurt, but my love for you will never end. Good luck to #1, my vote is for Vicky. Sophie, I agree with you about Mike…”BUT I STILL LIKE HIM”
Ingrid from South Beach.
Lisa g
Who should win might be on FB? If so, I will have to wait till I get home to see what it is, if anything.
Lisa g
@Hernan: I read what you wrote on the postcard when you posted…had to tell you that it was PERFECT.
Astrid
@The Kennedys and others who mentioned John Henry. Thank you! I did not know of him. There are many wonderful tributes of him on youtube. He sounded like a real character and he really did have big eyes. He was beautiful!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ehb1Dt7axg&feature=fvwrel
– I
guess the poll was added here for those who do not want to sign up on fb. Thank you, Team Z!
judy berube
PS: Condolences to the Jackson family. It is sad that he will not get to see his beloved Rachel’s foal. Judy and Russ
ARPfan
I am saddened to read criticism of an entry for the Zenyatta bronze contest. Not one entrant deserves to win this statue more than any other. I’m sure all who entered wanted to win very much. If I had won I would have treasured the statue forever and had hoped to temporarily display it at our local horse track, Arapahoe Park, in hopes of drawing local media attention and try to draw more fans. The contest rules were very simply stated with few restrictions, and I submitted 300 4×6 postcard entries. Yes, they were generated from my computer as I am not physically able to hand write much, but the words still came from my heart. Sometimes we all need to “think outside the box”, and get creative. While disappointed I didn’t win (I was elated to make the first 64!), I am extremely happy for all the finalists and wish them all the very best!
Diana.A
just vote!
Nancy
All four are so wonderfully written!
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Astrid — Thanks for the link — so enjoyed it.
Victoria
I concur with all those who have expressed dismay over the length of Dawn’s “paragraph”. It’s clear she didn’t follow the rules as there is no way thar could have fitted on the required size postcard. If the others had done the same, their sentiment would come off just as full if not fuller as Dawn’s. If a card that was picked in the fitst round was oversized, then it should have been eliminated right away, and another card redrawn.
I highly respect the others for having played by the rules — therefore
my vote goes to one of them. Good luck!
Otherlyn
Dear Queen Z, One of these 4 Fans will be the winner, but al are worthy. Every heart here, and thousands who may never post has “won” for having lived in the era of ZENYATTA. I saw you at Churchill Downs. I heard the thunder of your hoofs, and felt the wave of energy rush through the crowd as you flew past the stands. It was the thrill of a lifetime for us. I, along with thousands will never forget it. Much Love and happiness to you always. It is my great hope of meeting you in person some day. Thank you for everything. Your FOB Fren, O PS: Please tell the Mosses that INDIAN CHARLEY might be a good choice for some future “date.”
Victoria
not sure the vote went in….just clicking on the dot and the exit?
Cathy P
Good luck to the final 4, you all deserve to win. Everyone have a great day.
Kari Bussell
Tears of Joy for you Zenyatta and Team-Z..I do have a question. When I clicked vote..nothing happened…so I clicked again..Can someone tell me if it in any way indicates that your vote has been counted? I often having problems posting. Many times I have tried to leave messages and it does not go through…I want to make sure my vote was counted and also I was not trying to vote twice.
Paula Higgins
I am very saddened to hear that Jess Jackson has passed away. My sincere sympathy to his family and friends. He loved his horses very much and took great pride in them. He will be missed.
Sandra Frey
Beautiful girl, one of the happiest days of my life was to see you race in person at the 2010 BC at Churchill. I wanted you to win and you did in my heart as you had in all of your previous races. The grace of your movements, the pride in your stride, the grooving dance moves, and just the essence of being in your regal presence will always be with me forever. When you came to Kentucky, I waited at Keeneland in 19 degree weather for you to arrive. You are a superstar – I would walk 10 miles just to get a glimpse of you in a field – I wouldn’t walk across the street to see some of the most famous people in the world. You are awesome and I continue to celebrate you! Blessings always!
judy berube
Dear Z and Dottie,
Thanks for making it possible for non-Facebook fans to vote. As usual, so thoughtful. Judy and Russ