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
susan in tn
@ ABIGAIL: glad you have your new site up-i’ll check it out
@ DAWN C.-haven’t heard from you much this week. hope you are doing well and have a happy Easter!
Shari Voltz
Dear Zenyatta How are you sweet girl? I hope you had some outside time today. What a spring all it does is rain but that makes the grass grow for you and the other horses at LE. Zenyatta I want to tell you that Ray Paulick interviewed me about how important you are in my class. He wrote a really nice article on his website under Good News Friday. I feel honored and blessed. I called some of the children and they are proud and excited. All this because of you and your generous family. Please tell them thank you again. Th only mistake he made is that he said Mrs. Moss called me. I want to correct that. I called to thank her and she talked to me. Your human mom was so gracious to me I will never forget it as long as I live. I feel so lucky to even be a part of you and this site. I love you big girl. Sweet dreams :) Hugs and Kisses from Shari XXXOOO
Joan
@ Kari B.,Kari, what awonderful soul you are, wish you were one of the 4. May your future and that of your family be blessed.
I said on this board many posts back, well I asked Dottie how did she get her clothes on each day with her wings in the way. SHe is very special. If you have ever watched her in action at the track you would realize she is one busy lady.
Love ya Z.
LauraJ
@Carmine, no announcement has been made. She very well may already have gone back to Bernardini, and her connections may simply be keeping everything under wraps until a pregnancy is well established. There is no reason for her to go to anyone but Bernie, BTW; it is common for mares to be re-bred. They would only switch stallions in unusual circumstances–e.g., the stallion developed fertility issues.
Kim
Zenny, Hope you and your girlfriends are o.k. and the storm didn’t come you way. Radar looked like it was going to miss you. Tornado warning sirens were going off in Nicholasville and I worried about Rachel as it seemed to be going her way. Keeneland was in the area too. Do you have many severe storms/tornado watches/warnings in CA? Springtime in KY is pretty but you have to watch out for the storms. Stay safe tonight Zenny.
Joyce
@Jan I’ll be in the Players Lounge in the afternoon, then will go to the 2nd floor around 7:00 p.m. I hadn’t really planned to stay the night but would like to get an autographed book if I can. SHRP told me 7-9:00 p.m. on the 2nd (Club) floor, but the lady I spoke to did not know exactly where.
As always, a hi there to you, Zenyatta, you are one very, very special horse.
AJ from CA
Thanks to all the kids at Tyler school horse club for creating such awesome Zenyatta-inspired eggs! You rock!!
Kari-I applaud your courage in the face of adversity and what Zenyatta has meant to you. Thank you for sharing…really hits home how we get so caught up in the superficial stuff and forget how to treasure our lives and to live each moment to the fullest with joy and appreciation and to not give up! You’re my hero!
Randy
After several days of reading through all the posts here at #231, I returned to one of my very favorite images of Zenny… a montage of her first 19 races.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qUZXtTzT6M
I’m sure most if not all of you have seen this many times already… I’ve probably watched it 30+ times at least… but it brings back the essence of why we all fell in love with this girl in the first place. My personal favorite happens to be #4 – the Milady Handicap on May 31, 2008. I LOVE the announcer’s commentary at the stretch run — “How do you describe perfection? Why try… let’s just watch her run. This is ZENNN-YATTA!” And we did “just watch her run”… 20 glorious times… 20 heart stopping, breath catching, lip biting, fist clenching, toe curling, goosebump inducing, tear producing times. Whoever wins bronze #19 will be the custodian of a piece of horse racing history, and what’s even more special is that it’s a gift from Zenyatta’s own people. My jaw just dropped when this contest was announced… who else does something like this for the fans? I wish all four finalists could win… I wish everyone who submitted a postcard could win, but I know the statue will have a loving home no matter which of the four is chosen. I just hope there will be more wonderful opportunities like this in the future and I send a million appreciative thanks to Dottie and everyone in Zenny’s world who make it all possible. You are treasured more than you will ever know. G’night Zenny.
Barbara Sanders
When I click on the vote button nothing seems to happen. Is that normal or is something amiss?
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, good night beautiful Queen. Sweet, wonderful dreams for you and have a wonderful Easter weekend. I love you, I love YOU….Lisa g
suew
I have a small request from my fellow Zenny fans. I understand there was a nice article in the May Reader’s Digest about our girl. Can anyone who read it summarize it for us? I understand there were quotes from both John and Jerry. I would love to know what they said. Thanks.
@Barbara…when you vote make sure to log into this diary. After you do your voite will be counted. At least that’s how it worked for me.
Regina From NJ
To KARI B: When you look in the mirror, you should see nothing but courage, strength, love and beauty staring back. You are one remarkable lady who has touched me deeply. A GIANT hug going your way. Keep following Zenyatta’s hoofprints.
To the Children at Tyler School: Your Easter eggs will make Zenyatta so happy that she will run around her paddock neighing her thanks to you. I am so happy you shared those eggs with all of us. Happy Easter to you.
Dear Zenyatta: You have given us the wonderful gift of this diary. There is always much more caring, kindness and love here than not. G’night, Great Mare. xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Barb France
Kari Bussell-Suzanne G. said it all…hope you continue to post. Love to hear from you.
Jan
@ Joyce. Great. I’ll see you there @ 7pm. My husband Bob will wear his purple 2010 Zenyatta Breeder’s Cup cap. :)
AJ from CA
Randy – thanks for sharing Z’s incredible 19 wins montage..wish I had jumped on the bandwagon “08 and “09 but grateful to the Mosses’ for bringing her back to race 2010 so I could see 3 of her races which will be forever seared into my memory.
Hilltophorsewoman No Cal
@Randy Thank you for posting Z’s first 19 races to remind us why we keep coming back to her amazing accomplishments. Tonight was the FIRST time I have been able to watch the 2010 Classic since I saw it in person, standing on top of a picnic table down at the starting gate. This is the first time that I have seen the Moss’s faces, shocked and disbelieving, John walking very slowly, people either laughing or crying. All I can say is that I am awestruck by the race that Zenyatta ran. I have never seen a horse and jockey put more heart into a race. Coming around the final turn towards home I honestly thought that Mike would pick her up and move her around those horses if he had to but as always Zenyatta put her huge effort in going one more time to the outside to run down Blame. I can only say again….Zenyatta won the race. Blame just got lucky. Thank you to the Mosses, Sherriffs, Mike, Mario, Carmen, Steve and everyone who made the Zenyatta experience what it is. And to you, beautiful, wondrous Zenyatta for your gift.
Cathleen
I think each of the final four postcards on what Zenyatta means to them are beautifully written. As were the thousands of postcards I’m sure Dottie/John received. Some can sum up what Zenyatta means to them in one word, some in a million words. It’s not the number of words that matter but the feelings behind them. Thank you Dottie for being the voice of Zenyatta and for all you do. I thoroughly ehjoyed participating in the contest. And while winning the bronze would have been amazing, I’m just thrilled I had the chance and to tell you how much our beautiful Z means to me.
J Smith
Shari V, that’s wonderful. I will check out the website. I’m so glad you got to speak to Mrs Moss too.
@Kim, no we do not, that’s why we live here! :)I did hear thunder once, we thought the world was ending. It rained a lot this winter, far more than usual, but nothing like the storms you have. However, there is always the earthquake issue on the back burner, and when you see the devastation in Japan & New Zealand, it does worry you. But weather wise, we are lucky. Hope you are safe and dry, and same for all the horses. It must be frightening for them. I’m sure Rachel in particular will have plenty of humans to comfort her at this time, with Mr Jackson having just passed, and so much hope for her foal.
Annie
I have yet to watch Zenyatta’s last race. I could not bring myself to watch the live broadcast as earlier a horse had slipped and I was concerned about the wet track. Thank you Mike Smith for bringing Zeny home safely. Jerry and Ann didn’t hold back and although the outcome wasn’t what I wanted, it still was a great race. Zenyatta, on or off the track, you are a great soul. What else can I say… you are just so loveable.
DJ
Dearest Sweet “Z”,
Goodnight and just wanted to say Congratulations to ‘your’ Mikey for his “Show” on Makoma! Great for your “Z” team, as always…magic!
DJ
Dear Suew,
I bought the Reader’s Digest and will see if I can locate it to share. The article was on “The Best of Everything!” So of course, our sweet “Z” was there in all her glory, as humble as can be.
Valarie Franklin
@Kari Russell: You are an inspiration! I wish I had half of your strength
@Joyce: I haven’t finished “Greatness and Goodness”becaus I am trying to savor it and not send myself into too much of an emotional rollercoaster. I wish Alex were coming to Michigan!
@Dawn: Are you ok? I hope your feelings aren’t hurt by all of this but I know mine would be. Hang in there hun, and post soon cuz I’m worried about you :(
@Zenyatta: I hope the Easter Bunny brings you lots of goodies on Sunday! That would be TOO CUTE wouldn’t it? :)
Valarie Franklin
@Annie: Watch the race! She was AMAZING as usual :)
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta. I am definitely going out tomorrow to get the Reader’s Digest. Can’t wait to see the article. Can’t wait to see who wins the contest. All submissions were wonderful. Good luck to all. Zenyatta, I know the Easter Bunny will be good to you – carrot cake? mint eggs? Have the best time with your BBFs. Love you always, Angel in Disguise. Love to all for a wonderful and blessed Easter.
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
Kari B – You seem to have discovered a beautiful connection to “Begin Within” and find the source of your grace and strength, “dig deep in the stretch”, and emerge victorious, in your joy, celebration and love of Zenyatta. May our “Racing Angel” continue to be with you and give wings to your fight. NEVER GIVE UP!
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
What – No tree huggers in this group? Zenny, I know you loved “your” tree back in CA. HAPPY EARTH DAY!!
Paula Higgins
Kari B. you will be in my prayers.
I agree with the poster above who said that ALL the postcards meant a great deal to Zenyatta’s family. They were all heartfelt, meaningful and will be treasured for years to come. That should not be forgotten. Eevryone’s postcards made a difference to her family, who have worked so hard to care for Zenyatta and make her the national treasure that she is.
Gloria Jeanne
Can’t everyone just be nice to everyone on here. Really- this is a place to come and share wonderful stories of Zenyatta and her team. Please keep everying else negative away from here. Why must everyone come on here and think they are better than someone else, we are all just people trying to have a nice time here with Zenyatta and her fans. But I must say, it’s getting tough to come here anymore… just pickering and nit-picking and things that don’t really effect our lives outside of this site…. really. Just be nice and play nice together —- like Zenny would want us to do. This is really getting lame. Sorry, but it’s true. This site is changing and loosing sight of what it started out to be. It’s a Shame that so many fans saying they love the Z team can turn on them and others so quick like for no real reason….. Please stop it!!!! It’s not worth it. For Shame on you all. Dottie try’s to do a great job for this site and for Zenny and we the people of the site see to miss that from time to time… one day this site will go bye bye bye if it continues, then what will you do? I will be sad to see Zen’s site go away. But I will be happy the fighting has ended. Peace out
Hugs for my Queen Z – Love you and Dottie, thank you!!!!
Elizabeth
Hey guys, I have to say that I was one who thought that Dawn might’ve taken some advantage over everyone else to advance in this contest. So, my husband being who he is, he decided to do an experiment for me. He contacted the post office to find out what the largest sized mailable postcard is (4 X 6) and then typed out her entry to see if it would fit on that sized post card. He had to Microsoft Word it at 8 point font (the smallest), but it was able to be printed out and pasted onto one side of a postcard. Granted there was no real room to put a stamp or address on the said postcard, but there was nothing in the rules (that I recall) about not mailng the postcards in an envelope or some other way. In fact, I recell reading someone else who put all her cards in a single manila envelope and mailing them together so she could write more on the card. While, perhaps, this rather “sticks in some people’s craws” (as we say in the south) a bit, there were NO rules that stated that the postcard HAD to be mailed individually. So, I am taking this step and saying, while I meant no harm, that my criticisms of how certain things were done were incorrect, especially regarding the size of the postcard. While I still am not happy with the final four was handled and still feel it turned into a popularity contest, which I realized it would after the elite eight was drawn, no rules were actually broken. Therefore, I apologize to Dawn if anything I said hurt her or her chances.
Elizabeth
And oh, regarding Mike’s hotness, isn’t it amazing what a pair of jeans and a nice pullover can do for a well-toned man?