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
Sally (B)
Z my sweetie, no post 232!! I miss you!!
I know this is major racing season, and Dottie and John, Ann & Jerry and the rest of the Z team are very busy. I understand.
Just when I thought I would never see or know of you again, other than perhaps Bloodhorse, my dear friend back then said that Zenyatta has a diary post. My tears went away. I look forward to any news of you, whether having fun with girlfriends or having your family visit, whatever! I know recently we on this post have offered opinions to do with this contest. Once it is said and it is off someone’s chest, we all become one again. Because Z, you and your team Z mean more than we each could explain. I for a number of months, would just read what you wrote to us Z and I responded. I missed out what actually was going on everyones response. Yes, according to a few responses I have recently read at the lower of this page, they say they don’t need to hear all personal stuff, etc. between each other. Perhaps Facebook would be better. But, I do remember from you Z, through Dottie, she was happy to see back and forth communication with those who love Z. Those were not her exact words. We may have differing opinions but our bonding is for the Zenyatta we all love. I will post Old Friends address again on the next post. I think the deadline is coming up. Love with a kiss on your soft nose
Sharon in Seattle
Kennedy’s in San Diego – I’ll never forget Zenyatta’s walk toward the barns of Hollywood Park with “thanks for the memories” playing over the loud speaker. I had to try hard to remember that she had already given us her “ALL” and then some, so vaya con Dios, Zenyatta. You rocked our world and you’ve “won” your right to a peaceful life and privacy. Clamoring to see you would be selfish on my part.
ARPfan
Horse Player NOW is offering FREE race handicapping information every Monday night at http://www.horseplayernow.com/cat/school.htm. I am an amatuer handicapper and not at all affiliated with them. They have also made it free for various race tracks around the country to offer on their web sites, as well as NTRA.com, etc. These are REALLY informational discussions for newbies thru expects. Check it out if it interests you and you have the time! Invaluable information for sure.
ARPfan
Oops…meant newbies thru “experts”; sorry about the slip of finger.
Deborah Richman
@Susan in tn: The Temple Grandin movie from HBO was very well done and so inspiring! Temple herself was very pleased by Claire Danes’ performance. By the way, I heard that parts of TN are on tornado watch. Hope you are ok where you are.
@The Kennedys in San Diego: your post about War Emblem gave me such a chuckle I had to Google him and found this…http://articles.latimes.com/2002/jun/02/sports/sp-belmontside02
Deborah Richman
All Z friends…I hope those of you who live in areas experiencing severe weather are safe.
Celeste
Have been out of town for a few days and I come back here to check on my wonderful Zenyatta only to find out there have been no new posts from Zenyatta via Dottie and the comments are out of hand. I simply don’t have time to go read through them all, but I saw enough to say at this point, thank you LS and thank you Paula Higgins for what you wrote. I’d love to see the peaceful calm come back to these comments because this is a sanctuary of sorts to reflect on the love we feel for Zenyatta, for all other horses and maybe learn to be more gentle and kind to others as Zenyatta has shown to be.
zenyattaloveramy!
i love mike smith and you zenyatta!!!!!!!!!
Shari Voltz
Dear Zenyatta another rainy night in Ohio. My puppies were so down because they did not get their walk. I hope you are safe and dry. I saw that Kentucky was getting storms too. I want to tell everyone that the article that Ray did really made my children feel so good. They try so hard and some of them really have it tough. Tomorrow they will be taking the Ohio Achievement Test. I will be giving them peppermint candies like the ones Zenyatta eats. Peppermint has been known to increase brain activity. I am going to tell them they are getting the same candy as Queen Z. This will really get them excited. I want them to be alert and ready. This reading part is 2 !/2 hours. That is a long time for 10 year olds. I will tell them if Zenyatta can do her amazing races so can they :) Queen Zenyatta I love you so much. We are lucky to have this site and you in our lives. Hugs and Kisses from Shari XXXOOO
@Susan in Tn the children are great. Just a little nervous for tomorrow. I will give them a big pep talk before the test :)
@Darla in California I want to say THANK YOU. The Secretariat store called me and told me I was getting a gift from you. I kept asking if it was the right Shari. They told me yes. Well I was speechless and started to cry. I don’t know what to say but thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am going to hang my picture behind the couch. I still can’t believe I am going to get the picture of Secretariat and Zenyatta. WoW!!! I am going to take it to school and show the children and some of my teacher friends. Again thank you so much. God bless Shari :)
LauraJ
@Eveline, I like Pant on Fire too, and not just because of Rosie. Did you see Steve Haskin’s latest article? He thinks PoF is one to watch. I also like ArchArchArch and Comma to the Top. I like Arch^3 for pedigree—he should be able to get 10f. I like Comma because he has raced a lot and is in good physical condition. I am still on the Mo bandwagon. He is very talented. I’m with you on Pletcher but I like Mike Repole—he’s a stand-up guy. I’ll probably toss post positions 1, 19, and 20, unless Borel is riding one of them. This really could be anybody’s Derby.
–
@Susan in TN, great story.
–
@LS, please don’t go. I love your posts. Thanks for the shout-out for Our Mims.
–
@Kitei, I’ve noticed that post with hyperlinks sometimes get moderated.
–
@s in San Diego, I’ve read that QR is actually a sweetheart. He was a bit claustrophobic about the gate, poor guy. Although, he improved a lot as a 4-year-old. At Santa Anita a couple of weeks or so ago, there was a horse Liberian Freighter who just would not load. It took the gate crew forever to get him in. He won the race.
–
My horse had his first official workout today! Woot! He still doesn’t like to load in the gate but is getting better. He should have his gate card in a couple of weeks. We’re hoping he’ll have his first race soon after. :-)
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Sharon Call and Kathy Kimber — Sorry if our post about War Emblem was unclear. He dumped his jockey in his first scheduled start. As you might suspect, he did not run that race as he was already back in his stall. By the time of the Derby he had “matured.” He has, however, always done things, both as a racehorse and as a stallion, on his own terms.
Quarterhossgal
Queen Z….I haven’t been able to vote either!Must be a computer glitch. Hope the weather in Kentucky has calmed down a bit, sounds like some nasty storms have been much to close to Zen. Hope you had a great Easter filled with apples, carrots,and peppermints.
The Derby picture seems very cloudy with some of the original top horses being taken of the Triple Crown Trail. It’s beginning to look like any of the 20 horses could have a great chance to win,with the luck of the draw and staying healthy. I just love this time of the year and find myself playing and singing”The Run for the Roses”.
georgia
Dito s in San Diego “Well Said”
Sharon Call
@The Kennedys in San Diego and Deborah Richmond. No problems. I enjoyed the youtube video of him winning the Derby. Wow, what a run – in the lead for the whole race. I just read the LA Times article that Deborah Richmond gave a link to (Thanks, Deborah)and it seems like War Emblem was quite a handfull.
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Deborah Richman — Thanks for the War Emblem link — see what we mean, but one could not help but love him.
Max
@LauraJ. What do you think of Bernardini’s colt, Stay Thirsty’s, chances in the Derby, especially if he gets Calvin Borel as his jockey? Although I love Mo, Thirsty could be a late bloomer. He has the pedigree of the Darley Prince. For those of you who might be interested in Bernardini’s foals given his relationship with Zenyatta, there are pictures of several of them on his Facebook. It is a very impressive looking family.
Christine in VA
Hi Zen,
I have been a bit under the weather and sure do understand what peace and quiet means to healing. I hope that ALL your fans will understand the need you have to get your mind and body ready to be a mom.I miss you’r bright face but know it is best for you right now. Take care girl.
Kim S
Happy Monday evening Zenny. Hope the weather has calmed down for Kentucky.
I just had to Google War Emblem’s first race and found this article: http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2002/05/31/spt_war_emblem_reluctant.html. What a character.
@ The Kennedys–thanks for mentioning that and the article gave me a little chuckle, hope it does to everyone.
Seems like our horse friends are a diverse as we humans.
Hope everyone has a great week. Be careful with all this bad weather.
Counting the days until Derby Day and I have to say, if Uncle Mo isn’t 100%, that Dialed In does looks pretty good.
Lotsa love to all.
LauraJ
@Max, if Bo-Rail rides him and he gets even a vaguely decent post position, he is definitely worth considering. If it’s sloppy again, I will bet him to win. Bernie has had some nice ones.
Dani
Nice photo of John from Backside 5 FB. Wonder what he is thinking?
.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=191935950837496&set=a.191935314170893.43915.158710680826690&type=1&theater
Dani
Should say Backside 55. Sorry about that.
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: I hope you stay safe from the bad weather headed your way. I hear your area is suppose to get severe thunderstorms starting tomorrow.
@Max and @LauraJ: Have you heard if Uncle Mo is definitely running?
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Was just reading a back article in Thoroughbred Times dated 3/10/11. It’s about a foal in Oklahoma who is going to be one of the horses in a new movie directed by Steven Speilberg. The movie is called “War Horse” and takes place in the time of World War I in England and Europe. The story begins with the friendship between a horse named Joey and a boy named Albert. Sounds like it’s going to be a wonderful movie for horse lover’s like us. Don’t know when the movie comes out, but I’ll keep you posted when I do. Maybe some of you already know. Love to all of you. Judy B.
Kathy P.
@ Judy B. War horse is a London production show that is now playing at Lincon center in NYC. It has some amazing puppets in it. Please let me know if it is worth seeing
judy berube
To Laura J.: Good luck with your horse.
To Kim S.: Thank you for the link to War Emblem. Did not know about his “personality”. They are all individuals; makes them even more endearing. Hugs. Judy and Russ
judy berube
Dear Kathy P.:
The article said that this movie is based on the novel and the London play. So it’s in production now and probably won’t come out until next year. I haven’t seen the play, but it’s, no doubt, something we would enjoy.
Hugs, Judy and Russ
Linda/Maryland
Your contest is nearing an end Zenny. How exciting it will be to know the winner!
WE ALL Love you ~!!!!
Cindy from LA
Dear Zenny
You have embarked on a new career the no longer
Requires you to be a warrior just a relaxed fun loving
Horse with horse company. Lanes End has been entrusted
With getting and keeping you in foal as directed by her
Owners. To be Broodmare of the Year and a Champion race
Horse would be one of the very firsts for this honor. Your
Fans need to realize things have changed for you and for us.
There will most likely never be another Zenyatta. Let’s all
Respect and honor her for her accomplishments and for
Her wonderful connections who want her to be all she can be.
She will return to us in a different way transformed into a
Mother with a foal at her side and cherishing her foals
And all her BBF’s. So glad you retired safe and sound and
Are enjoying life at Lanes End !!!!! Sweet dreams. XXXOOO.
Paula Higgins
Carolyn, what a riot that you saw my post on Bloodhorse!! Yes, I am going through severe Zenyatta withdrawal and I HAVE been pulling out all my Zenny things and internet articles to help me cope! Like all of us, I miss her very much. She was a National Treasure in my opinion. When Uncle Mo lost, I was very upset for the little guy. I think he has a ton of talent and don’t know if it was the stomach virus or the distance that made the difference that day. When you are used to the Queen winning every time out, going back to racing as usual is a reality check. I think alot of people in racing are going through Zenny withdrawal and have a renewed appreciation of just what they had when she was racing.
Celeste, thank you for your kind words.
Laura in NJ, Uncle Mo is supposed to be on the track for a work tomorrow. Todd Pletcher told Jennie Rees that he is coming back from the stomach inflammation very well and eating just fine. If he continues to do well and train well, they will race him in the Derby. They are waiting to see how he trains. So nothing is set in stone, but Todd Pletcher seems positive and he says he still has a ton of confidence in his ability.
Snoprinz
Zen, a belated Easter wish to you. I hope you got all your treats yesterday and are resting comfortably now. Take care and best wishes to all your friends and barnmates who are competing in the horse races. Hope to hear from you shortly.