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
DJ
Dearest Sweet “Z”,
Good morning to you and a lovely morning it is here in Southern California. The sun is shining after bouts of rain over the weekend. Birds are singing and lilys are in bloom in the backyard. I guess tomorrow is the ‘Day’ if I remember correctly…Wed? Quite a horse-race with #4 holding its stretch, #2 almost neck and neck with #3, #1 steady with the bend approaching :) A great trip. Have a lovely day all! See you tomorrow.
p.s. Vicki B. Thank you…that is my son’s favorite movie and I just love that quote!
Shari V. Can picture the children with their OAT’s and Water :) …Zenny blessings.
Liliana
Good Luck to the final four
LauraJ
This just in–The Factor and JP’s Gusto are both out of the Derby.
The Kennedys in San Diego
Great Haskin article on Mucho Macho Man. You have to love this colt whose June 15 birthday falls after the Belmont Stakes.
@Kim S — thanks for the War Emblem link.
Sunny Boyd
Good morning Zenyatta,
hope the early day finds you peacefully grazing on Blue Grass, may be snacking on a little clover here & there, white or purple, I like the purple myself, prettier I think.
I can’t get over how beautiful Secretariat was, Mrs. Chenery was sharp about him, and also present in some of the footage, with her high hair, so 60’s/early 70’s, a real trip back in time.
Just like with Giacomo, Secretariat shot across the empty paddock but he was wheeheeing just like you, but there’s a definite difference in their ‘taking charge’. They come across like they own the place right from the start, there’s no hesitation, caution.
Same can be observed with sires of cat/dogdom. :) :) :)
@ Barbara Wood
I hope your knee surgery/recovery is going fine? I have a friend who was operated on her knee, she felt 100% better immediately.
Did a lady, last name Uher ever get that kidney? Does aby know? Thanks.
Well, did you know the Queen, Her Royal Highness, stayed at Lane’s End? Well, doesn’t that just want you to slick back your hair & put on those sparklies’ wraps for those special moments ;) ;) ;) May be you should stay out of the mud for now, just in case :) :) :) Have a great day!!!
Shari Voltz
@JSmith I just saw your post and some of the others. Thank you all for the kind words. You all made me cry. I do love my job and feel I have the best children in the world. I think all teachers are like that.
I did contact Dawn by phone. She is a wonderful person. I just felt so bad about what some people were saying. I know it is their opinion but words can make or break a person. Words are powerful tools. Dawn is doing great and back to posting. She plans on visiting me this summer on her way to see her niece. This wonderful site has brought me a new fantastic friend. I think God works through others and animals. I know Zenyatta is an angel. Just look at her :) Thank you again. God bless, Shari
judy berube
Dear Z,
Happy day to you. Hope you are well and playing in your Kentucky bluegrass with your friends. Love to all of you. Judy and Russ
judy berube
Dear Kennedy’s in San Diego:
I agree. Love MMM. The Derby is so wide open right now and with so many horses running, anyone has a chance. Hugs, Judy B.
Paula Higgins
audreyc, you are so right, bring them home safely, that is the bottom line. Everything else is gravy. Another reason to love John Shirreffs, Mario, Dottie and Barn 55 for providing such great care to the Queen. Jerry and Ann Moss always cared more about her than they did the money or the wins. They didn’t rush her into racing as a 2 and 3 year old. All of them had her best interests at heart. They all epitomize the best of racing.
Patricia Emery
Yes, let us get back “on track” and discuss the exciting news of Derby and other fun horse topics! I still think the field is wide open, especially if Uncle Mo has not recovered from his illness…and by the way, I hope he is healing well. have they announced who Calvin Borel will be riding?
Hey Zen…can you talk to your insiders in Kentucky and ask them to stop all of the rain…stay dry sweet one!
XOXO
Paula Higgins
Uncle Mo worked today and his 5 furlongs were better than Nehro’s 5 furlongs :). Not too shabby. Hopefully he is on the mend. All he needs to be able to do is get the distance.
Judy Maass Gadwood Loves Zenny/CA
Hi Zenny My Queen!
I haven’t visited for a few days, because I have felt a sense of sadness… I won’t post my feelings here; just know that YOU are always in my HEART and in my thoughts :-)!
HUGS & KISSES, SWEETHEART! XOXOXO
p.s. Some people aren’t able to vote. Not sure what happened, but they haven’t voted before and wanted to vote. :-(
judy berube
Dear Paula Higgins:
Won’t give up on Mo. We think if he’s 100%, he’ll be running hard. We like so many. Mo, MMM, Dialed-in and Bernardini’s son, Stay Thirsty. It’s so wide open with so many other talented colts in the race. Hugs, Judy and Russ
Janie
@ Sue: yes, Barbaro’s birthday is this Friday, the 29th. Hard to believe it’s been almost 5 years since his Derby win. I feel like he is a guardian angel for all racing horses – he and Eight Belles. I’m really enjoying Alex Brown’s book about him – I’m taking my time reading it so I can make it last longer!
Christine in VA
ok now I am worried. Are you ok Girl. Have the comments on here broken your loving heart. Tell Dottie we miss you and just need a Hello Winny.
suew
All this derby talk has me reflecting about the great Zenyatta again. Really, it was so amazing how she conquered every obsticle thrown at her. Distance didn’t matter, pace surely didn’t…she knew what she had to do and put her entire heart and soul into getting the job done.
The 2010 BC was a perfect example. No other horse could have done what she did. The ground she covered, the physical obsticles in front of her…none of it mattered. As I watched her shoot down that homestretch I knew I was watching a once in a lifetime effort. Uncle Mo was an early favorite in the Derby but the distance might be his downfall. Like I said, with Zenny, it didn’t matter. She had the stamina and heart to cover a tremendous amount of track which she did over and over again with much success. How I miss seeing her race but I do know she is in a better place…healthy, happy enjoying the good life without being on the end of a lead.
Christine in VA
Sad news for the Norfolk Eagle watchers Our hearts are broken
http://www.wvec.com/my-city/norfolk/US-120702329.html?fb
Amanda Gilliland
Sweet Lady Zenyatta
Hope all is well. The derby is definetly up for grabs! Whose your Derby picks?
Good wishes to all The Final Four. Each card is soecial because they were your thoughts on Z. It is exciting to think the winner will be named soon.
Laura J please continue post how your horse is doing? Good Luck with him. It is so cool to have TB owners on this site. Have you mentioned his name? I would like to follow him.
Zenyatta, Hugs & Kisses!
Amanda Gilliland
Type error meant to say Each card is so special
susan in tn
@ LAURA J: thanks for the info. i sure do remember that gate incident with Quality Road! that was absolutely terrifying. if that one man hadn’t managed to hold on to the rein…well, like you said, there are so many bad outcomes that DIDN’T happen, thank God! i’ll check out John’s youtube video.
@ CHRISTINE in VA: that is so sad
love and best wishes to all my fellow zenny fans. stay safe in all this crazy spring weather!
@ AMANDA G and KARI B: thinking of you!
@ ZENYATTA: love you
Sharon Call
@Dani. I just got a chance to read the article on Mucho Macho Man and, oh my gosh, what a story. There’s my favorite for the Derby. I really, really hope that he wins and if he doesn’t, then come in in the top three. I think his owners would be thrilled with that.
I also looked at the pictures of the nurse mare foals in your link to Last Chance Corral. What beauties! I wish I could adopt all of them. What a wonderful organization. Thanks for these links – I really enjoyed them.
Anna Wiley
@LauraJ:
Thank you very much for clarifying that!!!
Anna Wiley
@ Kari Bussel:
The video was beautiful. Thank you for sharing it. :)
ARPfan
Happy day to Queen Z and her entire team! I miss the updates, but understand how busy everyone must be. I’m anxiously awaiting the Z bronze statue contest winner; fingers and toes crossed for all of you! Laughing at myself for still eyeing the location where I had planned to display the statue if I had won. My DH offered to buy a statue for me until he found out how much they cost; very sweet of him!
@Still can’t pick a Derby favorite; it’s very difficult with such a big field of all great contenders. Not to mention horse races can be crazy unpredictable in the best of circumstances.
@Thank you to everyone who posted the link to the Mucho Macho Man article; LOVED it. Bet it scared the bedazzle out of everyone when he apparently “rose from the dead” and ran off!
@Christine in VA – How horrifying! (http://www.wvec.com/my-city/norfolk/US-120702329.html?fb) I hope the male eagle is able to take care of the babies. Robin’s nest outside our sun porch every spring and there have been some VERY emotional experiences. However, I have some awesome memories and pictures. My heart goes out to everyone who is touched by this story.
@Happy birthday 6th (yesterday) to my favorite Arapahoe Park Arabian mare, Black Beaches. I miss watching you race almost as much as I miss watching Z race. Maybe you’re heading for motherhood, too?
Kathy Kimber
Neat info on War Emblem thanks so much. Yes I really like Mucho Macho Man. How you doing sweet Zenyatta can hardly wait for a new post from you.
Kimberly Potter
@Christine in VA ~ What sad, sad news aboout the female eagle. I just recently started watching the eagle cam because of you….and just yesterday shared it with my 3 grandchildren. They thought it was so “cool”. I don’t know if I have the heart to tell them that the Momma eagle is now gone….
@Zenyatta~ I love you so much!!
Zenyatta’s #1 fan in Montana!
Nan
Zenyatta,
Congrats to all four!
Vickie, Valerie, Georgia & Dawn
I think they are all special because I could relate to all four.
Can’t wait till the Derby! It’s up in the air to see who enters. Hope you & all of your family is doig well! Stay safe pretty girl! Love, Nan
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, I know you will be posting tomorrow…besides the winner of the contest, who will you be cheering on for the Derby? I love you, I love you forever. Lisa g.
Paula Higgins
Thanks Judy and Russ! Good luck to all 4 ladies tomorrow. You are all most deserving of the statue. Just read Steve Haskin’s piece on Mucho Macho Man. A wonderful story.
LauraJ
@Patricia Emery and Paula Higgins, according to an article in TB Times, Pletcher says that Mo has recovered from his GI problem. As for Borel, I haven’t heard or read anything official, but I read somewhere that he has been working Stay Thirsty.
—
@Amanda G, my horse’s name is Better Step Aside. He is not entirely mine. I own 10% of him through a partnership. He is a 3-year-old bay gelding by Eddington. His momma is Latour, who won the G2 Davona Dale, and his broodmare sire is French Deputy. He is a smallish horse who favors his dam. We hope he can run like her. At present he is at Charles Town with a stablemate. He has had one official workout. The time isn’t impressive, but the track was sloppy and he was not working hard at all. His trainer likes him and thinks he has some class. We are hoping he will start in a Maiden Special Weight at 7 furlongs that is coming up in mid-May. We think he will be a stayer rather than a sprinter. His parents were both route horses (a mile or over). I do wish he was not so far away from me. I had hoped he would run at Turfway this spring—20 minutes from my house—but he got back into training late due to the weather. So now he is at Charles Town. I hope I can get out there to see him. Charles Town is a small track, only 6 furlongs around I think, and their fields are limited to 8. The purses are nice. They run a lot of short races. His buddy is running in a 4-1/2 furlong sprint this week.