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
Kathryn Cogswell
When there is ‘not a bad vibe in the house,’ don`t think differing opinions don`t get aired, tabled, rehashed, thrown out and revised. Because all the opinions are valued, and where that level of respect exists, everybody gets a hearing. Maybe John Shirreffs was the most surprised of all when things went right for ‘Z.’ They had had set-backs and it took much more time than anyone else would have spent on her: even when he knew what he thought was best for her, it was still a welcome surprise as the momentum built over those years she kept winning. ~ Someone put up the money to purchase #19 for this contest. Once it`s over, won`t it mean more to Zenyatta`s story if, while we`re thrashing out how we perceive the merits of the choices, we recall what a gamble it was she even survived her life as it might have been, if someone w/ nothing but integrity hadn`t bred her, foaled and raised her, found and bought her, trained and loved her. ~ And she loves us, folks; a miracle of its own.
Gloria Jeanne
post # 205 has the rules of the drawing, they are not that specific.
From Post #205 Here are the guidelines for the CONTEST:
1) So many of you have been so kind to ME and commented OFTEN that I have meant something special to YOU in YOUR LIFE, to RACING, to a FRIEND. You have had so much FUN following all of the different moments in my life.
2) Based upon this thought, I would like for you to write on a postcard in one paragraph…why you feel this way. (Special to YOU, to RACING, to a friend of yours, or an impact I have made in another way.)
3) Please put your thoughts on a postcard.
4) Your NAME, ADDRESS, and PHONE NUMBER must be included on the card.
NEXT WEEK, I will give you the address to mail the postcard or cards to for your participation in the contest. You may send in more than one.
By submitting the card for the Contest, you are also granting permission to ME to use your words in my Diary or anything else I might do in the future.
The cards will all be put into a big container. Then they will be drawn out in a timely fashion (dates will be given on the web-site) in the same type of format as March Madness.
64 cards will be drawn from the entire group. Then from this 64, we will draw the SWEET SIXTEEN….next the ELITE EIGHT CARDS….and ultimately the FINAL 4.
From these 4, we will post the comments on the Web-site, for ALL OF YOU TO SHARE IN WHAT WAS WRITTEN. The WINNER will be selected from the FINAL FOUR cards
Terry Crow
My mother used to own thoroughbreds and she attended Seabiscuit’s last race, the 1940 Santa Anita Handicap. She used to regale me with stories about that day. I wish I could hear it from her lips one more time. Old horse players will be sitting around in the future talking about having seen Zenyatta run. I will be among them.
Sue Fredrick
I know I posted earlier but just have to respond to some later posters.
@Kathy Kimber and Kim S, I did visit Old Friends and donated in Zenyatta and A P Indy’s name and Michael said he did need more money but donations were coming in.
@Peggy, wow it sures sounds like you had a great time at the Ocalla Sales, I can’t imagine looking at all those beautiful babies and not bringing one home. How exciting for you!
Dani
John talks about the Moss’s horse Makoma and his concerns about her first race under the lights at Hollywood Park on Friday. Go Makoma Go!!
.
http://www.drf.com/news/hollywood-park-shirreffs-concerned-how-makoma-will-handle-first-night-time-racing-experience
La Rae Edwards
How did numbers 3 & 4 (esp. #4) ever fit their entries on a postcard. Just wondering…
Dani
My condolences to the family of Jess Jackson. He had a love for the game and a love for his horses. Rest in peace.
DJ
Dearest Sweet “Z”,
Good morning and wanted to wish your “Z” family Good Luck! on Friday Race #3 with Makoma. Wish I could be there, but it is Good Friday so I will be forfeiting. Go Mike and Makoma!! Kissez and Karrotz to you Z…
OraJean Stevenson
Dear Zenyatta, Have a wonderful day.
Dottie, Thanks for this site.
Hugs to all. Fondly, OraJean
Gloria Jeanne
Rest in Peace Jess Jackson, it’s a shame you will not be around to see your dream horses foal, Rachel and Curlin- I think that will be an awesome match. I am hoping that Zenny becomes in foal soon, so that both Rachel’s and Zenny’s foals can run together at some point.
Barbara Wood
RIP, Jess Jackson, and best wishes to Monarchos for a full recovery from colic surgery. Good luck to all the Final Four.
Sharon Call
@Dorothy Hopper. You go, girl!! I loved your story. I’ll bet the folks at Ruby Tuesday’s changed their minds after they saw our girl run that race. I, too, believe that she didn’t lose that race. She won by proving, once again, the stuff that she is made of – true heart, pure power and pure champion. I hope you are able to move on to your next step – buying a horse. Good Luck!
Sharon Call
Oops, almost forgot. GO MAKOMA!
Astrid
My deepest sympathy to Jesse Jackson’s family and friends. I never knew he made wine. Too sad he won’t get to see Rachel’s foal.
@ Good luck to Makoma! Safe trip!
Carolyn
Why does the Poll require accessing my profile plus friends list in order to vote? Just wondering….
nancy
HI everyne wanted to pass along some sad news I’m sure eveyone at Barn 55, the Moss’ and Zenyatta will feel the sadness. Jess Jackson owner of Rachel A and Curlin has passed away this morning at age 81 from cancer. What ever our thoughts were about the whole Z vs R thing kind of puts things into perspective. I did not agree with everything Jess did but he did help bring the sport to the front as well. My thoughts and prayers do go out to his family his Stonestreet Stable Family and it will be sad that he will not get to see Curlin and Rachels foal next spring but I’m sure he will be looking down. RIP Sir.
Pattie
I just saw on Bloodhorse where Jess Jackson passed away this morning. I wish he could have lived to see Rachel & Curlin’s foal be born next Spring. God Bless Jess, and his family.
Christine in VA
Hi Zen,
My paragraph was a picture. I hope all who saw it enjoyed it and understood the sentiment behind it. For me it was just being able to talk to the Team Z and Zen. Good luck to all. Seeing the post above …life is too short to be upset, sad, or envious.
MLV
Very sad to hear about Jess Jackson. He loved his horses so much and that counts for everything.
I work in a law office and we have had some dealings with Mr. Jackson regarding his wine business in the past and he and everyone that works for him are extremely professional people and a pleasure to work with.
Rest in peace Mr. Jackson, you will be missed.
Valarie Franklin
@Trina Negele – Thank you for your kind words! I am actually finalist #2 but it’s all good! And my name is spelled Valarie but Valerie is much more common spelling so it gets misspelled a lot
@sue – Barbaro was my heart and soul, for years I could even think of him without crying.
Today is such a beautiful day in Michigan and I hope it’s as nice for you too Zenyatta! My dogs were running around the yard so happy! Take a roll in the grass for me and soak up some sun!
Judy Maass Gadwood Loves Zenny/CA
The ONLY other race horse who lives in my heart, next to Zenyatta, is John Henry. I’ve collected his memorabilia for years. I’ve spent time on the back stretch, and at the track with his connections. Ron McAnally is a great trainer ~ much like John Shirreffs!! Both men are animal lovers and compassionate! I’ve collected John Henry memorabilia over the years. My heart broke into a million pieces when John Henry passed away on my birthday, 10/8/2007. To my surprise, he sent me Zenyatta! Yes, he did. I’ve added Queen Zenyatta to my collection. One day I hope to purchase a Zenyatta statue to have it stand proudly next to John Henry! John Henry is honored, and pleased, that his “adopted sister”, Zenny, lives with us now. :-)
HUGS & KISSES SWEETHEART!
Karen
CAN WE PLEASE SEE PICTURES OF THE ACTUAL POSTCARDS? I do not believe that #4 could fit all of that on a postcard. Actually, #3 was a lot for a postcard. Unfortunately, I voted before knowing the rules.
On a more important note, are you breeding Zenyatta again this year? Can’t wait to see her foal.
Lori
My vote is for Vicki Vinson!!!
Lori
My vote is for Vicki Vinson!!!
Jenna
Congratulations to the finalist. What lovely, kind words…Zenyatta is easy to write about. :) GOOD LUCK!!!!
suemar
I liked Valaries card. She rembered the tragic loses of Barbaro and 8 Bells. My card spoke of our fears after you came “back” from retirement Z and we wanted to see you safe. I liked Dawns but no way did that fit on a post card. I made mine (10) on Walgreens site and text was limited to 240 characters typed. Hope your are having fun today Z. Oh, important. PLEASE tell Dottie I know what she means by tears! I kept crying when I made our the card and getting kicked off the site and having to start all over again.
Pam Green
Oh Queen Z you and Mike made such a wonderful team, can’t think of anyone who could have rode you and given you so much love. We were at the Breeders Cup and Mike so nicely signed our program but then the pain in his eyes after the race made us cry. So what did my husband get for Christmas, a pair of goggles signed by Mike to put by your photo as you are a TEAM ! My how we all love you Zenyatta!
suemar
Opps my last post Z. That was I keep thinking about what I wrote and how we cheered and cried at Breeders Cup. I didnt cry because I kept getting logged off Walgreens. I was crying and kept hitting the wrong buttons on the computer!
Lois Gillespie
Best of luck to all 4 finalists- but Valarie, you have my vote- you said it best for me. Simply put, with Zenyatta we could dare to dream again-
R.I.P. Jess Jackson
Good racing luck tomorrow, Makoma – and above all, a safe trip!
LauraJ
RIP Jess Jackson. I am so sorry he did not live to see his Rachel/Curlin baby. Maybe if it’s a colt they can name the little fellow after him.