Good Morning All,
I am just getting ready to leave Barn 55 at Hollywood Park and go to the plane. I can’t thank everyone enough for the kindness, generosity and love you have all shown me during my racing career.
We have had a terrific ride together…20 fabulous races over a 3 1/2 year span. I have been able to travel and visit with so many wonderful people. I have made so many wonderful friends.
Last night I spent some time just thinking about how GREAT it has been. I looked outside and saw the wonderful area I have grazed on for years. I have shared it with so many loving friends: After Market, Life is Sweet, Tiago, Giacomo, Zardana and Harmonious to name a few. It has been a blast!
Yesterday’s ceremony at Hollywood Park was so special. So many of my dear fans came to greet me. I had fun looking at everyone in the paddock, up on the stairs, and in the balcony. Then walking to the track for the last time…was a bit emotional…for me. I knew I wasn’t running…as all of my normal pre-race stuff was not happening…and my dear Mario…was not wearing a NUMBER. (That was a big clue.) I paraded and went to the Winners’ Circle…even did an encore for my 2 presentations from the Dodgers and the San Pedro Winners’ League. It was special!
John is looking at me now. It is time to bundle up (I’m going to heavy coat weather….good thing I have a great wardrobe)…and get on the van.
My 2 dear friends are in the picture in this post…Dottie and Sophie enjoying the night on my ‘grazing grass’.
I will miss everyone…HUGS, HUGS, HUGS!
Again…THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU…for EVERYTHING!
I will keep in touch! I would not miss visiting with all of you for anything.
Blessings to all!
With love,
Hugs~
Z
Elaine Valenzuela
To the Big Z! You are the greatest! What an awesome farewell @ Hollywood Park! May you have a wonderful retirement, grazing in the warm sun and running for the fun of it! May God watch over you!
Snoprinz
Zenny, I saw videos of you arriving and parading in Keeneland. You have such great fans in the East Coast as well. What a “warm” welcome despite the freezing weather. I”m sure you’re now at your new barn. Sleep tight and enjoy the next phase of your life. I’ve stopped crying but will start praying for your health and happiness. Please continue to keep us posted. I love you!!!!!
Diane
I am sending all the warmest wishes to my
beautiful Queen! With temps in the teens and twenties
I hope all your thermostats are turned up and team Zen
has all your royal robes on you. Also do they have some
warm ear muffs for your cutie ears – please let us
know that our California Queen will be warm enough
until her Prince Charming comes along! Otherwise maybe
she should be shipped back to Hollywood Park or
to where I am in Hawaii!!!! You know I’m just a very concerned fan
and want the best for our most beloved Queen. Love you, Z:)
Carol Hill
We will miss you – and wish you all the best! I saw your beautiful running style in so many races broadcast at first – then began travelling many miles and many times to witness your stardome live. At Hollywood, your home, and at Del Mar – and your incredible wins at the Breeders Cup in 2009 and the Ladies Classic in 2008, both at Santa Anita. I took my friends, who were amazed at all your fans, and my total love for you…as the various race callers would say things like “Unbelievable” and “Something we’ll never forget!” and “Poetry in Motion” and “Let’s just watch her, Zenyatta!” It truly has been UNBELIEVABLE!! Thank you for the treasure that is you.
Valeria P. Cannon
Hi Lady Z,
Thanks to you and Dottie, as well as the team for the extreme hospitality and the graciousness that you have shown us (humans)over the years. Nowhere else could this be found in the horse racing business or any other sport; they all could learn some very important lessons from ‘Team Z’. You allowed us into ‘your world’ and taught us all important lessons of love, determination, fearlessness, honor, and humility. Everytime I see or think of you, one song always come to mind, the chorus reverbs in my mind constantly.
Give me one moment in time
When I’m more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
Whem I’m racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will feel
I will feel eternity!
Whenever I hear that song, I will think of you, and whenever I think of you, I will hear that song.
Just as so many, I have shed some tears, but not tears of sadness but tears of joy!
Joy of the wonder of your essence and your
ability to touch the hearts of so many, and to be a great ambassador for horses everywhere. With all thats happening around the world, you have unintentionally enshrined in our hearts by just being the best that you are. Your gentle, proud spirit have given us all a role model to immulate in how to treat all of God’s creatures (great or small)! Many great horses have come before you but they didn’t have the charisma that you have, or the family with the wisdom to share you with the world, and I have a feeling that the excitement and the good feelings you bring won’t ever fade away. (And you do look ‘pretty in pink’) I hope you enjoy being home (birthplace) again, and wish only happiness for you. I’m glad to hear that Life is Sweet is going to be one your stablemates, tell her that she’s missed also, and that we can’t wait to see her babies too! Maybe you could put a word or two or three in to the powers that be at the farms that they should allow more access to the horses, male and female, now that their racing careers are over. I’m quite sure the horses would love to know that their not forgotten and we appreciate them for more than their moneymaking ability. But beautiful Lady, may the sun always be at your back and the wind in your mane, and may raindrops fall like peppermints. I didn’t know that you are a pickpocket (hee-hee), what fun! Be safe, be healthy, and be happy. Tell those guys at Lanes End that we will be watching them, and we expect them to treat you with the utmost care and respect, or we will send Mario, Mike, Steve and the crew down there for a not so special visit. You are a precious gift and deserve to be treated as such, you are the future of horseracing!
See you soon, Lady Z!!!!!!
Valeria
cindy
dear queen zenny, i have been around race horses my entire life and i can honestly say i have never loved watching a horse run as much as i love to watch you. every race, every victory . it sends chills up my spine & gives me goose bumps. you will be missed greatly but i do look forward to following all your offsprings careers. good luck to you and be safe. i love you zenny.
Heather Myers
I know you are now safe in KY. I always worry when someone or something I love flies! I will continue to look forward to your diary as I do read it every morning. Stay warm, Zenyatta. It is VERY cold here in the East. I am still hoping to figure a way to see you when I am in Louisville for a meeting in March. It is only an hours drive to Lexington. It is still my fondest wish. Thank you and your “family” again for the thrills they have given so many of us and the pleasure of watching true greatness.
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Diane Martin
Zenyatta, you have brightened the world for many, many people. I keep thinking of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans’ song Happy Trails to you, ’til we meet again. Here is link to the song I have been thinking of. I wish you joy, happiness and a lovely, healthy foal. Enjoy your life dear one, you are incredible!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcYsO890YJY
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Excellent read, I just now passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So i want to rephrase that: Appreciate your lunch!
Zen-Fan
Hi Zenyatta & Team Z
I just saw the video from your appearance at Keeneland last night! You looked simply divine! I hope that you and your team settled in at Lane’s End and are doing well with the cold weather! As you have indicated, Ann has a lovely wardrobe for you, so I am sure she packed some nice blankets.
Dottie-I am sure it will be a little while before the next post, but could you let us know how Mario is doing. In the video last night, he looked so sad at one point…please let him know we are thinking of him. I don’t know when everyone is going back to California, but my heart goes out to all of you on that departure date. In my prayers.
Meghan Coleman
Yes, Kentucky, there is a Santa Claus.
Patricia
To the Mosses
Thank you, thank you, thank you…for giving us all such a gift! Ann, I do not know how you kept your composure last night during your remarks to the crowd. You all must have the same strength & courage that Zenyatta possesses! I would not have been able to say the lovely words that you spoke…thinking of you all
Barbara Wood
Dearest Z–
I am so thankful for your safe trip. I’m praying for good health and a comfy barn and kind people in your new home. I will miss you moe than words can say.
Dani
Thank you Jerry and Ann Moss. Unlike many owners who see only the bottom line, you exemplify the true meaning of loving a horse and wanting to share her with the fans; to bring all sorts of new people into the world of racing – even softening the most grizzled veterans; to let everyone know what it is to love a horse simply because horses, all of them, are special. Of course, Zenyatta exceeds the realm of special. Thank you John and Dottie for tender care, patience and truly loving a horse so that she may grow into one of the greatest of all the greats and too for sharing her with us. Thank you Mario and Carman for care so gentle and tender you helped to make her the loving soul that she is. Thank you Mike and Steve for caring and keeping her safe on the racetrack. Team Z is like no other I’ve ever come across. You are unique. If we had more of you, then horse racing would become a sport that brings in new fans who stay long after our darling Zenyatta has retired. As Zenyatta is one of a kind, so are all of you. Bless you. Your gift to us is priceless. I wish all of you every good thing in this year to come.
Leslie
Zenyatta, I’m glad you arrived safely in Kentucky. I enjoyed the video of you at Keeneland at ntra.com. You looked beautiful as always! I hope you are settling in to your new home. Please let us know how you are doing. We all love and care deeply about you.
Love,
Leslie
Jackie
Dearest Queen “Z” so glad you arrived at Keenland safely. I have to say when I heard Ann Moss speak at Keenland I heard the quiver in her voice my heart sank. The love everyone has for you and your connections are beyond words. Jerry and Ann Moss walked behind you as proud parents! Why not. You have made everyone so proud and being a part of your journey has been so much fun. Nice to show the East Coast the “Horse of The Year”. Perhaps they now see how very fortunate we in California have been having you for the past 3 + years.
I am sure you have now settled into your new home at Lane’s End. Hope they have lots of warm blankets and tuck you in at night. You deserve the very best!
Stay warm and I look forward to reading your daily posts. Miss you already.
Hugs and kisses.
Deborah Biediger
Please do not forget us; we want to hear about your life always no matter how mundane. We are your devoted fans forever. Dottie, thank you so much for taking the time to do this; it means so much to so many.
Sue
Good morning Beautiful Lady!! All of Californians woke up this morning with ‘a void in the lives & heart’ knowing you were 3000 mi. away, & NOT coming back!! It is very painful, despite our gratitude that you were retired strong & healthy.
As I lay in bed last night ( with what has become a ritual of late nite thoughts & woes) I could not dismiss the recurring thought that “BROODMARE’ should not yet be connected with your name. From the “RACING QUEEN” to a ‘broodmare’ within a matter of a few weeks is VERY difficult to digest….& accept. As a mother myself, the redeeming qualities of ‘motherhood’ come with the closeness & growth of the child; NOT the BIRTH ( any woman can testify to that); & the fact that any & all your babies will only have a limited time with you ( or so I’m led to believe) is not a life befitting a Queen. To be continually being bred, ‘delivering foals’ , then enduring separation anxieties is not a life you should be reduced to. Just, please, have a couple of children ( or 3, keeping one), then ‘come home’ to Calif. & TRUE retirement.
We just love you so much!!! XXXXOOOO SUe
Ella
Hi Zen! My mom returned from her morning jog & had a wonderful new Christmas song for me & my brother…we loved it & hope you do to…my mom said that she is not a songwriter, but this helped her get through her run today with thoughts of you!
(Zenyatta version of Here Comes Santa Clause)
Here Comes Zenny, Here Comes Zenny
Right Down Zenyatta Lane
With Jerry & Ann at her side,
she’s gleaming full of pride
Then there’s John & Dottie, & all of the Team Z crew…
They all love her, like no other,
just like all of her fans too!!
Here Comes Zenny, Here Comes Zenny
dancing & prancing at Keeneland for the crowd…
Out of respect, they whispered her name softly, instead of shouting “Zenyatta”
at LOUD…
Mario walked you with hands so tender
and arms so strong,
Mike says you are the BEST horse that ever- came -along…
Here Comes Zenny, Here Comes Zenny
graciously posing & receiving sweet treats,
She definitely is a horse you would love to see & meet…
Ann spoke lovely, heartfelt remarks,
just before Zenyatta embarks,
on her journey to becoming a mama,
hopefully with little drama!
Here comes Zenny, Here Comes Zenny,
Can you hear the Lane’s End phones RING?
It is all of her fans
that want to see her
Please make the phones RING!
Oh! Zenyatta we love you so,
we are sad to see you go…
But always remember the joy you’ve created,
Until our hearts meet again!
The END
OraJean Stevenson
Queen-Z & Team-Z, Hope you all had a good, smooth flight to Kentucky. Looks like they rolled out their “WHITE CARPET”, for your arrival!! Stay warm and healthy! Thank-you all for the wonderful, “Zenyatta Appreciation Day”, at Hollywood Park!! Even the Heavens shed a tear, as you walked off the track, for the last time (at least for the near future). Queen-Z, you will be so missed by Team-Z and Barn #55 and all your fans, but we love you and will never forget you, and all the JOY you have given us. Keep in touch and have fun in your new home. Fondly & Forever a Fan, OraJean
Kathleen
Thank you to all of Zenyatta’s family for the love and care you’ve given her. Ann’s heart must be breaking to have Zen so far away, but I’m sure she’ll have regular visits from her mom.
Thank you for letting us share in the life of this incredible mare. Those of us who love her are making the adjustment right along with you. I hope to someday have the chance to see her in her new home.
My votes for stallions: AP Indy, Pulpit, Malibu Moon. Please pick a gentleman breeder, some of you will know what that means.
Kathryn Cogswell
“online payday loans from russia?” [See Above]. .. no, no; someone who knows how better re-route this away to the ether!? ~ On a grateful note, it was generous & comforting that ‘FlightAware’ allowed newcomers to register, to watch THE FLIGHT and everyone’s safe arrival. Thank you very much. As with every other choice by Zenyatta’s Family, this one couldn’t have meant more at such a time. Thank you, too, all who report on how everybody is doing . .. it really is the loveliest gesture when you do, and ‘must read’ daily visit. ~Khc.
Lisa g
Ms Zenatta, not just California woke up with a void, I think the world did…as it is final…we will not see you ride with the wind again. You were my first thought this morning, and I was hopeful that there would be a daily post for today. My heart aches, Lisa g
Mike Relva
Thanks to everyone involved with the care Zenyatta and the Mosses’ trainer showed in nothing but one hundred per cent effort in placing her interest FIRST. There won’t ever be another horse like this one! Only hope Lanes End will have a visitors day so I can make the five hr trek to see her. She’s meant everything to me in racing. A Tour De Force!!!!!!
Elena Erdman
Good Morning Zenyatta.. I came here today and see there is not a new post.. okay will wait and see how you are settling in.. I always read the things people write about you because it lifts me up and makes my day great.. it is sunny here in California but still a little cold.. let us know how your first night was and how everyone there is.. I miss you and love you a whole lot…. think of you all the time… your grace and loveliness and friendliness and I want to be more like you. Take care my sweets. I love you.
Rhonda Hill
Hi Z
Thank you for all the joyous memories you have given both on and off the track.
I am old enough to remember Citation, to have watched Northern Dancer win, to have seen Secretariat in person at Woodbine and watch him win, to have cheered the great John Henry and many, many others in the last 60 years.
You have joined a very select group but are so very special because of your effervescent personality.
I can only wish you to be safe and sound as you enter the breeding shed and start the toughest job you have every had. That of a mother.
May you live a long and happy love with many around you to care for and love you.
Rhonda
Rhonda Hill
Hi Z
Thank you for all the joyous memories you have given both on and off the track.
I am old enough to remember Citation, to have watched Northern Dancer win, to have seen Secretariat in person at Woodbine and watch him win, to have cheered the great John Henry and many, many others in the last 60 years.
You have joined a very select group but are so very special because of your effervescent personality.
I can only wish you to be safe and sound as you enter the breeding shed and start the toughest job you have ever had. That of a mother.
May you live a long and happy life with many around you to care for and love you.
Rhonda
Carolyn Silva
Zenyatta and her owners, the Mosses: I respectfully submit the suggestion of A.P. Indy as Queen Z’s first consort. Cross her with the blood of two Triple Crown winners…and not an additional drop of Raise a Native. It’s perfect.
Georgia Harper
I woke up this morning thinking it was 5:30 AM here and 8:30 in Kentucky and you were already up with the daylight. Wondering what you are doing today. I am just finishing “Secretariat’s Meadow” and reading how he returned to Aqueduct for a farewll ceremony and thought about you on Sunday with tears in my eyes. I just hope you are happy and somehow all your wonderful fans can move on but it is going to be so hard. I saw a clip that said you would be at Keenland to make your LAST final appearance I sure hope we will get to see you again somehow
Much Love to a great gal that is very much loved and will be missed