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
Shari Voltz
Dear Zenyatta I miss you but I am so greatfull for the fans. I am reading their words and glad that we are all in this together. I like what Patricia said. Team Z and Dottie need time. At least we have each other to keep us hopeful for post 25. God Bless, Shari from Ohio
Patricia
Yes, Shari…we all are in this together & what a great journey we, as total strangers have with each other…to have & to hold such a connection with something so beautiful! Also, I followed Sharon Call’s advice & read Steve Haskin’s last article on Zenyatta. It is true, for me, from the ver first moment, Zenyatta captured my heart instantaneously, without thought, without questioning why..it was Absolute Magic!
I do understand the worry…it is like when your teenage child is out with the car at night & not home on time…the waiting for Post #25 is tortuous, but we will have a great surprise. I am also keeping good-faith in the Mosses, that if anything is out of order at Lane’s End, Zenyatta will return to her home in CA!
mars
a quote from bloodhorse blog presents a worry
I too noticed how fat the stallions are at Lanes End. Maybe they should take a cue from Three Chimney’s where they ride their stallions regularly, with the exception of the old man over there, Dynaformer. There are video’s on you tube of Big Brown and others being ridden. It would certainly keep them in better psysical condition and probably mental condition as well. I imagine the stallions at Lanes End are a bored lot, which makes for personality quirks. I would have to say AP INDY is more then 100 pounds overweight, his belly sways when he walks. Sad, really. It does make me wonder how well Zenyatta will be treated over there. She is used to being treated like the princess she is. What worries me more is she has no winter coat, having been in california all her life. I imagine to start with she will be kept in a stall with increased amounts of turn out time, just to let her relax and be a horse.(I noticed she was barefoot at Keenland yesterday) They will put her under lights in the next few weeks to bring on her cycle for her date in the breeding shed. I know it is her destiny, but the whole thing makes me kind of sad. I miss her already. When y’all get the address to that 12 step program let me know. Like the sign at Keeneland said “Zenyatta…God’s gift to stallion’s” she is without question, that.
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
Good Morning Queen Z in ccold Kentucky from cccolder North Dakota. Hope you are cozy & warm, (maybe wearing the world’s largest Snuggie)! Looks like it will be awhile yet before you get to sample some of that lush blue grass as the pastures appear pretty white. If you had a chance to read today’s Blood Horse.com (and I’m sure you did) then you already know your BFF Mike Smith dedicated his Turfdom Award that he received at the University of Arizona in Tucson to YOU!! Stay in Touch. . .miss you
Marcie
There is a beautiful article at http://www.drf.com/blogs/zenyatta-reminder-celebrate-life
nancy
Steve told me a week ago today Z is very much ready to be a mom, I think so too. I know we are all sad, it will take some time. I too had hope they would have bred her in CA to one of are fine stallions, but not to be. The connections know there horse and have work things out. My only thing is will Lanes End do what the Moss’ have ask make her ava. to the public as much as poss. I think we all are going to be missing her for some time. And to Z hope you are warm and doing well, I know everyone was due to leave to come back to CA today. Hope you get to see Life is Sweet soon, perhaps even your mom, how cool would that be. Have a good day sweet Z
Louise Bland
I purchased a “Z” Cap (teal) on 12/1/2010. Can’t find out when it’s going to be shipped. Paypal said contact you! Sorry, but there’s no place for me to write or call. “Z” Sorry!!!
Dani
Wendy – I believe Rachel is a Jackson’s Stonestreet Farm.
Sharon Call
Hey, Nancy: I thought Steve and Mario were going to stay until the end of the week. When did that get changed, do you know? Doesn’t seem like 2 days would be enough time to get her settled in and the folks at Lane’s End used to her personality. Maybe it was the Sheriffs’ and Moss’s coming back today. I hope so. It was more than a little depressing to read what Mars wrote about putting her under lights to bring on her heat cycle to meet their schedule. Haven’t they ever heard of letting nature take it’s course? I guess not.
Kathryn Cogswell
*File Under: ‘While We Wait . ..’ *See NYTimes Nov.4,’10, “For Zenyatta and The Mosses, The Sweet Tune of Perfection” by Joe Drape; an article covering Mr. Moss and the genuine character he and Herb Alpert brought to their partnership, forming A&M Records. The incident involving their willing release of Waylon Jennings from his remaining two-years under contract to them, so he could be mentored by Chet Atkins [another true gentleman of impeccable character] speaks volumes about Zenyatta’s people. It will comfort you, knowing HIS pedigree, where artistry and guidance are the coin of the realm. ‘Breath in — Breathe out . ..Sigh.’
Sally F
Thank you, Dottie, for this wonderful diary that has made me laugh, cry and feel so close to all of you! “Z” has brought such emotion, awe, excitement and wonder to so many of us. Thanks for all the memories – I don’t want to let go!!! Please keep us posted on this magnificent being! I’ll always keep her in my heart.
Zen-Fan
Nancy-where did you hear Team Z is leaving today for CA? I too thought that they would be staying all week, at least.
I have not been able to find any updates today…do you have insider connections!!!
that would be great! Yes, if anyone knows anything, please post your news.
And of course to Zenyatta, I read up on your mother today, since I could not find any new info on you…what a “breathtaking” horse! I see some resemblances to mom. I am excited also to see photos of your half-sister that was born earlier this year! You have made our lives enriched with excitement & suspense, as we all wait with loving hearts!
And to Team Z…again, my thoughts are with you all, especially if it is true that you are all going back to CA today!
To all fans out there…we should try & look into the future & maybe we can organize our own “Zenyatta-Fix Weekend,” instead of leaving it solely up to Lane’s End for visitation rights…maybe by putting some pressure on them, they will see how much happier the Big Girl will be by connecting with her devoted fans!
Any ideas….
Snoprinz
To Louise:
I too ordered a black “Z” hat with teal logo on December 1st but have not received it yet even though shipping was supposed to be by priority mail. I just contacted support@zenyatta.com and was told that the production line is a bit delayed.You can request a refund if you don’t want to wait. I told them I didn’t need the refund and was willing to wait.
Caitlin
Zenyatta! I love you! And your diary posts make me so glad! You have made a very tough year so much better. I lost someone very close to me and you have been such a comfort this year. I loved seeing you at the BC this year. I live in Florida so I haven’t been able to visit you at Hollywood Park, but I sincerely hope to visit you one day at Lane’s End! Keep us posted with your diary as often as you can. Hope you enjoy your new life and wish you all the happiness in the world. Love you sweet girl!! Thanks Team Zenyatta for all the memories!
Gerrie P.
Zenyatta, please let us here from you very soon. Please let Lane’s End know what you mean to your adoring subjects. They must realize you are the Queen and your subjects need you.
Seriously, you are a one in a lifetime horse. Your traits are unique and special. We don’t want you to lost them, not ever. I hope you can feel all the love being sent to you.
Sharon Call
HEY, EVERYBODY: NTRA is running their “Moment of the Year” right now. Zenyatta is on the list for her win of the Vanity Handicap. I didn’t see the race in person but have watched the videos and I just voted for her. It doesn’t cost anything to sign up to vote. Here’s definitely something we cnn do for the Queen that she richly deserves, so go to ntra.com and look for “Fans again voting for Moment of the Year” on the right sidebar, click on it and it will take you to the voting list. Just put in your first and last name and your e-mail address and you’re in business.
Carole
Steve Haskin posted a beautiful blog today on bloodhorse.com regarding his personal feelings of the void her retirement left in his life. Rather comforting to know that someone involved in racing for 43 years is experiencing the same kind of feelings most of us have been struggling with.
RDV
THANK YOU
Linda
Thank you Kathryn Cogswell, Sharon and Carole for your notes. I’ll go and read the articles now. Thanks again for sharing.
Judy Sims
Like all your loving fans I too am anxious to hear how you are doing in super cold Kentucky. I check several times a day for another post to let us know about you. Have watched your arrival videos at Keeneland over and over. You are such a marvel and have such a great team to support you. Hope the Guinness is keeping you warm! Golly, you are going to be missed. Horse racing will never be quite the same without you running your heart-stopping come from dead last to finish first races. Thanks goodness for all the videos that are available to watch.
Love to you special lady and God Bless.
Quarterhossgal
After 2 days with no Zen posts I called Lane’s End. Spoke with a young lady who told me to go to Zenyatta’s website. I told her ther was nothing new on it nor on Lane’s End website. She said she would talk with someone involved with Zen’s care and try to get a new posting for all her fans. Not sure if this will happen soon but just wanted to relay the information.
fran prager
Lady “Z”
Hope to meet you someday soon when you get all settled. ;)
Ella Emery
Zenny! i just got home from school, all of us “little fillies” miss you so…I know that you are busy catching up with old friends & getting used to your new barn…give us a neigh when you get a chance & let Dottie know all of your kid-sized fans are awaiting anxiously for the kids section! I am telling all my friends in my kindergarten class.
Hope to see you in the spring!
Love, Ella
Lenka
Dear Zeny, we wait news about yuo.
Jean Moore
To quarterhorsegal, Thank you so much for the call to Lane’s End. I too have tried all sites relating to Zenyatta with nothing re her well being. And thanks to Kathryn, Sharon and Carole for your input also. We need to take care of each other, perhaps tomorrow there will be another post, I’m sure Dottie is feeling very sad at this moment in time and isn’t up to writing just now.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, am going nuts without word from you. I saw alot of your pics for sale and I cannot chose, I want them all…but I will eventually make a choice. I love you, please write..Lisa g
Patricia
yes, many thanks to quarterhorsegal for your call to Lane’s End! I think as a fan base, we need to take turns in making the call! If I don’t see anything by Noon tomorrow EST, I will follow up to your call today!
I think just to hear that she is “OK” will ease all of our hearts!
Toi
I hope we get to see video of her turned out in to the pasture for the first time without a lead rope. That will be so exciting. I’m looking forward to seeing Zenny’s little Z-babies, maybe next fall?. How cute will that be! She will be such a great mommy because she has a kind heart.
Liz
Baby, you’re the best !
Suzanne Gaspar
Sharon, Carole,Quarterhossgal and everyone else–thanks so much for sharing news, articles and web sites. Much appreciate the poems and songs too. With all that energy in motion, I’m sure we’ll hear more about Zenyatta soon.