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
Snoprinz
Thanks to all those who have contacted Lane’s End. How long before I start seriously worrying?
Heidi Kruckenberg
Just like so many, I have searched all over the web looking for anything new!! ANYTHING!!! Why didn’t they show her arrival to Lane’s End, is it because of the new 60 min segment coming up?? We want to know and I know, that I need to be patient due to the circumstances but, two days without hearing about you is driving me mad!!! Must be detoxing… LOL
Pass the Zenny-Lixer… BTW… My Name is Heidi and I’m a Zenyatta-holic. :)
Come on Post #25!!!!
Sharon Call
To quarterhorse gal,Jean, Kathryn, Carol, and all of the Z fans, It takes a village to look after a queen, to paraphrase. I’m thinking that Dottie may not have a laptop and her computer is back in CA. However, on the other hand, Sarah, John’s (Dottie’s son) assistant was supposed to take over the diary posts, so who knows. Wish we had a number for Sarah, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything about where she and John are located, other than Lexington. Anybody else know? I may try to Google John and see if I have any luck.
Patricia
Thanks Sharon! As I stated earlier, I will call Lane’ End tomorrow if no new news by Noon EST and will make a post to follow what I find out if anything!
Maybe we have to call Mike Smith and see how serious he was when he said he would “hop the fence to see Zenyatta if that’s what it takes!”
GO ZEN-FANZ!
Kathryn Cogswell
May be 1 for 2. Clicked wrongly for ntra.com vote [thinking Z’s valiant run BCC’10 was best, but after the click, see it’s titled to praise Blame, although Steve Haskins wrote a beautiful, balanced piece giving context to the content of this race; but w/ wrong emphasis in the ntra.com title, wrong vote — take cautionary note, if you see it that way]. ~ Then, found 20 Oct. 2010, BloodHorse.com article by Alex Waldrop Straight Up, entitled ‘Education — A Continual Process.’ Good reading and such sincere study within the ‘industry’ may be sensitive to altering established or entrenched patterns not in the best interest/best care scenario for ‘Z’ and others. ~ Sifting, shuffling; keeping on board.
Elena Erdman
Hi Queen Zenyatta.. posts from you daily and now nothing, we don’t know if you like it at Lane’s End… I feel abandoned and disappointed.. your last goodby’s and then nothing at all.. I hope you are getting special treatment and not getting lonely.. we would all like to know at least how you are making out.. but nothing and I am sad.. I love you.. I miss you and I think of you every day… you did not have a choice in the matter and I hope it is not just the same old same old thing.. get people to love a horse and follow her and then nothing.. no wonder horse racing is not popular at all any more.. at least in other sports you get a follow up on the athlete… maybe we are expecting too much.. the Mosses have other horses and are busy racing them and that is it.. I am sad..
Jean Moore
To all awaiting news on Zenyatta, just received an email today at 3:31pm EST from Lane’s End stating that any plans will be posted on Zenyatta’s website. In an earlier email on 11-30-10 from them the statement was made that they would let the public know about visiting schedule. Stike one.
Jean Moore
OOPS, I meant strike one!
Otherlyn
Dearest Z,
I sent an e-mail to Lanes End, asking whether or not you will be allowed to keep your little cat. She did not answer me, but very kindly set me the link to this site.
I had hoped that they would send your groom, and other familiar things to be with you for a longer time-frame. I honestly don’t understand the urgency in sending you away from the home that you have known for so long. I guess thay will even not be sending your cat fren, because, according to the Lanes End lady who was our guide on a recent visit, they “got rid of” their barn cats because they were (quote) “getting out-of-hand.” Poor things. It seems that a class act like Lanes End would know about spay/neuter.
Oh well, Dearest. Many hearts are with you, lifting you in our prayers for the very bests-ess and happiest-ess horse-girl life EVER.
Love,
Your FOB Fren, O
Sharon Call
Well, tried Googling John Ingordo, Dottie’s son, and didn’t find anything, so that appears to be a deadend. I think e-mailing Lane’s End is just a waste of time. We need to get to the Moss’s, John Sheriffs or someone like that. If they’re en route back to CA, maybe someone will have enough initiative to look at all of these postings and see how frustrated people are getting. Jean, I remember seeing on the Lane’s End web page that visits for Z would either be posted on their website or this one. Apparently, this has changed. There must be a way to call or e-mail the Moss’s or Sheriffs’ and get some kind of response. I’m about to run out of ideas but not the will to find out SOMETHING!!
Joan
When I was at the barn Sunday I asked Steve W how long they would be in Ky. He told me they were returning to SCal on wednesday. I’m sure we all had hoped for more a longer period for Z to fit in, but long and short of it, it’s not about what we want. It may be best for Z to have a quick break. I find I am very sad the path they have taken. I really am.
Zen-Fan
I am going to assume that Team Z is probably making their trip back to SoCal & with high hopes, they are reading the last two days worth of posts…we are, so someone from the team should be, one would assume…I am on the east coast & will have to make a time adjustment for them to get home & in due time do what is right for Zenyatta & her fans…Dottie, if you read this, give us just a “nibble” from the carrot! I am with Heidi-is there a Zenyatta support group out there?
Sharon Call
Well, folks, I just sent a lengthy e-mail to everyone at Lane’s End imploring them to let us know about Z. I also asked them not to refer me to this website, since me and hundreds of other people already know about it. I also told them the next step would be telephone calls (a whole lot of them) because one way of the other, we want to know about her. I asked them to forward my e-mail to the Moss’s or Sheriffs’ if nothing else would work. Let’s see what kine, if any, response I get back tomorrow. JEAN, I share your feelings. This is not how they said it was going to be and my stomach is in a knot over it. For a while, I talked myself into feeling OK with it, but now I’m back where I was before and very much afraid of what they will turn Z into. Just another broodmare, out in a pasture most of the time and pushing out babies as quick as they can get her to. Have Mercy, never in my life have I hoped more that I am wrong. Only time will tell now.
Diana
Thanks for the heads-up on the ntra website that is voting for “Moment of the Year” right now. Just go to ntra.com and sign up to vote by giving your name and email address. You can vote for Zenyatta in the Vanity Handicap (that is the Zenyatta choice). Very easy.
Sue
I believe that it is totally ‘alright’ for all of us frantic fans to be concerned about her well-being. After all, she is one of the finest race horses EVER; so to go from “QUEEN OF THE TRACK” to this current day obscurity as a broodmare is DEVASTATING for ALL those who have ‘fallen in love with her!!!’ Eight weeks ago she was in one of the most spectacular races EVER…now sequestered away from everyone who loves her so dearly. That is why we are frantic.
When something ‘good & beautiful’ enters ones life, you want to protect it…even if it is not yours to protect. Sue
Joan
We have a bond with her, but to most in the biz she is a horse and that is how she will be handled, like a mare ready to be bred.LE is a biz, a big biz.Man I am just totally sick, just sick.
Gloria
I’m sorry- Zenyatta is now a retired racehorse. The Moss’s and the Sheriffs’ have been more than generous in sharing Zenyatta with us. Team Z will update when they are ready to- and please remember they don’t have to. They can shut down this website any time they want to. Hundreds of emails and phone calls will just make them upset and we will be the “Crazy Horse Ladies” Please be patient and don’t start getting all crazy bugging and bothering the Farm and the Team. It’s only been 2 DAYS. I love Z – I miss her but please – don’t make us to pains in the butt.
Sue
It goes with the territory of success & fame! So to keep Zenyattas new life “TRANSPARENT” should be expected. Of course they can do whatever they choose, but there are THOUSANDS of loving fans who just want to make sure she is well & content. What is appropriate for most horses does NOT apply to her…she is in a league of her own & should be treated accordingly…along with her offspring.
Diane B
Remember it took a few days to post after the Breeders Cup too. They are getting settled during the transition. Stop freaking
Linda (Canada)
Zennie …..where and how are you? I hope Dottie is reading these posts…we are worried about you – we thought Sarah was to keep up the posts. At least post a short one to let us know she is OK. It’s too abrupt for us fans from all the news to …..nothing! :) pretty please
S
Gloria…well said. I agree that I miss the postings and want to hear about how she is…but we have been allowed access…we did not earn it, so please wait. The team knows her fan base is waiting and they have been very respectful and generous to all of us. It is our turn to do the same. Also..please stop finding fault with Lanes End. They have a history of being one of the finest farms in Kentucky. I sincerely believe that Zenyatta will be well cared for and loved. AP Indy is 21years old…if he has a little gut on him..he has earned it:) We all love Zenyatta…
Quarterhossgal
Gloria…this web site has given all of Zenyatta’s fans a chance to connect with the common bond of a love for horses. Zenyatta has been exposed to the public for a long time and this is a drastic change in her life. Many horses will colic or tie up when their normal routine is changed. I know Lane’s End has wonderful professional horsemen to care for the horses. But as a horsewoman I also know what happens to horses when their life changes so quickly i.e climate from 70 to teens with wind chills, different handlers, (everyone handles horses their own way) some very compassionately and some just want to get the job done. Unless you are there you don’t know which way it will go. Zenyatta fans are not asking for much just a note that she is settling in and adjusting well.
Sue
A QUEEN deserves a CASTLE..just want to make SURE that is what she is getting
Sharon Call
Linda and Gloria: You make an excellent point and it’s well-taken. The Moss’s and Sheriffs’s can do anything they have a mind to and it was their decision to start this website. Sorry, but I’m a subscriber to “the squeaky wheel gets the grease”. I sincerely hope that tomorrow this site is updated and all of the people that love this mare will be at ease. In the meantime, it doesn’t hurt to let them know just how much Z means to all of us. They could just think that in time all of the love will fade away. With some people, it probably will. However, for a lot of Z fans, it won’t and the Moss’s and Sheriffs’s won’t know that if we don’t let them know. As far as finding fault with Lane’s End, how is anyone to know that about them that doesn’t have a horse there or has never visited the farm? LE is a business and has to be run like one to have the facilities that they do. Just how far they go with running it like a business, to me, remains to be seen. Let’s see how cooperative they are with letting fans visit Z. To me, that is still up in the air.
jackie
I am sure as all your fans we are anxiously awaiting a dairy post. The Queen’s fans need to know she has settled in and is okay. She has become a part of our daily lives. Please, Please, update us!!!!!
Sharon Call
Oops! Sorry! I meant to address my last post to Gloria and S. Linda, sorry for the mistake.
Linda Edwards
Hi All:
I agree with Gloria. I’m thinking if the folks at Lanes End think we are becoming a pain with phone calls and emails, they will probably close down this site. They are very busy and this website is just a courtesy to us fans. I think we need to be patient. We got spoiled with the daily posts. Z told us she would stay in touch. I am sure she will. I hope so anyway. Linda
Joan
Ok guys,we are in limbo until they post an update. Group prayer at 10 EST. may the force be with us.
Sally Blank
Zen! I am glad that you and all your family had a wonderful time at Hollywood Park. We are planning to arrive a day before your arrival in celebration of you Z, at Keeneland. But we have heard it is just as cold there as in Wisconsin where I come from. I know you have the best care, and you are very special, so I know they will do what is right for you, and we shall see you, the greatest horse of my lifetime at Keeneland. I will understand if it has to be brief, that it has been the kindess gesture from your family. I love you and your family.
S
Hi all… Sorry did not mean to start anything negative! Really just wanted us go be patient and have faith in her connections. I have been to lanes end and the people were wonderful and each horse wAs treated as an individual and there was obvious affection. I don’t think they have as many-open visitor days as some but there concern is the horses. I just think that Dottie will not forget us and that right now “family” comes first. So sorry if I ruffled any feathers. S