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
Judy Sims
Thanks for the heads up on voting for NTRA’s Moment of the Year. Just registered my vote for Zennie. These Zen withdrawal symptoms are the pitts. At least we, her loyal fans, have each other to share our feelings and keep the website active. I find some comfort in reading everyone’s entries and know I am not the only one wondering and worrying about our Queen Z. Hopefully, we will hear something soon. I really feel (actually more like HOPE) that Dottie or Sarah will post something soon. Trying to stay positive and believe “No News is Good News” and Zennie is fine and settling in and all humans around her are too busy keeping her happy to write a post. Surely, we will get some news tomorrow. Golly, I wish they had kept her in California.
Hayley Herberg
Did she get to Kentucky Ok??? PLease post something soon! :)
Jean Moore
I like the group prayer at 10:00pm-please, let’s all join in that. We Love You Zenyatta
Parker
I read on DRF.com yesterday that Z had settled in nicely on Monday night and seemed very curious about the weather looking out her window. They were going to keep her in for a couple of days with the grounds being icy. Also when I saw her last Saturday I asked John how long Mario and Steve would be in Kentucky and he said a couple of days so that would mean they probably should be back by tomorrow.
Alex Bowdoin
Hello, I also have been checking the sites online looking for any news of how Zenyatta is doing. I am sure she is fine and they are getting her settled in the new barn and with the new people who will be taking care of her. I suspect she is in a heated barn and will be turned out in either a round pen or small paddock in the beginning. She will be watched and fussed over. Lanes End will take very good care of her. Don’t forget that her old stablemate, Life is Sweet is here also and has been since last winter. She is in foal. We must be patient….The connections will post when they are ready. This must be very difficult for them also. God Bless Mario, who just about lived 24 hours a day with her. This is not easy for them to leave her in KY.
Hang in there we will hear soon enough.
Alex Bowdoin
Also, have you all been reading on The Bloodhorse the latest blog from Hangin with Haskin? The new one is “I lied” He
loves Z…..We are Zenyattaholics!
Gloria
I think we should pray that Zenyatta and Team are having family time together with lots of hugs and memories. We should pray that Zenyatta is happy playing in the snow with her pony friends! We should pray that she won’t be too home sick! We should pray that like above- no news is goods news. We should pray that Zenyatta has healty happy foals and that we may be fortunate to see her foals grow up to happy healty horses who have as much spirit as she does. God Bless Zenyatta smiles and hugs
We need to stay upbeat and positive this in not a slam the connections site.
Sharon Call
HEY, EVERYBODY, I GOT AN ANSWER TO MY E-MAIL. Bill Farrish at LE answered my e-mail at 7:35 EST. He said all is well with Z. She is being hand walked many times every day and is adjustng to the KY weather. They will begin turning her out some next week. He also said he was sure the posts to this web site will become more regular very soon. GREAT NEWS – YEAH! I’d love to see her the first time she is turned out without a halter and lead rope. I’ll bet the first thing she does is lay down and roll.
Gloria
That’s great news- Thanks for the update :)
I agree- I bet she rolls and smiles and says Finally- freedom
Linda Bulger
also got an e-mail that she likes the snow…now that is a great spirit..sun to snow and still happy. Keep warm Queen Z
Patti Viola
Zenyatta has become a habit, hasn’t she? She is truly a gift from God. I came here looking for a tidbit of an update and it made me smile to see Sharon Call’s sharing of information she got from Zen’s new homeland….Thank you for sharing. Just need to know all is well with the Queen.
Alex Bowdoin
That is Fabulous news, Thank You! I would also love to see her out in the paddock on her own, no one right next to her. I bet she gets down and rolls in the mud or snow….What fun. I had a Thoroughbred show horse and was the first owner to turn her horse out in the snowy paddock. He LOVED it…rolled and rolled and covered in snow. Don’t worry everyone, Z will be just fine.
Joan
AT LAST!!!! WHat a girl that Zen is. But,
prayer at 10 is still on. We have a lot of days,months,years ahead of us, missing her and wanting news. SO we just lift up our love and pray for her health and safety. May the force, the one be with her.
Jean Moore
Such great news from Sharon. Now I can rest tonight knowing that the GREAT ONE is well and happy. I’m sure she will have some drama of her own style once she is turned out and on her own devices and imagination. What a girl! But let’s not forget the prayer in a few minutes, I know she will feel our love and concern.
Sue
Sharon…Thank you soo much for ur persistence!! Maybe I can retire this website for the evening & actually function at something else.
I believe that Zenyatta will RUN LIKE THE WIND .the first time she is set free. I believe she was born to run, & run she will ( all the way back to the Pacific coast, I wish).
PRAY we shall at 10pm est
Thanks again Sue
Linda (Canada)
Thanks Sharon!…All us “Z” fan(atics)ha ha just wanted to know our gal was OK. Thanks for sending the e mail!
Linda Edwards
Thanks so much Sharon for letting us know. This is great news. Looks like our prayer got answered. I think she will run too!! Can’t wait to see what she does.
Heidi Kruckenberg
Hi, I’m Heidi and I’m a Zenyatta-holic:
Sharon, great news and Thank you for being so persistent! I agree, I can’t wait to see her run free once and for all and to see her kicking up her heals!!!! Ok, thanks, I need more Zen-elixer now!! LOL
Quarterhossgal
Sharon…thank you for the update on Zen. That’s all we wanted to know that she is doing well. Be interesting to see how they mange the turn out with snow and ice on the ground, she is much to important to chance a bad fall. I’m guessing it will be a controlled turn out for a little while until she becomes accustomed to the area. Really enjoy the posts coming from so many people with different levels of horse experience. Queen Z really unites people.
Sue
Thank you SO much for the update on Zennie!
I know she will be treated like a Queen and Lane’s End. Ann and Jerry Moss would not have it any other way. I honestly don’t believe she will be treated like the “broodmare” so many have pictured in their mind. She will produce offspring but I doubt she will be just a baby maker. The Mosses aren’t in this for the almighty dollar. They have a genuine caring for horses which has been proven time and time again. What they do for horse rescue operations says it all.
I expect we’ll get pictures and another post soon.
Even my husband and mother are asking about her. Oh my, the lives she has touched!
Kathryn Cogswell
Back when “Zenyatta Shares Her Thoughts On Her New Home” from Dottie posted, Jan Glover, commenting Nov.19, recommended an interview with ‘Z`s’ breeder, Mr. Don Robinson of Winter Quarter Farm, in The Saturday Post, November 15, 2010. It’s entitled, ‘Don Robinson Talks About Zenyatta as a Young Horse at Winter Quarter Farm.’ ~ Just a lovely look back at the family’s long, stable history, Vertigineux, Zenyatta’s birth and early life & how grateful for the rarity of the Mosses, Shirreffs, and clan, Mr. Robinson has been. ~ As a dear, ardent, gathering village, here we are; learning to let go and let all the good of her past draw her future. She’s been magnificently groomed so far . .. and the ones who did it know we’re here. It’s like ripples; she’s not alone in this. My hope is, it benefits other horses, too.
Lanie Johnson
Hi from here in Ky! It’s truly moving to hear the concern for this wonderful horse!
I’ve lived in Ky all my life. Lived only 20 mins from Lane’s End for years..now live in Owensboro but have family near Lex.
Lane’s End is top of the line.Right now I know many things could affect Zen’s behavior and such. Dottie’s son David lives in Lex and I am sure will be “in the know” on a daily basis. Her coat will grow longer and she will adjust to the weather..most horses love running in the snow. That said, no one can guarantee she won’t at some point have something happen not even connected to her surroundings. She has to have this adjustment time..her routine will stay the same and because Zen is such a unique horse I believe she will love those who will now care for her. She’s smart..she’ll know certain people are leaving..her strength of character will benefit her in these departures. I believe the Moss’s would move the whole team here if they thought for one moment anything would be seriously wrong.Her every move is being watched.
I feel the delay here on the sight is a testament to the fact that they are mostly concerned with her right now..they have said that they will want people to visit..and the arrangements may take some time. I can’t imagine what the crowds might be like. I’ve never seen anything like this in all the years I’ve lived in Ky!! We’ve had some horses in our day…she’s the most magnificent ever!
I know they will get back to us and completely believe that they too, must adjust to a new horse, her likes,dislikes,etc. and she’s not just “any” horse. She will be in a heated barn and someone will most likely be with her day and night. Her old stable mates will cheer her, as much as she loves humans,horses relate to other horses and especially those they’ve known in the past.I’m thankful for that.
As far as breeding goes. The Moss’s and Lane’s End will never ever treat her as some “brood mare”…they of course, we know won’t..this farm is upstanding…they cannot and will not allow her to be harmed, used, unhealthy, nor abandoned..I’ve never heard of a case like that in this state at “the top of the line farms”.
I come here each day to leave her a note..to keep that fire burning, and to wish her well. All we can do is wait..if I thought for one moment she would not thrive there I’d want them to move her..anywhere where she would live long..and prosper..as they say. God bless every one who is thinking of her..we, as I have said before, are honored to have her..the fans she left outshine all of us..we can only try to measure up!
So,Zen, I hope you rest peacefully there tonight and every night forever. You will run and you will run and the Bluegrass will be so beautiful in the Spring it will lift all of us up.I love you sweet girl…goodnight from your friend..as we are both..under the moon..over Ky.
Liz Mahoney
Hi Z ~ Hope you are adjusting well to your new home. Know you are busy trying to settle in and getting to know new friends who will now be taking care of you but seriously I need my Zenyatta fix! I can’t find anything posted about you since Keeneland. I keep checking your site here, Bloodhorse, Lanes End and NOTHING. IF you could drop a line to let us know how you are liking your new home and that all is well it would ease my mind to know I shouldn’t be worrying about you. You are experiencing such sudden changes in life as you have known it that I just want to know you are adjusting well.
Leslie
Thanks Sharon Call for the update! It is good news that Zen is fine and adjusting to the weather. I hope someone videos the first time she is set free. Like everyone else here, I would love to see that.
Diana S
Hi, I’m Diana and I’m a Zenyatta-holic. And proud of it! Thank you Mr. Farrish for your reassuring news! Zenny, you have so many guardian angels about you, mere mortals dare not harm a hair on you! Dottie, I for one understand the need for you and Z’s other family members to “let down”. Post – er, transcribe Zenny’s thoughts when you can. Writing for me is therapy when my gut hurts – like it does now. But less than yesterday, and most definately less than on Saturday when my truck broke down enroute from AZ to CA to say good-bye. I suggest a bus tour – no, not for Z but for her CA and West Coast fans – to go see her in KY and meet “our” KY family. Maybe in the summer when Z is safely in foal. I am not worried about her being a mom. It is natural, people, and she is a big healthy mare who will do well. Her family will not overdo it. And Ann has expressed a secret wish to have Z live in the Moss yard! Maybe someday. Love to all. Blessings to all. FOZ-FORA-FOB – that’s how I roll.
tony
Lanie…thank you for your thoughtful post.
I agree she will be handled with great care. We are just so anxious for the next post but it will come. I recall reading that Dottie told Steve Haskin in an e-mail that her son, David, actually has an office at Lane’s End and his assistant will be checking on her daily.
This move to Ky. has been so hard on them, too. I cannot imagine not being with her after such a close relationshop for 4 years. I admire Mario immensely. He has been a magnificient groom and caretaker. As for John, no one comes close to him as a trainer…IMO. Hundreds of “eyes” will follow her from CA and of course the farm. I also agree that the Mosses would immediately intervene if anything would put this great mare at risk. I trust that will not happen. She is a gift from God as Mike has said…in fact he dedicated his recent award to her.
Now that’s a man who is seriously in love…with his Queen.
Patricia
Sharon-How did you get Bill Farish’s e-mail…just in case any of us need it…could you post it?!**************
Thanks for the update…I tossed 7 turned all night last night worrying about our girl & what a relief to read your post this am!!
Lisa g
Thank you both for the great news. I must admit I was getting worried. I was going to CA next summer, seems my vacation plans have been changed, I will be going to KY. I cannot wait to see THE QUEEN and THE PRINCESS. I hope the posts start soon. Love to all under the KY moon, Lisa g
Shari Voltz
Patricia thank you for the post. I did not get to get on my computer last night. I teach school and had a really long day. I don’t have children but understand what you meant. My beautiful 5th graders even know who Zenyatta is. I have a picture of her with Mike in my classroom. Plus I have played Lisa’s video and they love the song. Take care, Shari from Ohio
Sue M
I tried to post something a few days ago about Z’s last race and it was up but then removed – not sure why. I’ve followed Z for a few years now, and my husband and I traveled to Churchill Downs for her last race. It was wonderful to see her run, so much heart! And we also saw her the next morning (and John Shirreffs) at about 11. On a hunch, I told my husband we had to drive around CD (before driving back to Ohio) because I knew she was stabled on the periphery. Sure enough we saw several cars lined up on the side of the road and knew we found the right place. John Shirreffs was talking to fans, signing autographs and then he had Mario bring Z out to graze. John talked to a bunch of us and signed autographs. I’ve checked here a few times waiting for a post or update about Z, hoping she’s getting used to Lane’s End. I would imagine the staff there are probably feeling a bit of pressure :) knowing how many loving and concerned fans Zenny has :) and that we’re waiting to hear how she’s doing.