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
Donna in Washougal
Goodbye Precious Z. You will be missed so very much and will be near and dear to my heart. With much love.
Meredith Gibbs
Took my grandsons to Hollywood yesterday and told them they were witnessing history. Replaying the races, once again we could see how very special she is. Even in the replays I was scared she wasn’t going to make it to the wire in front.
Suzanne Gaspar
To run with such grace and elan was an inspiration to all of us. Thank you, Zenyatta. To run with such joy in ALL her races would never have happened without her team. It’s Zenyatta’s talent, John, Mike and the entire team that have demonstrated what racing CAN be–not crops punishing horses who are already giving their all and not running horses that are hurt or not well enough developed. The people brought to racing by Zenyatta will only stay if the horses that are running are actually happy to be running and they’re treated like the sentient beings they are.
Thanks, Gary, for your wonderful poem. I saved it and hope to see it in a book someday.
Also special thanks for the Twelfth of Never video.
Scott Ashley
DEAR QUEEN Z,
You remind me of an American hero ROCKY! How you won all your races on Pure Heart and Determination. We all took that last lost with you and yet we love YOU. We chanted your name ZENYATTA – ZENYATTA – ZENYATTA !!! Godspeed @ your new home in Kentucky. And thank you God for sendind down an Angel by the name of Z. I’ll miss your natural beauty, Spanish waltz, posing for pics, and your FOREVER last to First brilliant move!!! I luv U always. Your friend Scott.
leonardo restrepo
feliz viaje we will be wating to see your babies…
Unforgetable career, simply the best toroughbred ever….
Leslie
Thank you, Zenyatta, for everything!!! You are the greatest!! I hope you had a good flight and enjoy living at Lane’s End. I’m going to miss you but I’m happy you retired healthy. I look forward to your next diary post. I can’t wait to hear about your trip!
Love you,
Leslie
Jill Buffie
Dottie – thank you so much for writing this diary! It has been wonderful to stay abreast of Miss Z’s life through you.
bedub
Dont worry California fans , Here in Kentucky we know the champ is on her way , All horses here are treated as champions . She is and will remain the Queen . Kentucky is proud to have her Thank you to all of her connections for the job they did and for sharing one great athelete with the world.
Joan
Yes, Dottie, thank you so much for writing this. I don’t expect we will get daily updates after this but I hope Zenyatta will continue to tell us how she’s doing in KY. She should be on the ground by now and on her way to Keeneland. I hope someone televises it eventually. I hope she is happy in her new career. I am sure she will make a great mom.
Kate Tait
Thanks Zenyatta for making me tear up, smile, jump for joy with excitment and break down and cry. So many emotions brought on by you. Its been the best ride and now I hope you enjoy the rest of the adventure. You are going to be one special Mom. Thanks to Team Zenyatta for opening their arms to let us embrass you.
All the best my love <3
MaryAnn Donahue
Farewell dear Zenyatta. Travel safe, stay well (and warm) and be happy. You are an inspiration and have elevated my heart with your honesty and breathtaking running style. You are more dazzling than the brightest star! with love and gratitude, MaryAnn
Marty
Hope you had a safe trip… I will miss you very much… Enjoy your retirement!!!
Please keep us posted…
Merry Christmas!!!
Georgia Harper
I SEE
Kimberly
Zenyatta & Team Z, thanks for the spectacular ride so far….I refuse to say goodbye as I know that so many more fabulous things are yet to come…babies! I am your #1 fan in Montana.
Georgia Harper
I SEE YOU HAVE LANDED SAFE AND SOUND!!!!!!
DJ
Dear sweet Zenyatta,
It was so good to see you yesterday on our 23rd wedding anniversary. My husband and I joined you in the Paddock and we shed a few silent tears from our heart during your glorious parade. You will be remembered for so many things, but for us, they will be the things of the Spirit, for you are a spiritfilled creature who touched the world!
We too have a name for your little “Z”, how about “THISISUNBELIEVABLE”
Love, Darla and Michael from Redlands
Mary Copelin
It is 3:00pm PST and I am awaiting news that the Queen has arrived at Keeneland. Just talked with security there and was told to call back at 6:15 their time. They have security at the airport waiting for Z to arrive and come off the plane. I’m sorry she is arriving in the dark. But, then, she shines through no matter the time or elements. God Bless The Queen
Jettie G. Mullins
Zenyatta,
You are coming to my part of the county. Yes, it is bery cold here and I hope in will be able to get used to the weather but I know you will be kept warm.
Thanks for proving that NO ONE SHOULD EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A WOMEN!!!!
Jan
Safe travels Lady Z!
Debbi Martin
So glad they are sending you off with a good wardrobe, because, girlfriend–it is cold now!!!!! Can’t wait to see some pics of you enjoying a romp in the snow….have you ever ran in the snow before, Lady Z? Hope you have a blast.
Ann M
Be safe, Godspeed your arrival in Kentucky, enjoy your celebration at Keeneland, and safe trip and sweet dreams when you arrive at Lane’s End.
We love you, sweet girl!
Jennifer Adelman
Dear Zenyatta, I had to work today but my thoughts where with you and all your family at barn 55 this morning. They must all be very sad that you’re going. It allmost makes me cry to think of how they all feel today.
You have retired from your illustrious career sound and very, very, greatful for that.
You will have your own little baby to play with as an awsome mother I know you’ll be.
Hugs and Kisses to you sweet girl!
Mary Copelin
It is 3:17pm PST. Our girl is at Keeneland and seems great according to the security personnel.
Sharon Call
Georgia, where did you see that she had landed?
Joani Jiannine
Glad to hear that, seems no one on tv is covering it so we’d know.
Beatrice Lian
Please post any videos & pictures you have of Zenyatta’s farewell at Hollywood Park & Keeneland. Very sad I could not be there at both events. Please keep us updated always with her news. I always read all your posts. Hope to see her up close some day. Thank God she is healthy & well after all her races.
Snoprinz
Godspeed and safe travels to you and your Team. Please bundle up as I don’t want you to get sick. I love you Z and will always say a special prayer for your health and happiness. Thanks for all that you’ve done for your sport and the fans. ‘Til we meet again. HUGS and KISSES.
Holly
Welcome to Kentucky Queen Z!!!! I hope to come visit very soon.
Karen Schmiede
Hope you like Kentucky Zen. Take care and stay warm. Love You
sue
Great! The Queen has landed. I can’t wait for reports! ;-)