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
Diana_NV
God’s speed, Mama Z. Thanks so much to your people for sharing you with us yesterday at HP. It was an EVENT, and you had to be there to experience the fans, new and old, that YOU brought to the SPORT of horse racing. You looked lovely in your pink Apple Blossom saddlecloth bearing the name as rare as you. Mario looked so proud, and when he stopped and stood up straight, so did you, almost on cue, posing like an etherial equine statue. You are what every breeder hopes to breed, what every trainer hopes to develop, what every owner hopes to stand with in the winner’s circle. But you are so much more than this now … you are a legend and your place in history stands among the greats! May you relish the same success in your next career and may we be gifted with the same results.
Sharon in Ohio
ZENYATTA !! Hail to the Queen…she has arrived in Kentucky. A new future awaits the stunning beauty. This remarkable lady has danced into our hearts and woven a beautiful song that we will never forget !
The Angels have protected her and made her safe and sound…..her future awaits !
The story is yet to unfold…she is the very thing that hopes and dreams are made of. Love to you beautiful girl. Your fans will be forever….Your hoof prints are on my heart, feel the love. God Bless and keep you in this new chapter of your life…now it begins ZENYATTA ~~
Susan Dorazio
Oh sweet Zenny, thank you so much for the great time you’ve given us racing (and non-racing) fans. California will miss but HP will always be your home. Enjoy Kentucky, you deserve a wonderful retirement and you’ll be a great mom if that’s what the future holds (I am one of the few who honestly wouldn’t mind if you weren’t bred but I’m sure being a mom is in your future and hopefully your babies will has some of your wonderfulness (is that even a word :)
I hope to visit you some day in Kentucky even though I live in Califoria. I feel so lucky to have seen you race in person and wish you and your family happy trails in Kentucky.
I hope *you* keep up your diary, it’s a great way for your fans to know what’s going on with you. And remember, win or lost HOTY, you are and will always be The Queen :)
Elena Erdman
I saw your video of you arriving in Kentucky… at night and there was snow and you looked great… so glad you are there and safe and sound and that the Mosses and Mike and Mario are there with you, I was worried they would not be there but they were there too.. send us some more videos… I feel better now.. you are tucked into my heart nice and tight and I love you and will go to Kentucky to visit you… take care and sleep well tonight, you deserve it with all the appearances and flights and new place, God bless you and thank you Dottie for sharing so much with us.. I love all of you.
Susan Dorazio
Oops, typo! “your babies will *have* some of your wonderfulness”.
Bundle up in Kentucky, it’s not Cali weather.
Darlene Johnson
Thank you Team Zenyatta, especially John for making it possible for us to see and visit with the Queen up close. I dreamed about Zenyatta all night last night and now she is in her new home. Thank you Dottie for this wonderful opportunity to keep posted on her new life. Here’s to a long happy life with many fast babies!!!
Lori King
Good bye sweet girl!! I am so glad I got the chance to visit with you at Barn 55 and hug you and kiss you and feed you peppermints!! Back in 1986 I got to hot walk John Henry and that was soo special but my visit with you 2 weeks ago was incredible and I will never forget your kindness!!! and how perfect you are in every way!!!!! I never tire of looking at you!!! You have the best trainer and he loves you very much!!! Can’t wait to see Little Z!!!
Socorro
You have left a hole in our hearts, but if you will be happy, that is all we can ask for. Thank you to Mario, Carmen, Machelle, Freddy, Steve, John, Mr. and Mrs. Moss for making our dreams come true in allowing us to have the pleasure of meeting you personally. Team Zenyatta definitely should win the Eclipse Award for the best Team. Never has any Team been so patient with their fans. Best wishes to our Queen Zenyatta and her future babies.
Selene McCarthy
After reading all 240 posts, there is nothing more to add.. I concur with them all.
Gary Moulton, your poem was stunning. Thank you for your eloquence.
And Dottie, thank you for bringing us closer to Zenyatta with these posts.
Selene
Linda Edwards
Hi Dottie:
I become so emotional reading today’s diary that I didn’t notice the “Z” decorations hanging from the tree in the photo until a fan pointed them out. They really looks great. Team Zenyatta certainly gave Zenny a great send off. You folks are really very special people. Thanks for doing all of this for us. As you can see, all of Z’s fans really appreciate it.
– Linda
Janine H
It’s been a great 3 years, which is so long for horses these days but went by so fast. Lane’s End is a gorgeous farm and you’ll enjoy it there. Will always be a huge fan, was so lucky to see you the day before the breeder’s cup on longfield lot, you made our trip south absolutely amazing. I have this http://scenceable.deviantart.com/#/d34dnq1 displayed and look at it everytime I come home. Hopefully you’ve set a precedent, and others will follow the showmanship that the Mosses and Sheriffs have shown, allowing fans to visit, keeping you here for us. Truly an asset to the sport, thank you. Thank you thank you.
Darlene Neisess
Rarely does the public get to be involved in such an in depth look and share in the life and times of such a great race horse. I hope that Hollywood gets the huge hint that this is a movie in the making. Sure we have had Sea Biscuit (gosh, Z’s story is so closely related…) and more recently Secretariat but this is today, real and now. Z has raced her heart out and in a way it was meant to be, not to be raced at an early age when she would break down physically and mentally but at a later date when she was more mature. She has fulfilled all the requirements to be a great horse and yet the eastern snobs of horse racing refuse to acknowledge how great this racing mare truly is. Yep, this would make a great movie and I hope one day it will be. Z, you have truly repaid your owners over and over again for the care and love and patience that they gave to you.
Paula Higgins
Dottie, nice picture of you and Sophie. Saw that Zenny arrived to a wonderful and large reception at Keeneland. That gladdened my heart. Ann Moss said we don’t know her as well on the east coast. I love Ann, but she is wrong there. The east coast is wall to wall Zenny territory, trust me. In fact, the enitre country is. They will be lining up to see her, if they are allowed to, and I will be one of them (from Georgia). I am so glad you are all there to get her settled into her new home. When you all leave her, it will be very tough and my thoughts will be with you. Have a safe trip home.
Ginny
So glad to see you made it to Kentucky without a problem. I watched your farewell at Hollywood Park on TVG and wanted to get to Lexington to see you but couldn’t find a way to make the drive from North Carolina to Lexington without making life hard for too many people at work. I’m so glad I flew to LA so I could watch that last race at Hollywood Park. Awesome! I was at the Breeder’s Cup and thought you were great! In 20 years no one will remember who the winner was, just like most people don’t remember who beat Man O’War, Northern Dancer or Secretariat. No horse has touched me as much as you since Secretariat. You have to keep us all up to date with your exploits. I hope you adjust to the new life well, and know your family will keep a close eye on you. I go to Lexington several times a year and would love to see you there. Thanks to all your crew for giving all of use such a wonderful gift.
Lanie Johnson
DIG THOSE KY FANS!!! YEAH!!! YOU ARE HOME!! I’ve been worried all day and I was just able to talk to a friend who was there at Keeneland. She said it was around 15 degrees or lower at the time. I’m glad they didn’t let you walk around too long..too much stess in one day! If you didn’t hear much from the crowd it’s because they were asked not to clap and such…they understood why..you’ve been through a lot today and no one would want any more stress for you than necessary. How nice of everyone to have this for the fans…I think it was more for them and everyone being so thoughtful toward all of us who love you! You must be at your new home now..How’s that barn look? It had best be the BEST or fans will have at it!! :)))) Thank God all of you got here safely!
I want to say to all your fans that you have left behind..we love all of you too..we only hope we can live up to your wonderful support and love for Zen. I hope that every one of you..someday..get to see her again.Thank you for sharing her with us…she’s still yours you know…she belongs to everyone..forever.
Goodnight sweet girl wherever you are..from your friend, like you, here under the moon…over Kentucky
Lanie… LOVE YOU ALWAYS
Linda Bulger
Thanks team Z for bring there with the Queen to help her start a new chapter in her life. Mario her knight. She gave her all and showed she is still number one. sleep well gift from God …see you again tomorrow.
William
Many people cry when they say good bye from the hole that is left in our hearts. I see no sorrow, only tears of joy for someone whom has given us a chance to see. Beauty, passion and hearts desire gave us the power to be. We are a part of a whole brought together by a four legged angel and the brightest star we see. We all hope for the best of you and the future you will bring. Kids will play and bring a light that you have yet to see. We are honored and grateful to have you in our lives. You bring happiness and joy to so many. Even those who barely get by. We love to read about you each and every day and hope it never ends. The warmth in our heart that we get from reading about you makes the day feel warm and bright. We love you Zenyatta thru thick and thin and know you will always be, the greatest in the world at least you are to me!
Thank you mosses and all who has helped you be the horse you are!!
Always Love,
William
Pamela J Hebert
Good night sweet girl.Just watched your arrival at Keenland on You Tube, I could’t go to sleep till I saw you arrived safely. May God bless you because you have truely been sent by him to grace us all with your presence.Sleep well. What a long day you have had.
jeanie langford
I know that you could not run for ever and that you will be well treated. I just keep thinking about Black Beauty and how he was taken from everyone he loved. I really hope that you will not be locked away from the public that adores you. I just have a sinking feeling that we will no see very much of you.
Susie Cartwright
Z it was verrrry cold watching you at Keeneland tonite. I got to see you though. Wow you are awesome I saw your Mom and Dad and Mike Smith too! We will come see you at the farm when it is allowed. Love you Z
Debbie Bassett
Sweet Zenyatta-
I have been checking the internet to make sure that you are safe and sound in Kentucky. BRRRRR… so cold for you!! I saw some video of you arriving in Kentucky. I know that the warmth and love of the people will wrap around you to provide security in your new home. They are so fortunate to have you.
You are so amazing and unique. Everyone should be able to behold such an amazing creature. You truly are a gift from God to provide hope and joy.
I pray that your adjustment to the your life will be peaceful. I also pray for Jerry, Ann, John, Dottie, Mario, Carmen, Steve, Mike and all your other friends as they have to say farewell.
Saying goodbye is too hard. Wherever you are you..YOU will be loved…knowing that brings me such comfort.
Keeping writing Z! We want to hear from you.
Big hugs to everyone at barn 55…there is a huge hole without YOU!
Melissa
To the California fans — I know you guys are missing her so much. I saw her tonight at Keeneland in Kentucky. She arrived safe and sound and looked FANTASTIC. Beautifully composed, sweet as ever, even seemed to be enjoying the brisk air! (No worries — it’s rarely quite this cold here). She even did her little dance moves on her third lap around the walking ring. There are already some videos up on YouTube. We gave her a wonderful little reception…the fans were fantastic, the staff at Keeneland was so friendly, and Team Z was utterly gracious. Thank you for everything! We feel so fortunate to have her back in Kentucky. We’ll do right by her. Hopefully they’ll set up some visitor days at Lane’s End in the future. Please be assured, she will be VERY well taken care of and VERY VERY loved. You West Coasters should come out for a visit to the Bluegrass anyway! Would love to have you!
Delrene
Dear Zenyatta and Dottie -Thank you so much for the Z diary and all the posts are just amazing. I was there yesterday and waited from the 4th race to get a good spot at the paddock. You paraded by with your best buddy Mario and I do believe you sensed something was different. A different blanket? No Mikey with a leg up by John? No other horses? Hey, what is going on. Something. A party just for me? Yes!!! You stopped and gazed at the adoring crowd and I was blessed that you stopped right in front of me one time. I made a point to look deep into your brown eyes and you do have a kind,serene gaze. I will never ever forget the “look of eagles” you possess. May you be blessed the rest of your life with nothing but happiness and contentment the rest of your days. And thanks to all for giving us “the fans” a special day to express our thanks to you and your human family.
It was just an amazing day.
Irene Caty
Dear Zenyatta, I bid you farewell and God Bless You Always. I will miss you forever and the tears keep flowing. I was at your Apprecation Day yesterday and was so happy to finally see you up close. You are just georgeous. I did see some sadness in you that I had’nt seen before. You are a real smart girl and I feel you knew just about what the whole thing was about, (Goodbye My Loving fans). I was interviewed by the press and broke down with tears. You had a Great day with love for you spilling out all over and you did a great job of showing your appreciation. You are the Greatest Zenyatta there is no doubt. I will miss you forever and also love you forever. I wish the very best for you and any babies that you have. May they all be as beautiful as you and have your heart and personality. Enjoy your stay at Lanes End and stay the sweet, happy Zenny that you are. If there is something that is not suitable to you, let them know and I’m sure you know how to do that. Be Safe, Have Fun and always be the Great, Queen Zenyatta. I miss you!
Dine B
Wouldn’t be nice for you to be able to visit your mother Vertigineux now that you are in Kentucky. Tell her what a great racehorse you were! I been so caught up with you Zenyatta for the last 2 1/2 years. I didn’t see your first three races but started really watching you after the El Encino Grade 2. You are pure joy! So many of the other horses that you competed with have also gone on to motherhood such as Tough Tiz’s Sis, Bronwine Points, Double Trouble, Coca Beach, Life is Sweet and Just Jenda. Ginger Punch who was favored to beat you in your first Apple Blossom now lives in Japan. Sadly, two ladies you competed with Hilogold and Pretty Unusual are no longer with us. All of your many many fans will be watching with eagle eyes in the years to come to hear all the latest news on you as you are so loved by many. During this holiday season I made a donation to the “TRF” Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation in your honor as there are so many horses that do not have the devotion of fans that you will have forever!! Love you lots!!!! and what a terrific family you had caring for you. Go ahead and be picky with the choosing of your first mate. You deserve the best.
Jan Glover from Georgia
I Love You, Z!!
ZENYATTA’S ROCKETTE
By Jan S. Glover
Zenyatta…
In the paddock, on the track,
Her anticipation,
Her Rockette,
Her way of saying, “Y’all ain’t seen nothing yet!!”
*****************************************
“A gift from God,” Willard says she is,
A living legend, flawless, her perfection transcends.
Known as “Zennie” and “The Queen,”
Magical aura wearing pink and green.
******************************************
O Girl Power!!
Horse of the Decade!! Year!! And Hour!!
Un-believe-able!! Cannot Defeat!!
Champion!! SuperStar!! Majestic Athlete!!
******************************************
Magnificent creature,
Once you’ve seen her, never will you forget her.
Razzle you, dazzle you, cheer her name,
No doubt about it, racing is her game!!
******************************************
She’s a tornado, hailstorm, thunder and lightning without rain,
First to the finish line, always and again.
She brings sunshine and smiles, not a cloud in the sky,
Believe she has wings, catapult of fire, I swear she can fly.
******************************************
The time is drawing near
December 7th, 2010, your arrival to Lane’s End Farm is almost here.
YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Zenyatta.com, Zenyatta2010,
Goodbye doesn’t mean I’ll never see you again…
…Enjoying life, just being “ZENYATTA…”
Running, dancing, posing,
Poetry in motion!!
Charisma, beauty, class,
Carrots with Guinness!!
GO ZENYATTA!!!!!
Char
Oh Zenny, all of us in California are really going to miss you. It was an honor and priviledge to see you race. My daughter and I were there when you won the Breeder’s Cup Classic at Santa Anita and it was a highlight in my life. I’m so glad that you have the wonderful human connections that you have, and that you’re retiring sound. Please be happy in Kentucky. Love ya!!!
Nancy McIntyre
I loved meeting you in person and experiencing your regal, yet gentle nature. I will miss seeing you run like the wind. God bless you in the next phase of your incredible life. You will be a wonderful mother. See you in Kentucky!
Jennifer Hodell
I remember the first video I saw of you Zenyatta that John had put up. I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t get enough. Thanks again and again Team Z for sharing her with so many of us. Zenyatta, my horse Smokie (I had for 27 years) said it right… I’d ask him who’s going to win and he would say over and over….”Always bet the filly Mom, she’s hot, always bet the filly”! Boy he was right. Of course he had your picture hanging on his stall wall. He past away last May but your picture is still there. I’m going to take it down now but wanted to thank you for getting me through this tough time. You don’t know how many times I’d talk to your picture.. Your a beautiful girl. I miss you already and as always kisses on the nose from me….Hopefully someday I can thank you in person…
Zeina
Dear Zenny,
I don’t know what more i still have to say to you, i commented on all the diary posts i have read so just take care care and i wish you the best. Rock on & i hope that I can visit you sometime.
Thanks John for making a champion out of Zenny and Tthanks Dottie for keeping us posted.