HAPPY KENTUCKY DERBY DAY TO EVERYONE!
This is such an exciting time in our industry! I have had a great, great week. Ann, Jerry and Dottie were all here visiting and spending LOTS of time with ME! Then on Thursday, I hosted a lovely family who participated in a SAFE AT HOME Charity Auction. They pledged the winning bid to come and visit with ME and take a tour of Lane’s End Farm! Interestingly, at the same time David was bringing them to see ME, Ann, Jerry, Dottie, Mike Smith, Victor Espinoza, Angel Cordero and Brad Pegram were all here spending time with ME. Great photo moments…for sure! We all had LOTS OF FUN!
I have to say, I think my paddock pals are really enjoying the attention we are ALL getting. Pirate’s Queen absolutely loves everyone and goes right over to the fence the moment anyone comes to visit. I am also spending lots of time with my new paddock pals, Mona de Momma and Tasty Temptation. We are all GREAT FRIENDS and love every moment of visiting and grazing together. The Kentucky Blue Grass is lush and fabulous right now. We are SO FORTUNATE!
In addition to visiting with ME, members of MY TEAM were going back and forth to Churchill Downs each day to spend time with ZAZU! She really ran a wonderful race yesterday and finished 3rd in the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks. She was finishing with a nice closing kick and we are all very proud of her effort and performance. ZAZU is so pretty. She is such a light gray that she appears to be almost white. I wanted to share this photo of her with you…as you can see how lovely she is!
TODAY IS DERBY DAY! I’m hearing so much NEWS about ALL OF THE HORSES that it is really hard to pick one. I think there are always so many stories surrounding the Derby that make it FUN! Jon Court…has had an amazing career and this is his first Derby mount. Then to have it be for his father-in-law makes it all so, so special. Dottie was commenting…can’t you just see the family out shopping for DERBY HATS together! You have to wish them well. Then the female side of all of this is intriguing with the 2 female trainers, Katherine Ritvo and Kathleen O’Connell, and the female jockey, Rosie Napravnik, all having wonderful opportunities in this year’s RUN FOR THE ROSES.
MY TEAM won the Kentucky Derby in 2005 with GIACOMO! They have commented a zillion times, it is the thrill of a lifetime…and a true moment you will never forget. It will always be a part of you!
May all of the horses and their connections in this year’s DERBY have a safe and wonderful trip! May they experience MOMENTS OF A LIFETIME!
GOOD LUCK TO ALL!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
jeanie langford
more mares in your paddock must be getting crowded. Happy Derby day queen
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
What a nice photo of Zazu-she is a beautiful young lady and has a sweet face. Congratulations on her third place finish, she ran a fantastic race! Glad you have a few new friends and that you all are enjoying the lush Kentucky blue grass. I look at your pictures each and every day Zenyatta and think of the exciting times you brought to everyone at the tracks, always will be such sacred and special memories. You shine and sparkle brighter than any star up above. Love you lots Zenyatta, Blessings to you always
Especially Horses
Just have to say I was disappointed that Team Valor president Barry Irwin felt compelled, on national television, to denigrate all or most of Team Valor’s previous trainers by saying that he moved all the Team Valor horses to Graham Motion’s barn because he was tired of other Trainers lying to him. Responding to that comment the interviewer asked, “how many Trainers have lied to you”, Irwin’s reply “plenty”. For crying out loud, you just won the Kentucky Derby, millions of people are seeing you for the first time on TV, and/or seeing a horse race for the first time and you make a comment that is not only disparaging to your previous Trainers, but by extension defaming to our Sport! In all of my years of watching the Classics I can’t recall a more asinine statement, at the most inappropriate time and place, by the winner of America’s premier horse race.
Amy K
So happy you are getting a crowd of loved ones this week Dear Z. You must be so happy along with your pals for the extra attention and goodies. Glad Zazu is fine and rsting. Dr. Bramage says Archx3 will need surgery, but it is not serious and he will be okay. A few extra loving thoughts for Arch and his family.
Lil from KY
Hi Zen & all yourwonderful folks
Well, another Exciting & unpredictable DERBY! We set an attendance record of about 65,000! A wonderful day, only a couple drops of rain, actually came a little shower tho in Lexington.
Had the winner yesterday, Plum Pretty, but sure bombed out today, bet Pants on Fire & Rosie. But I’m happy for the Animal Kingdom folks & JohnnyV. Sweet dreams, lovely Queen, I am soooo happy for you in your newhome & your cozy stall
PS–I just received a Breyer Zenyatta as a gift, yeah! Love it!
Lil from KY
Especially Horses——I agree with you , this guy was TOTALLY out of line! What a jerk.
Astrid
Zenny, thanks for the lovely update. Yes, Zazu is gorgeous! Happy to hear you had fun with your family and visitors. Did you show off some dance steps?:) I am sure they were beyond thrilled meeting you! Yeah to Animal Kingdom; must have been bittersweet for Mo’s connections but happy that all horses and jockeys were safe. I loved the update on Rachel, Curlin and Strike for Gold. He looks wonderful!
Say hi to your new pals Mona de Momma and Tasty Temptation. T.T is Canadian bred – maybe her owners will allow a pic. of the two of you… I can’t seem to find one of her! Have a wonderful Sunday, sweet Zenny and hope ArchArchArch and Uncle Mo will have a speedy recovery! Fingers crossed!
Barbara Grimaldi
Zazu is like the magical horses in mythology and fairy tales–so, so lovely! Hope she comes to the track nearest me this coming season here in NJ–would love to see her. Well, at the end of studying hard for the race today, I finally put money on Shackleford, Mucho Macho Man and Archarcharch. Mucho Macho Man made me even because I had him in 3rd, but I am so worried about Archarcharch. This derby was so much fun because anyone could have won. And I think Churchill Downs was packed with its biggest crowd ever today because of YOU!!! These messages are reaching everywhere and bringing people back to racing or bringing them in for the very first time. You teach me something every day with them and they keep me up to date with how you are. I’m disappointed when there isn’t one, but your writing partner is a busy lady, and why would you want to come in from the blue grass to write!? One other thing–it’s always good to hear you say you know how fortunate you are. Makes me love you more. Stay healthy and happy, dear Zenyatta! You are an inspiration!!!!
Glad you had your special visitors, Zenny!
Dmama
Zazu surely is a beauty………. but none more amazying than you. Each time I think of those running from the back of the pack, I think of you. Today Dialed In did not fire………. YOU fired each & every time AMAZYING you.
Susie
Have to agree Especially Horses. Barry Irwin showed zero class.
On the other hand, G. Motion and J. Vel are class acts. Congratulations to the connections.
Maryyette
Thank you so much for your prayers and good wishes for Arch, also Uncle Mo – hope both feel better and recover well very soon. Hope Zardana, another lovely Z girl, is feeling better – heard she was retired after a fracture.
Zenny, so glad you stayed safe, sweet girl –
Kisses to lovely Zazu – she is so pretty -and all safe trips for her, also –
with Special Kisses as always, to our dearly loved Zenyatta
Max
Great Derby win for Animal Kingdom who came from behind like the Queen always did. This race makes us all remember that Zenyatta put her heart and soul into every race which she ran. She had that elusive will to win that is sometimes the only thing that separates good horses from great ones. An amazing career continues in a new phase for a truly amazing horse. Enjoy those sweet spring days in Kentucky.
Mary Stanford
Z…. when I saw Animal Kingdom on the track …I had not thought about him that much…but he was swishing his tail a lot like he was happy and like get this show on the road. He was so calm about it all…he reminded me of you….and then he won the race…and still seemed so calm and like he was enjoying the crowds…just like you. But nothing will ever thrill us the way you did Z….but also so very happy you were never hurt….and now are safe and sound to enjoy your retirement in Ky…and still thrilling your fans on here and your facebook page. Love to you Z….and your team!!
Pam Zacek,
Great derby day, I thought of you the whole time, watching, this one, but wishing, I was watching, you, they all did a great Job, and so happy, for Animal Planet, also, for the lady, who trained that horse, has she had a hear transplant, Women power, her horse came in third, I thought wow, that is okay, you never know in racing, but glad you got to see all your team and spend time with all the visitors, and glad your enjoying that blue grass, bet its really growing, with all the rain, keep it trip all your pad lock buddies,
Shari Voltz
Hi Zenyatta what a fun time you are having with family and new friends. I hope someday to see you in person just like all of us on this site. I would tell you that I love you and thank you for all you do. You do more than you realize. I watched the Derby but had to tape the pre Derby show. I kept thinking that the Derby horses looked small compared to YOU. I guess from looking at you sweet girl I expect all horses to be that tall :) I think Zazu is beautiful and I watched her and she did GREAT!! The Team should be proud. I told my class to cheer for Stay Thirsty or Animal Kingdom since Uncle Mo got sick and Animal Kingdom won how wild :) Well my sweet girl have a good night with sweet dreams. Just know that you are loved by so many. Hugs and Kisses from Shari XXXOOO
Kathy B.
I spent Derby day at your former home Hollywood Park! I watched Green Cat run her race but sadly did not win….but Nereid pulled off a big shocker and did! I would have won some money on him but had him in an exacts and the other horse did not come in….rats! Anyway, Queen Z I wanted to let you know we miss you every day…. H.P was very busy and I saw your John a couple of times. The crowd was yelling during the Derby like the horses were really there on the track…it was thrilling! The man sitting in front of me knew Watch Me Go who I saw win in Tampa and we were both hoping he’d do well. (but didn’t). Animal Kingdom is a truly beautiful horse and congratulations to him and his team! Take care Z and thanks for all your lovely updates!
Guido
Z- Zazu is a beautiful, beautiful horse. Not as beautiful as you but beautiful. She ran a good race. So happy Animal Kingdom won. Enjoy all the visits Z.
Sally L. Hopkins
Happy Derby Day! Thanks for sharing Zazu’s picture. Lots of xoxoxoxo
Kathryn Cogswell
Commentators after Derby left NBC made complimentary statements about Animal Kingdom`s owner and partners .. . it`s possible his refreshing answer to inquiry about his move to Graham Motion was true for him; not out of line, just straight talk as he`s lived it, responsible to 20 partners who might have bought in early in the mix for as little as $1000.00 each. ~ Wish more of that leveled the playing field in sports — it`s what Mark Twain and Will Rogers did on wide stages that sealed their stature as American spokesmen who called a spade a spade.
Lynn ..... (nearby Hwd Park) California
Hi Zenny,
How sweet to bring more photos and info!LOVE it so much. Hugs.
Thanks as always … kisses :)
Sheri
Great Derby Day! Animal Kingdom came from behind to win it all! It was unfortunate that Archarcharch has to have surgery, but at least hes ok! Mucho Macho Man also ran a great race finishing 3rd! Zazu was great yesterday! I give props to Plum Pretty for winning! She was good! It stinks that the derby isnt for a whole nother year, but we still have the Preakness and Belmont! Love you Zenny!!! :D
mj
Congratulations to Kathy Ritvo-MMM ran a great race, and I know she’s disappointed, but what an accomplishment! Rosie rode a good race, just not enough horse. Best wishes to Jinx Fires and Archarcharch-talk about disappointment, but he will recover. I saw Dialed In back there Z and thought of you, but it’s no contest when it comes to kick. Happy you all had a wonderful visit and that all is well in KY. On to the Preakness…..
Susie
There is a time and place for making defamatory statements, and the post-race brief interview is not one of them.
Max
@Shari Voltz. Mucho Macho Man is 17 hands which means he is close to being as tall as Zenyatta and he not yet 3. Was the Derby the first big race which your class has watched? I will be interested to see what they thought about it. It must be truly exciting for them to be involved with following Zenyatta and Mo and other horses.
AJ from CA
Z – hope you had fun with all your visitors this week and looking forward to some new pixs. Zazu made a strong 3rd finish and congrats to Animal Kingdom. Hope Archarcharch makes a speedy recovery and thank goodness everyone else came home healthy!
Julie
Oh my, Zazu is so beautiful she takes your breath away. She looks as if she were carved out of marble. I enjoy thoroughbred racing, but I’m a Zenyatta FAN. Continued happiness and good health to you and yours, Zen. Your future is bright!
KIMBERLY
Hi Queen, I can’t wait to see the FAMILY PHOTOS!!!! Every time I watch the races I still can visualize you running from behind and giving everyone a thrill. We love you Z….
Paula Higgins
To those who thought Irwin’s comments about his previous trainers was inappropriate, I could not agree with you more. There is a time and a place for that kind of comment, if you feel compelled to make it, but this was not it. Very ungracious and unsportsman like after winning the biggest race of his life. ArchArchArch has a condylar fracture and they are going to do surgery. Wishing him an easy recovery.
Paula Higgins
Should say “were inappropriate” not “was inappropriate.”
judy berube
Dear Z,
So glad you had this week to visit with your CA. family. Zazu is a beauty and she really finished fast for third in the Oaks. Three out of four of your Dear John’s horses finished really well at Hollywood Park today. Nereid won his Maiden race, Guest Star closed for second with a beautiful burst of speed and Star Billing won handily on the Turf. Your John is some kind of trainer. Love you and love to all of you. Congrats to Animal Kingdom. We were totally surprised and in awe of the race he ran. Wish
Archie a speed recovery. Judy and Russ