Happy Monday to ALL!
The 137th Kentucky Derby is now history! Congratulations to all of the connections of Animal Kingdom on his victory. This is such an amazing race and so historical to win. It is a victory to cherish forever!
When my dear friend, GIACOMO, won in 2005, the entire barn got to celebrate the victory. Frank Leal, in the above photo, was Giacomo’s traveling partner on the road. They really got to know each other very well. When John’s Kentucky Derby Trophy arrived, he brought it out to the barn and took pictures of everyone holding it. He thought this would be a wonderful keepsake for each person to have forever!
Frank looks great here…and so very happy! He is holding the TROPHY in one hand and cuddling Giacomo with his other hand. What an absolutely amazing time!
MY JOHN has always believed that it is very important to share the horses with the fans. When we went to Del Mar that year, John put Giacomo in the front stall so everyone could get a chance to see him. Then after training hours, he would allow fans the opportunity to have their photos taken with the 2005 KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER! This is in the same manner in which he shared ME with the fans! Groups of people showed up every single day! Giacomo was a great sport…as well as all of my Barn 55 Family!
Thank you for all of the kind words and thoughts you are writing in the responses. I’m really doing GREAT! I am hoping to be a MOM by next Mother’s Day…and I loved every single moment I shared with Ann, Jerry and Dottie last week.
Alyse and Sea Gull are now in another paddock as their schedule is a bit different than mine. They are right across the path…so I see them all of the time. We can chat across the fences to each other and keep in touch.
I am still with Pirate’s Queen (PQ for short) and now have Mona de Momma and Tasty Temptation here with ME! There’s just 4 of us in our big paddock. It makes it so at ease, cozy, and nice. We all get along beautifully and have become wonderful friends. I’m having SO MUCH FUN!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: Thanks for sharing the picture of Giacomo and Frank along with John’s TROPHY. No doubt that trophy is really treasured!!! To have and train a horse that is one of the 20 chosen to “Run for the Roses “is quite an honor. To win a Kentucky Derby must be absolutely unbelievable. But what a thrill it must be to hear Giacomo’s name mentioned each year at the Kentucky Derby. I mean no words could possibly describe the feeling that must give to your John, Dottie and the Moss’. They must relive that day all over again remembering how exciting it was. Giacomo will never be forgotten, and that’s pretty incredible to have had and trained a horse that will continue to be talked about in years to come.
Well Zenny, you have dropped a couple of hints over the past few days. So, I’ll just say this much, I surely hope you will be a Mom next year on Mother’s Day! Take care, Love, Linda
Karen Mitchell
With regard to the Derby, Animal Kingdom (and his team) are deserving winners. He’d never raced on dirt before (but on grass and synthetic), he got to live in a pasture rather than a stall all the time, so the way he’s been trained, treated, and handled make him quite special. Many of the horses had personal stories that were really touching and I was rooting for all of them. However, the fact that the favorites coming up to the KD the last 3 years (last year Eskenderaya and this year Uncle Mo) were unable to run because of health or soundness issues (and in some cases won’t race again, ending their careers in their third year) makes Zenyatta’s achievements and John and all her team even more impressive. We are all so grateful that to the very end of her racing career she was happy, healthy, sound, and so very friendly and loving with all her fans. Amazing accomplishment and kudos to all involved.
darlene
Hi Z I love Giacomo also we visit him at Adena Springs when we come to Ky. Hope to visit you also one day be happy Z love always
nancy
I think back to when my boy Giacomo won the Derby, No one gave me the time of day, I laughed as I knew he would win it, and I laughed all the way to the bank back in 2005. I’m so glad he has turn into a real nice stallion, who knows Z maybe someday Anne and Jerry will send you off to see him for a date, what a stunning foal you both would have. I still love Giacomo to this very day. Hats off to AK in the Derby will be pulling for him to make the triple, With Uncle Mo being out I had picked Archie( That’s ArchArchArch)and I did have AK in the mix. My hope Archie will make a full recovery his racing carrer is over but he will make a nice stallion. As to you sweet girl I’m thinking baby on the way? By next Mothers day? How nice that will be, I know you want to wait to make any sort of ? letting us know and we will know soon enough, As you say hoofs crossed and fingers crossed from all of us. We love you big girl.
sandra gomez
It is nice to see Giacomo; seeing him brings back a flood of memories!I am glad your’e so happy Zenyatta. You have such a great life and you deserve it. The joy you have brought to so many people; you are truly a gift from God! Bless you Zenny..I love you…
Sunny Boyd
Good evening Zenyatta,
your buddy Giacomo is such a beau, and in both pictures he seems like such a well- behaved horse, but in one video of him where he’s being held by sby else, it looked like he was trying to bite that person, or he was showing him his teeth. I guess he can be onery, huh?
Those big races are really sthg, a must see at least once in real life .
Congrats to Animal Kindom & connections for winning the race.
Well, Zenyatta, another day has come to a close, the stars are a-twinkling, and my pillow is a-winking, I don’t get very old these days :) :) :) Sleep tight, and sweet dreams
Charlotte A. Farmer
I pray there will be another Giacomo in your John’s future, and congratulations to Animal Kingdom for his win in the Derby.
Love you Zenyatta!
Sharon in Seattle
as a relative newcomer to TB horse racing, I’m still amazed to see these pictures of supposedly “high strung” horses seeming to snuggle with those humans they are attached to!! It’s wonderful to see.
Sunny Boyd
P.S.
according to the DRF, Shirreffs Mr. Commons is a possibility at the Preakness
Good luck Mr. Commons :) :) :)
Linda/Maryland
Zenny if John is at the Preakness maybe I can see him!! I hope to go if I can find someone to drive me. I had eye surgery and I won’t be able to drive myself. If he is I am going to try to get to see him and send you a message!!
Love you Zenny!@@
Cindy from LA
According to bloodhorse today, Mr Commons is
In the Preakness. Go Mr Commons !!!!!
I am also an AK and MMM fan.
Sweet Dreams Zenya. Keep that embryo warm
And have fun !!!!!!
Paula Higgins
I am a firm believer that horses take on the personalities of the people around them to some degree. If you have a nurturing trainer like John Sherriffs and a groom like Mario and Frank, it rubs off on the horse. It makes them feel secure and loved. When they are exposed to people/the public in a healthy way, as John Shirreffs did with Giacomo and Zenyatta, the horses respond positively. The hands on care they get with them is wonderful and so are the results.
Susie Cartwright
I’m so glad you have so many fans on your diary!! Some times I’m busy and can’t write so I’m glad others do!!I loved todays picture! Love you Z (always will)!SC
Cathy P
So glad to hear and see you doing so well Zenyatta. We the fans are so lucky to be able to keep up with you on this website. Thank you. With Lots of Love and Big Hugs.
Holly Zemba
I’m so glad you are having so much fun, you deserve it. It’s nice to know that John shares his horses with the fans. As a fan that means alot. I was in Kentucky last week for the Rolex. Wish I could have seen you, but Lane’s End was closed to the public for breeding season, but I did get to meet Eskendereya up close and personal at Taylor Made Stallions, he was soooo friendly!!!
Vicki B.
@Susan in TN – Thanks, I’d like to buy a print of the 4 gals in the field, and frame it, it’s so unusual. Hopefully we’ll get the chance. Meanwhile, instead I got one of the 4 walking back from the paddock to the barn.
Cindy from LA
According to bloodhorse today, Mr. Commons is in the Preakness
pending anything that comes up. Go Mr. Commons.
I also like Animal Kingdom, MMM and The Factor. Stay healthy young colts !!!!!
Sweet Dreams Zenya, Keep that embryo warm and have fun, eat healthy. !!!!
Brooke B.
I love you z~ and your friend giacomo!!
Char
Thanks for sharing the special photos!
KIMBERLY
Good Night ZZZZZZZZ. Sweet dreams of carrots and pears….
Susan in TN
@ SUE NOEL: I read the “Island Stallion” when I was growing up. I think I read every book Walter Farley ever wrote. I used to check out his book on Man O’ War regularly! The scene you describe about your Blue Duchess is heartbreaking- the kind of hurt that never goes away. Hugs.
Diana S
Hi Zenny and Z friends. Thankyou for your comments about my post yesterday. Wish I could have mentioned all the “moms” I’ve had in my life – would definately not be here without a couple of them keeping me from the ledge!
Always sweet to get updates on your past and present pasture pals, Z. I’m guessing Alyce and Seagull might be further along in their pregnancies? Don’t hee haw at them when you see their tummies get big! You’ll be there soon enough.
@Terry Crow – probably crossed paths w your G’ma since my classes at Cal Poly visited and toured Ellsworth’s place a couple of times. Got to pet Damascus! Funny the little things we remember from afar.
Waiting for good news, and hoping for fast healing to the boys who got hurt on Saturday. Your John is a wizard for keeping you hale and hearty for so long.
Dawn Conrad
Dearest, Zenyatta. Thank you for sharing the wonderful pictures of Giacomo. He is one very special boy, Zenny. Again this year, they explained how amazing it is that out of some 35,000 thoroughbreds born only one wins the Kentucky Derby. It truly is the chance of a lifetime. I cannot begin to image what it must have felt like for John and Team Z to stand in that winners circle! What a great idea, to give everyone something they could remember forever and that very few ever get a chance to do, holding an actual Derby trophy. I have met Giacomo several times at Adena Springs and he is just as much of a gentleman now as he appears in the pictures above. John is remarkable. He knows how to bring out the very best in the amazing horses under his care, Then, Zenny, he is kind enough to share you all with us, so that we may glimpse just a bit of the equine soul he knows so well. I am so happy that you are doing so wonderfully and that you got to spend time with your loving family. How exciting that you have some new friends, too. Of course PQ is still that very best friend. Better say good night, Zenny. Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
@Sue Noel – Your words are always so beautiful and kind. Thank you for sharing them with us.
@Paula Higgins and Karen Mitchell – Loved your insiteful comments. I very much agree.
@Sharon Call – The sweet memories you express of your Jess are certainly beautiful and always make me think of my Cinder.
@Shari Voltz – Hope you and your fabulous homeroom students have a great week. Say hello from me. Enjoy!!
erin
I truely hope our big girl will soon have one of her own to which she can show her loving affection. The Mosses a the “Z ” team have gone above and beyond in making sure she feels loved and appreciated in the meantime. I am so emotional about all of this, it is so difficult to be objective. So many mixed emotions we all seem to have. And you know what? It’s all ok. Which ever way things go, it has been proven Zenny will be taken care of no matter what. Whew. What an absolutely gratifying journey to which we were allowed access. “Days of Her Lives”. Admitted we’re all hooked and it’s glorious.
Maria K.
Thanks for sharing the pictures. I remember when Giacomo won. He really surprised a lot of people. I am so happy that you’re having so much fun with your friends. I love you Queen Z!
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, I really like this post of Giacomo! The photo of Giacomo & Frank reminds me of the bond between you & Mario. So special! I think Giacomo, You & all the horses that come out of Barn 55 are such beautiful & loving horses because of John’s training & Barn’s 55’s hands on treatment he makes sure you recieve. In the 60 Minute interview John stated that You had at least 14 people touching you each day. I think that is so amazing because of the results from that. I have always wanted to hear from the people that give the hands on treatment at Barn 55. I know they must have some amazing stories! Zenyatta, one of many reasons you are such a magnificent TB is the amazing health & body that God Blessed you with. When I think of all the TB’s injuries in training & racing, it is a true miracle that you being of great statue raced a perfect racing career injury free. Words can’t express how forunate you are. I just absolutely love you, Zenyatta. Your hoofprints are all over my heart! Sending Hugs & Kisses from Alabama With Love, Amanda G.
I wanted to tell everyone how much I enjoy your posts.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, good morning to you and have a wonderful day. I love you, Big Girl…LIsa g
Diana
Your post warm my heart every day, and because of that I check in each morning. What a wonderful way to start the day! Glad you are so happy. You are very gracious to share the good things that have and are happening with all your family and friends. Hugs and kisses!
Nancy
Wonderful picture of Giacomo! Have a great day, Z!
Stella Bagwell
Dearest Zenyatta,
Your generous, loving heart always lifts my spirits. So glad that you doing well. And wasn’t the Derby weekend of racing wonderful? Hope you got to watch. I love the pics of Giacomo–what a handsome guy he is!
Have fun with your lovely pals today, dear Z!
Love and hugs,
Stel