Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #125

I’M HERE!

Wow! I had such a TERRIFIC day yesterday. I had a wonderful time saying GOOD-BYE to all of my friends at Barn 55. John asked that we keep my morning nice and private so I could personally spend the time with all of my friends. It was GREAT and SO SPECIAL!

Then at about 8 in the morning, I left my barn, loaded the van and we were off to Ontario Airport. There I boarded the Tex Sutton Plane for Kentucky. John, Mario and Steve all went with me on the plane. The plane ride went smoothly and before we knew it, the plane was landing in Lexington. Fortunately, they prepared me for the cold weather…with all kinds of wonderful blankets. It was 16 degrees when we arrived.

WHAT A GREAT RECEPTION THEY HAD PLANNED FOR ME! The van took me to Keeneland and I had my ‘hair and make-up’ done. Then I was ready to GREET ALL OF MY NEW KENTUCKY FRIENDS. The back-ring area at Keeneland was packed. There were people everywhere with cameras flashing waiting to see me! I walked around the back-ring with Mario first. The Moss’ and Mike Smith walked behind me. Then they presented me with a gift basket and Ann and Jerry thanked everyone for their kindness.

At this time, John took me for another walk around the ring with Dottie. John let me stop and look around at all of the people. I posed and looked at them all. Cameras were everywhere. We had a wonderful, wonderful time. I danced, pranced and tried to greet everyone. What an occasion!

Then off to Lane’s End Farm…MY NEW HOME! We got there and the barn was all lit up. I immediately went into my new stall. My nametag was on it…as was a sign a fan made for my stall door…THE QUEEN REIGNS HERE! It was pink and the letters are in green. I gather fans have been sending me lots of gifts already. There was a Christmas stocking, carrots, peppermints and many other notes and signs waiting for me. This all makes me feel so special. My new home is beautiful. I have about 8 other friends in this barn with me. I’m sure we will become very, very close as time goes on and we get to play outside together. I can’t wait!

Dottie and John told my new home would be WONDERFUL! And it is!

Oops…lights are going out…time to rest! WHAT A DAY!

Thanks to all of you for making it all possible!

With love,
Hugs~
Z

Reader Interactions

141 Comments

  1. / Reply

    YEAH, THE QUEEN DEFINITLY REIGNS WHEREVER SHE GOES. I AM SO GLAD YOU ARRIVED SAFELY AT YOUR NEW HOME, QUEEN ZENYATTA. I KNOW THEY WILL TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOU. I HAVE BEEN WAITING TO READ YOUR LATEST POST. IT FELT LIKE IT TOOK FOREVER, BUT I KNOW EVERYONE HAS BEEN SO BUSY. WE LOVE YOU QUEEN ZENYATTA.

  2. / Reply

    I watched you videos Queen Z and you look a little lost. I pray that the folks in Lanes End know how special you are. THAT YOU NEED AND WANT HUMAN CONTACT! I felt in one of the videos, the young man who kissed Z, looked nervous and uncertain near her. Remember, Lanes End, Z loves people! PLEASE, PLEASE allow visitors often, this will help her adjustment. Coming from an environment where she had visitors to none has to compound her anxiety, which some is to be expected. I urge all those at Lanes End to pull up all the YOUTUBE videos of Z and get to know her a little better. She is not like the others horses there, this is why she has a huge following. Please allow visitors, even if its family members of the stable, she needs and wants it. Z is the best marketing tool the horse racing business has had in years, use it, use her and take care of her mental well being. A happy Z, will birth happy babby Z’s.

    Please continue to post videos AND please extend your filming. Z fans are happy to just watch her.

  5. / Reply

    Wow Z I’m glad you like it there! Will you still be able to have visitors? Because I live in Indiana and I am a MAJOR fan! Hope you settle in nicely Zenyatta!

  7. / Reply

    my friends new horse was on the plane with zenyatta! I thought that was the coolest thing because I’m such a huge fan! :D

  8. / Reply

    What can we say Zennie; you’re the best. Hope your new digs are comfortable and you are happy.
    You are very much loved, and will be missed.

  9. / Reply

    ZENNY, I am so glad you like your new home. I sure hope Lanes End will allow your fans to visit. Stay warm. I LOVE YOU Z. Love Lori

  10. / Reply

    I’m glad you like your new home and I’m sure you will make new friends quickly. You are true Royalty!
    However, don’t forget that California loves you dearly and will always welcome you back with open arms! The weather is nicer here.

  12. / Reply

    Zenyatta, you seemed a bit indifferent in the videos to the environment and your handlers. I could see you wondering “Where’s Mario?” Hopefully everything will eventually connect and you’ll relax to your old self again. Don’t know why you’d to go off to KY midst of winter, but as it is, keep warm.

  13. / Reply

    Thank you for letting us know you made it to your new home o.k.. I’m sure you will like it and make many new friends. Enjoy the snow!!!

  14. / Reply

    OMG Zenyatta we were worried we weren’t going to hear from you! Got worried for a bit! The stall sign is so appropriate, the Queen is in Kentucky. So glad you had a warm welcome and cannot wait to bring you those NY bagels.

  15. / Reply

    Reading this made me smile. The stocking with carrots and peppermints was a nice touch and the sign…The queen reigns here…made me really smile. I wish you happiness and contentment in your new home, beautiful girl. Hope we can continue to hear about your life. You are loved!

  16. / Reply

    Zenyatta oh its so good to here from you!! You must get your new friends to read the Bloodhorse to to. They need to read Steve Haskins blog about you. We are Zenyattaholics….we all think about you all the time. Then you have to get them to show you the video on The Thoroughbred Times. Oh Zenyatta a guy put a video about you together it is so Beautiful. You Have to see it. The Daily Racing Form has a HOY vote going between you and Blame. According to the poll you are FAR, FAR ahead of him. We miss you Z. All of us do. Love you, stay warm. And I am glad you are happy. Secsea Dance, Salawgi, Simon, and Picasso.

  18. / Reply

    FOR THOSE WHO REMAIN CONCERNED ABOUT OUR GIRL, PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE CALLED NOTES FROM THE FIELD – BACKSIDE 55. IT’S WRITTEN BY A HORSEWOMAN VERY CLOSE TO JOHN WHO VISITS BARN 55 FREQUEENTLY. SHE PUT THE RECENT MOVE AND ADJUSTMENT TO KENTUCKY IN PERFECT PERSPECTIVE. IT’S A WONDERFUL SITE. PLEASE READ AND ENJOY!

  20. / Reply

    I have been waiting for you post. So glad to hear from you. I was at Keeneland when you arrived and with all my heart, you are the most wonderful. You handle everything so well. And when you looked straight at me I knew you were telling me you would be good in your new home. I am also glad to hear they know you are the Queen. To all of Team Z, thank you so much for all you do for Zenyatta and all of her devoted fans. So special.

  22. / Reply

    First off, one more HUGE THANK YOU to Team Zenyatta for letting this wonderful animal be “Our Horse”. Thank you for understanding we love her as much as you do and want to know her as well.
    Thank you to John for letting the fans come in and visit at Barn 55 one more time on Sunday morning before the big ceremony: I finally got my chance to meet the Queen. Thank you to Mario, just for being Mario! Thank you to Steve and Gary and everyone else who helped make that meet and greet / photo session run smoothly and efficiently. Thank you to Dottie for keeping us updated and realizing we need to know everything… Thank you to Jerry and Ann Moss for understanding how important the connection between the fans and the horse is. People of all ages have had a chance to see just how amazing a thoroughbred race horse can be off the track as well as on. Zenyatta is unique, but the way she has been handled during her career should serve as an inspiration to anyone who is raising and training horses. Thank you to Mike for signing autographs and meeting with fans between all his races on Sunday (he won two of them!), and for not being embarrassed to let us know how much he loves this horse, too.
    Finally, Thank you to ZENYATTA! I Love You! Thank you for being my “Super horse”. I am 56 years old. I have been watching horse races (on TV, mostly) since the 1960s. Iremember watching Secretariat run, but never had a chance to meet him (or even considered it possible). I lost my heart to Ruffian and Barbaro, and you have helped heal that. I have been reading and dreaming about horses of all kinds since I was a child and, besides just being you, you are all my favorites rolled into one magnificent mare. You have the wisdom of Black Beauty, the speed, size and presence of the Black Stallion, the calm, friendly manner of Misty, and so many others. I understand I may never see another horse like you again, and, you know what? I am fine with that. You are my Horse of a Lifetime. I do hope to see you again, some day, though.
    I know this is all a big adjustment for everyone, and trust you will settle in to your new home as I will slowly settle in to life without you racing. And while I’m watching Awesome Feather and Turbulent Descent (and the boys, as well), you will always be in my thoughts.
    Be well, be happy, be yourself.
    Much Love Always, Ellen

  23. / Reply

    I knew Mario & Steve were going, but hearing that John went on the plane, too, brought me to tears (again). I know it’s a bit crazy, but I was worried about her. I’m glad for all this news.

  24. / Reply

    Everyone has tried to put on a happy face and be optimistic, but the Zenyatta I saw in the Facebook videos is not the outgoing Zenyatta I know. I do not pretend to be an expert, but I saw several things that worried me (when she was out waking, the handler didn’t appear to be talking to her; she turned her back on the lady talking to her). I can only hope and pray that time proves me wrong. There doesn’t seem to be much of interest to engage her. I wish I had not seen the videos.

  27. / Reply

    Zenyatta,

    You really looked good at Keenland. I hope you are adjusting well to your new home, and have a big stall all to yourself. Have fun with your new friends and keep us posted on your daily activities. Long live the Queen.. Cypress, Texas

  28. / Reply

    Glad you had a good trip. I know the weather thing is strange for S. California girls. But I know my gelding from AZ is getting use to the weather, He is Michigan so be glad it will warm up in Lexington again. I hope you have a wonder time at your new home. Love you so much Z.

  30. / Reply

    Thanks to whoever is creating these wonderful updates! It makes my day every time I see one pop up on my FB page. They better treat our girl like the Queen she is at Lane’s End.

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