Good Morning,
I can’t believe how quickly the time flies by. The Preakness is now over and on to the Belmont Stakes. I would like to congratulate the winner, Shackleford, and all of his connections on this victory. He ran a wonderful race, attended the pace the entire trip, and finished with true desire! My pal, Mr. Commons, ran a nice race from the 14 post. He also lost a shoe during the running. He came out of it in good order and is back home in California. He was already out relaxing and grazing this morning at Barn 55.
John and Dottie are also back in California! They are so, so impressed with how many people in Maryland stopped them to ask about ME! I’d mentioned this the other day to you, but more and more people continued to come up to them and share their ZENYATTA STORIES! Dr. Grayson from Florida really touched their hearts. Then yesterday, while Dottie was leaving a church in Baltimore, Betsy, a woman who worked at the church, stopped to visit. She told Dottie and John that she and her friends read My Diary each day. She also commented that she has 2 photos in her office at the church: one of her husband and one of ME! This is TOO CUTE! I really can’t tell you how this makes me feel. Per Betsy, “I was very instrumental in UNITING people and uniting the sport.” What a kind thing to say! I must say, I am truly blessed to have so many endearing and supportive friends!
On another TOO CUTE note, several people were also telling them that their license plates have MY NAME on them. One friend, Candy, received her plates as a birthday gift from her friends. They just arrived and are on her car driving around Lexington as I’m writing this. She sent Dottie this photo to share with all of you! If you see her driving around, please give Candy a big wave and a HIGH HOOF for ME!
With love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Cheryl Heath
Too cute. Hugs
Pam Zacek,
How cute, glad you are so popular, saw the race and was really good, one, safe, for all running, glad of that, wow, didn t realize, the shoe fell off, so wow, He did a great race, was good,Now the Belmont, coming up soon, the big NEW YORK, wonder, also, all those races in Saratogo, coming up.. Take Care, Zen, have a good time, in the field, relaxing,
judy berube
Dear Z,
We can see the dapples in your coat. You’re so beautiful. We thought Mr. C ran well considering the Post 14. Didn’t know about the shoe. We’ve seen a Massachusetts plate with your name. Love you and love to all of you. Judy and Russ
Linda Henderson
A Zenyatta license plate is a cool idea.
Shannon From Cool
Hey this is great. Glad Mr. Commons is home safely. Love the licence plate too.
Was just thinking of all the people who have KISSED YOUR NOSE! Lucky kisses indeed.
Sally (B)
My sweet Z! Awesome license plate you have shown us. The woman who worked at the church who came up to Dottie & John I think stated a very true compliment of you. But foremost, I love seeing your pics. I really need to see you up close just one time, so I can tell you how much I love you and admire you. I am looking forward to the Belmont race now. This Sunday I am bringing my family and grandkids to my friends Alpaca farm where she also has several mini horses and two smaller quarter horses I believe.
They will also see, a baby mini horse, baby goats, baby kittens, and two huge rabbits!! Her 10 year old, Emma, is taking riding-jumping lessons as she is the one who has fallen in love with horses. She will show them what wonderful clothing can be spun out of, designed and made from Alpaca fiber which is hyperallergenic unlike wool for some people. I absolutely love some of her designs of blazers, capes, hats, socks etc.
http://www.daleysfarm.com Sorry for the plug, but we will all have a wonderful time on this farm. I love you, with a kiss on your soft nose!
Marian M.
Dear Queen Z,
You are a beauty!
Did you think that Animal Kingdom had the same problems you experienced in your last race: slow break, clods of dirt in the face, too short a race? I thought that he ran a huge race, just as you did, and might have won if he hadn’t run out of racetrack. And Shackelford showed his determination and talent. I’m looking forward to a possible rematch with Shackelford, Animal Kingdom, and Mucho Macho Man in the Belmont.
judy berube
Z Fans:
To all the fans who posted links, thank you. We really enjoy them. Judy and Russ
Sue Noel
What a lovely photo this is!! I just LOVE all of your pictures—you just can’t take a bad one!!! The license plate is great–I think the post about getting a frame for whatever plates we DO have is great!! A lot of sites on line have those!!
@Dawn Conrad–Didn’t know if you would be on the road over the weekend–glad you got to see the race!! Will be praying for you this week!!
It will be great to watch Mr. Commons in the future–was proud of him on Saturday!! And,WOW Mike!! Great going!!
Paul
Zenyatta, I’m sorry about your buddy Mr. Commons losing the Preakness and losing a shoe, but I’m happy that he’s doing better. As I’ve said before, however, I’m happy for Shackelford. It must be really nice to be asked about all the time. It’s further proof that more people know about you and that you’re going places. Those Zenyatta license plates are the greatest thing. If I had a car, I would seriously consider getting some Zenyatta plates of my own. I don’t doubt that they’re getting around, especially in California and Kentucky.
Mary Stanford
I bet John and Dottie do get a lot of questions and comments about you….you have almost 84,000 Facebook friends…and who knows how many are not on Facebook. Z…you are one popular…I almost said popular person…but mean horse. I hope the weather in KY is as beautiful as in VA. Hugs to you Z…. :)
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
You have people all over that love you Zenyatta and I bet most people have at least one picture displayed in their house of you. I have a few and always look at them and they help me when things aren’t going so good, just looking at you helps me get through it all. So sorry to hear that Mr. Commons lost a shoe during the Preakness, how awful-unfortunate things do happen but at least he is doing ok and glad to hear that he is safe and sound and back home at Barn 55 at Hollywood Park. I enjoy coming here every day and reading your (and Dottie’s) diary entry, always makes me smile. Love you lots and lots-hugs to you sweetie!
Dave Clement
Hey Zenny,
I have the same ZNYATA license plate in Massachusetts and just returned home from the Preakness. All the way down and back I got thumbs up and honks from your East coast fans. Glad Mr. Commons and John & Dottie made it home safely. Thank you to the connections for bringing Mr. C to the Preakness. He’s a beauty!
Elaine
Everyone loves you! Did you know that one of the questions on “Do You Want To Be A Millionaire” was about YOU? They asked which band was “instrumental” in your name. Wish I had that question. I would have told them that I had a “private audience” with The Queen and EVERYTHING SHE DOES IS MAGIC! I couldn’t believe the guy didn’t know it was The Police!
Paula Higgins
Love that license plate!!! Your fans are so creative Zennyand they show their love of you in so many ways. Glad Mr. Commons is bck home safe. He did very well inspite of his thrown shoe. Look forward to more good things from him. Betsy made some very good comments about how Zenny has brought people together. She is so right.
Stella Bagwell
Dearest Zenyatta,
My, what a lovely photo of you, Zen, there’s not a bad side to you! :)
You can add me to those who think of you daily and talk of you daily. You inspire all of us, Queen, and we love you—thoroughly!
Please be careful with all the wind and rain and storms that are heading east toward Kentucky. I’m sure when it’s lightning, you have to stay in your stall and watch the fireworks from your window. We want you safe, dear Z! :)
Can’t believe the Preakness has already come and gone. Shackleford was splendid and don’t you just adore that handsome blazed face? Oh, I forgot, you’d better not comment, Bernie might get jealous! :)
Love and hugs,
Stel PS Mr. Commons ran gallantly, especially to have lost a shoe—he must have really been digging in. Congrats to him for a fine showing!
Sarah Powell
Love reading all the posts each day and miss them on days when nothing appears (poor Dottie!). The love that we all feel for you is just beyond explanation – you’ve touched so many people, so many hearts. There are days when I just have to pull up a race or video. Today I watched the montage of your first 19 races – just breathtaking every time! (thanks Dottie)
Monica Horn
Hey Z! I had the great pleasure of speaking with your Dottie in the Horseman’s Relations office at Pimlico. We, of course, discussed YOU- specifically what a great philanthropist you are- using your popularity to aid those less fortunate! Were your ears ringing? John walked past me before I could lift my camera as I stood at the rail after the Preakness. At first I was disappointed that I only got a pic of him from the back. But when I got home, I saw in the pic that “ZENYATTA” clearly shows on the back of his hat. Perfect!
Jan
Zenyatta,
So big & beautiful.. Love & Kisses Sweetie Pie.. xoxo
jane
Zen, Dear, it shouldnt surprise you how loved you are – You have so much charisma & elegance!
On the note of doing things “Zenyatta”.. I have a ceramic statue (about 14″ x 8″) that an old friend gave me yrs ago. I use it as a doorstop and I’ve debated about keeping it several times over the yrs. Well, upon your retirement, I knew exactly what to do with it: I’m going to print off several pics of you, take it to a shop and have it repainted to your likeness! Took me a bit to find the shop, and I hope to be able to do it with this next check! :)
Luv ya, Big Mama! have a great wk! :)
Annie
Dear Zenyatta,
You’re in Ireland! Well, a painting of you anyway. It was so exciting to be walking down the street in Cashel, Co. Tipperary, and see the sign over the door to Harringtons Bookmakers. There’s a painting of Sea the Stars on one side and one of YOU on the other! I took photos and would gladly share them with you if you’d like.
Enjoy Spring in the Bluegrass!
judy berube
To Vicki B:
Don’t think I mentioned in my post to you on Diary #254, Congratulations on getting your Bronze Z. Hugs, J.B.
tony and sue
Zenny…of course YOU are famous! After all, you are THE QUEEN! Sending you a couple high hooves, too. We have been thinking of your Barn 55 family, especially Mario and Carmen. Tell them we said hello from Va.
Gary Moulton
@J Smith, NP, I read a lot of the overseas racing papers. Your right I didn’t see the Visa problem, what a bummer. You would think a little grease could fix the problem. I have followed Mike for a long time. If I see any articles I will post them, you do the same, K?
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: Nice post today. I am glad Mr. Commons is back in CA and doing well. Sorry he lost a shoe. He is a very handsome horse. Mr. Commons will get them next time. I came home from the Preakness and on Sunday I enjoyed watching the movie “Secretariat” for the umpteenth time.
@ Trina Nagele and Susan in TN –Thanks for posting the link to Abigail from Montreal’s “The Vault.” It was great to watch the real race. I have never seen it. Take care, Zenny.
Henrietta Wolfe
YOUR GREATNESS JUST KEEPS ROLLING ON!!! I LOVE IT AND YOU!! xoxoxxo
Trina Nagele
@Sharon Call and Ensign—Thanks for the links at the end of #254 to the article about and the photos of the $280,000 filly that Zenyatta inspired Mathis Stable to buy, with the advice of John and David. That two-year-old sure is a beauty! Maybe they’ll also pick a Zenyatta-inspired name for her, although she’s not a relation. I wish her the best.
@Jamie and Elaine—Too cute about the Millionaire show! Thanks for sharing.
@ Signofthetimes—Uncle Mo’s comments on his Facebook page are delightful—thanks for reminding me to look there.
@David Clement—I enjoyed your tale of the honking and the thumbs-up gestures that accompanied you and your Zenyatta license plate as you drove down and back from Massachusetts to Baltimore.
@ Annie—Great story from Ireland!
@Monica Horn—I loved hearing about your encounter with Dottie and almost with John at Pimlico.
Katie Clawson
TOO CUTE ZENNY!!! How are you and Bernie!?
Love, Katie(future jockey)
Cheryl
I swear I cant think of anything that wouldn’t look good with your name or better yet your PICTURE on it!!! I often think about your Breeders Cup Classic win and how you looked coming back past the stands – your proud head high against a sea of Zenyatta posters and signs…just so beautiful. You will have always created the most beautiful visions in horse racing – truly an image that speaks of the magnificence of the horse. Stay well, stay warm. LOVE YOU
Dani
Anyone who has found inspiration from a horse (and that would be everyone on here because Zenyatta is pretty much everyone’s inspiration), needs to see Abigail Anderson’s newest work. It her own equine inspiration – Secretariat. It is sweet and sentimental and oh yes, you can see where the inspiration comes from.
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http://thevaulthorseracing.wordpress.com/2011/05/23/224-secretariat-at-the-belmont/
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I’d also like to say, though I’ve missed a few times visiting the site as far as scrolling down and reading comments, the last couple of days I’ve been back and I have to say I love how this site is beginning to brim with education more and more than ever before. So much contributed and shared on horses, every aspect. Sure there are all the wonderful good wishes and inspirational thank yous to Zenyatta and Team Z, but I have to say that how the site has grown in this new way really sparks the imagination and thirst for knowledge. I would also like to thank so many who share links about various topics, articles, videos and the likes. It’s all so impressive. Thank you to everyone for all their contributions and the interest it generates as it obvioulsy makes others want to follow through and do likewise. It’s an even more special site than ever before. And that is because the people who contribute to it are very special each and of their own rights.