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
Leslie R.
Hi Zenny, that is a gorgeous pic of you! I’m sorry I haven’t commented lately but I was on vacation and did not have internet access. Anyway, I’m back and have enjoyed catching up with you.
I’m glad John, Dottie and Mr. Commons are safely back in Cali. I didn’t realize Mr. Commons lost a shoe. Poor guy!
I’m not surprised that so many people ask about you. You are one of a kind!
I hope you have a good night.
Love to all,
Leslie
S (in san diego)
@abigail… Love you video on Secretariat!! I was 16
S (in san diego)
@Abigail…oops hit the wrong button!! I was 16 and remember it like yesterday and still cry everytime I see the race replayed. Like Zenyatta …. He INSPIRED so many. He was all heart just like our Queen Z.
saharagold
Dear Queen of my heart,
I am (not too) patiently waiting to hear about your pregnancy. Please let us know ASAP! Please, please, please!
Trina Nagele
@Barbara Grimaldi—Thanks for the good news about the new owner of Monmouth. I’m glad he’s a true horse lover.
@Allie Bulkeley—My hat is off to you, avid cyclist with the superb Zenyatta bicycle! Ride like the wind!
@Anne from Paramount, CA—Enjoyed your stories about the people at Hollywood Park. I wonder if by chance the “Mr. Shackleford” seated in front of you was Geoff Shackelford (slightly different spelling from the horse) who just published the remarkable photo book entitled Zenyatta at Home: Visits to Barn 55. It is full of gorgeous shots of Zenyatta. The cover photo is a show-stopper because it shows Zenyatta standing FREE (no lead line or rider) in the aisle of Barn 55, surveying her domain like the Queen that she is. (Geoff had the lead line photo-shopped away for that one! In reality she was being held on a lead line by Carmen, as you see inside.) There is a very tender shot of Zenyatta snuggling her big head against Mario’s chest, and the most SPECTACULAR full-body shot of Z with her dappled coat GLEAMING in the sun in a pose similar to that caught in Nina Kaiser’s bronze. As people say who have seen Z in person, she TAKES YOUR BREATH AWAY. You also see Z training, grazing, and at work as a philanthropist/artist painting her Moneighs in teal and pink to raise money for charity (CERF—California Equine Retirement Fund). If you’re interested, you
can preview 17 pages of the book at http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2105829 . That’s the page for the regular size edition. The direct link to the coffee table size (11×13) edition:
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2108661?ce=blurb_ew&utm_source=widget
Note: First-time buyers from the publisher Blurb get a discount!
Good night, sweet Z.
karen lamb
Dear Zen, I am 66 years old and was born 1-23-45. People were still talking about Citation when I was 10 years old. I read everything I could about that wonderful horse. There are many people who think he was as great as Secretariat. I am one of them…..in fact the footage I see of them make me believe they were both amazing. I love so many horses. But I have only loved one other horse as much as you and that was my own horse that I only owned for about 2 years. He had a strange infection at about 13 years of age. I only purchased him when he was 12 and he was close to 14 when I lost him. I then found out he had been sick before and the people had had him treated by a vet and believed he was completely cured so they never mentioned it. It was too late by the time we realized and I was devastated to lose him. It was the loveliest time of my childhood as I rode him daily and curried him and fed him and worshiped him. The best thing happened to me this weekend when my cousin found a photo of him for me in her scrapbook and tonight I made a copy of that snapshot. It thrills my heart as I have only had the memory and my watercolor I made of him when he was alive. Of course the other horse I love is you. You make my heart sing. You are poetry in motion and I could hardly wait to get home to my computer to print my photo of my lovely farm horse, Dick who was probably part quarterhorse and part saddlebred AND TO SEE HOW YOU ARE DOING. Now I will print your picture. God Bless you and keep you and your entire entourage that care for you and who keep us informed about you and all the other great thoroughbred moments happening.
I also have to say I was very sad about the death of the jockey Micheal Baze last week.
I have been away at a Health Care Provider Class. It was a 75 hour class.
There were several ladies in the class who were fans of yours. We had a great time talking about you on our breaks.
love from Karen
Trina Nagele
OOPS, I put two links in my comment and I got “awaiting moderation,” so I am going to try with just one link. Good night, Queen Z.
@Barbara Grimaldi—Thanks for the good news about the new owner of Monmouth. I’m glad he’s a true horse lover.
@Allie Bulkeley—My hat is off to you, avid cyclist with the superb Zenyatta bicycle! Ride like the wind!
@ Anne from Paramount, CA—Enjoyed your stories about the people at Hollywood Park. I wonder if by chance the happy “Mr. Shackleford” seated in front of you was Geoff Shackelford (slightly different spelling from the horse) who just published the remarkable photo book entitled Zenyatta at Home: Visits to Barn 55. It is full of gorgeous shots of Zenyatta. The cover photo is a show-stopper because it shows Zenyatta standing FREE (no lead line or rider) in the aisle of Barn 55, surveying her domain like the Queen that she is. (Geoff had the lead line photo-shopped away for that one! In reality she was being held on a lead line by Carmen, as you see inside.) There is a very tender shot of Zenyatta snuggling her big head against Mario’s chest, and the most SPECTACULAR full-body shot of Z with her dappled coat GLEAMING in the sun in a pose similar to that caught in Nina Kaiser’s bronze. As people say who have seen Z in person, she TAKES YOUR BREATH AWAY. You also see Z training, grazing, and at work as a philanthropist/artist painting her Moneighs in teal and pink to raise money for charity (CERF—California Equine Retirement Fund). If you’re interested, you can preview 17 pages of the book at http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2108661?ce=blurb_ew&utm_source=widget
That’s the direct link to the coffee table size (11×13) edition. There is a smaller size available too. Note: First-time buyers from the publisher Blurb get a discount!
Molly
Zenyatta, I also think that The Belmont Stakes would make the perfect place for your big announcement. I am sure that Dottie will see to it that it is all done in good taste. Thank you so much for all of the happiness you have brought to my life. Love ya.
Cindy
With the Triple Crown being competed, people are thinking more about horse racing in May and June…and how much we miss you. This year’s crop of 3 year olds has some gorgeous horses in it Queen Z but there’s only one you…
Vicki B.
@DJ – Thanks, yes there is a lot of heart. Nina made it as much like Z, as possible. I wished it had her blaze, and Nina said maybe if she gets a chance to do a full-size.
@judy berube – Thanks. I do love it, but as I also mentioned, nothing tops being near Zenny, herself. At some point in the future, I think we will get the chance.
@signofthetimes – Yes, the photo is one by Anne Eberhardt from their Dec. visit, available via Bloodhorse (http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/throughthelens/archive/2010/12/21/zenyatta-has-visitors.aspx). I think Anne’s work is great.
Charlotte A. Farmer
I am glad Mr. Commons is back in California, safe. Sorry to hear about the shoe. Thank God that was all that happened.
Love you Zenyatta!
judy berube
To Karen Lamb:
Loved your warmhearted post. Sorry you had to lose your wonderful horse too soon. I was born in 1943, so I was 5 when Citation won the Triple Crown. He raced until probably 1950, ’51 and I remember my Mom and my uncles always talking about how great he was. Hugs, Judy B.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, Too cute. Everybody loves you sweet girl and Candy, she is such a lucky girl to have such fantastic friends she has..and the plate..I will watch for her if I am in Kentucky. I love you and have a wondeful, blessed day….Lisa g.
Nancy
Your photo in a church office? You’re everywhere, and deservedly so!
Maryyette
Zenyatta, your pictures are on multiple screensavers here at work, there is a framed picture of you on the walls of several offices, and people have your Zenyatta bobbleheads on their desks. This is a big office – several hundred people – and we LOVE you. Everyone appreciates it when coworkers share a link to your videos or diaries or latest news or pictures – it brings a smile and uplifts us! We always read THE DAILY ZENYATTA (your diary!) Love you, sweet girl! Thanks for all you do –
Shari Voltz
Dear Zenyatta Good morning sweet girl. I never get tired of looking at your face. Beautiful picture and love the plates. I have Breast Cancer plates with my three initials. Part of the money for the plates go to breast cancer research. This is a cause that is close to my heart. The class and I hope you have a sun filled day. We have clouds and rain as usual. We love you and send many Hugs and Kisses, Shari and Homeroom 215 XXXOOO
@ Abigail your article and video made me cry. It was beautiful. Secretariat was my first love. I cry every time I watch the Belmont. I was a 12 year old little girl who fell in love with the Big Red horse. I saved a newspaper clipping from the Pittsburgh Press with the article and famous picture of Ron looking back at the rest of the horses. I have kept it all these years. I showed my classes real footage of Secretariat’s races from The Life and Times of Secretariat. He was the Greatest Racehorse other than our Queen :)
@ Ensign I know you are so smart on all the horses. My class and I are following Uncle Mo and want to know a little about the horse Maria. They are saying she is Mo’s girlfriend. Thanks :)
Barbara Wood
@karen lamb–thank you for your beautiful account of your own dear horse and your new-found “Zenny-friends”. Most of my friends just roll their eyes when I start to talk about her. My condolences on your loss. I cannot even imagine losing our dear Money, who is 14.
I am 65, and I remember my first Derby I saw on tv was won by TimTam. I was hooked forever after that.
darlene
wish I could do that to my license plate Love ya always Z any word on when your fans can visit?
darlene
I have pictures of Z all over my house love the queen of racing
Stephanie Quilichini
Love that Car tag!
Donna
@ Donna in Baltimore Hello
I live in Baltimore too, it is amazing how Z brings us all together.
How about Z and Frankel one season, that would be amazing.
Lauren
Good Morning Beautiful Girl – You are just too cute and of course everyone wants to know about you. Too bad you can’t do a US tour or something and visit all of us who love you. I am proud to say that your picture is the wallpaper background on my cell phone and when friends see it, I explain to them who you are and how wonderful you are. Have a blessed day beautiful girl. xoxoxo
Allen
Great picture of you Queen Z. Maryland Loves You, Tennessee Love You. Z every state and every person that has ever met you, read about you, or watched you race Loves You. Z you have a great day, you are a true inspiration to everyone.
Alexandra Bowdoin
Good Morning Zenyatta, this is quite a nice photo of you in this diary! I wish you a great day of eating grass, playing with your gal pals and rolling in the dirt!!! You are Beautiful no matter what.
Kari Bussell
Zenyatta you have been nothing but a blessing to me since I first feasted my eyes upon you. You gave me more chills thrills and Joy than I thought I would ever know. We danced with joy, screamed with excitement, trembled in awe and wonder and you can flying down the grandstands and stood in Amazement as you crossed the wire first time and time and time again Since April 2008 the light in your being shined down on me all the way from California to Tennessee…and I have basked in it and been blessed by it every since. Your essence and beauty for me is proof there is a God.To look upon you is to Know and you restored my faith. You embody the word Inspire….Your guts and glory, Your heart demonstrated how to keep fighting until the end each race you ran. You are my heart, my soul & my soul inspiration.I love you down in the very depths of my being with every ounce of my heart a part of you is carried. You are nothing but Joy to me. You are a permanent part of my mind, heart, and soul. You will always be a large part of my World.
Thank you again Dottie and All of Team-Z from the bottom of my heart I WILL be eternally grateful.
Thank you forever Zenyatta for merely existing. I will love you Until the Twelfth of Never. May all of you have lifes overflowing with Love, Joy, Peace & Laughter Forever.
signofthetimes
@Vicki B
I love Anne Eberhart photos as well and I love
That one. Have not gotten any photos yet as can’t
Decide. Love the frozen Wiskers. Isn’t that by Barbara Livingston?
Dear Zenny
There are some changes in your face now. You are looking more
Like a Broodmare all relaxed and rested. Make sure everyone
Gets their job done today and of course to their standards.
I am sure your foal will not tire you out. He/she will have lessons every
Day with feedback and repeats. You are a type A mare.
Sooo love the Secretariate video on Abigail’s site and all of
The indepth horse talk it brings. Have a great day.
XXXXOOO
janice
Good morning ZENYATTA i recently moved to my mothers who has acomputer first thing i did was find YOU i groomed race horses for thirty years now retired its HARD leaving something you LOVED all your life HORSES its in my blood i seen your first race to your last that in my blood now its HARD not to see you on tv anymore BUT glad your SAFE AND SOUND Love you always PS YOU my DEAR HAVE ONE THE GRESTEST TRAINERS IN THE WORLD as a x groom i know thank you for listening to me today have a geat day
Kari Bussell
@ Trinia
@ Kathy Kimber….@DJ…@Susan in TN…and all of you who have been so very kind to me. I am deeply touched by how much love and concern you guys have shown me. I tried for 2 days to post again on the diary and my computer still had a windows glitch. My computer crashed (too full of Z videos & photos-lol) and I was without it for almost 2 weeks.It would let me post on FB and I tried to make sure you guys knew what happened there. My health has no change which at this moment is good. I’ll take it LOL…In the event my battle ends…I have several dear friends I met through Our Queen who will be notified…that way I don’t just vanish leaving people to wonder…but most of all any time I an absent you sweet, precious, caring, giving, beautiful friends stop fearing the worse every time….Please I am very much at peace full of joy and love for life, family, Zenyatta, and all my dear friends from Zenny. Everyone have a great Day!
jeanne from vista
The interview with John and Dottie was fun! Dottie, you are too cute: “Zenyatta still gives me a thrill, even the thought of her gives me a thrill. I see a Z and get excited.” I love it!!!
Theresa Buck
hmmmmm that gives me an idea for texas plates…YOU ARE JUST TO CUTE ZENNY…MUUAH