Good Morning,
I have received so many FUN messages lately. You are all TOO CUTE! Needless to say, my Barn 55 Friends do keep in touch with ME and all that is going on in my life at the farm. David constantly updates Dottie and John on everything that I am doing. All of the messages are passed along to my dear California family and friends. I often TANGO with them as well. Ann and I do this quite often. I know they miss ME…but we really do keep in very close contact.
I have to say, my dear pal, SOPHIE SHIRREFFS, sent me the cutest message this morning. Firstly, she wanted ME to know that “OUR JOHN” had a fabulous birthday and he truly wants to THANK EACH OF YOU for the kind wishes. She also sent ME a big YIPPEE on my IN FOAL STATUS! She is EXCITED and said all of my BARN 55 friends are absolutely ELATED!
Sophie then added that she heard there is a contest taking place on-line having people suggest a name for my foal. Well, she thinks the name DUMPLING would be TOO CUTE if my foal is a filly. The reason for this is a very inside story.
It is my understanding that often in human families there is a sweet ‘pet name’ or term of endearment that is used when referring to family members and/or loved ones. Well, in our family, Dottie has always used the term “THE DUMPLINGS” to lovingly refer to the MOSS HORSES. As a collective group, we horses have been and are extremely creative both on and off the race track. Not only are we in training athletes at different stages of our careers, but we also send cards, gifts, letters, and messages all of the time. Then when sending notes and updates to our owners about us, Dottie often comments that THE DUMPLINGS are doing this or that. It is truly a loving way in which she has always addressed US!
Thus, that is why SOPHIE suggested DUMPLING as one possible name to be considered.
As you know, the Jockey Club does have very specific rules about naming a horse. The name has to “BE AVAILABLE”. It can’t be in current use or the name of a current producing mare or stallion. Some names are PERMANENTLY removed from consideration as they belong to a very prominent and ‘historical’ horse. I’m proud to say, my name, ZENYATTA, is now in this classification. It will not be able to be used again for another horse. SECRETARIAT’s name is also historical and it falls into this same category. The names of Kentucky Derby Winners are also viewed in this way…and may not be used again. It is truly an honor to be respected on such a level.
Other things may also prevent a name from being accepted. If it is too similar to a current name or if it is ‘reserved’ by an owner to be used in the future, it will be considered as NOT available.
When submitting a name to the Jockey Club for a horse, you may use up to 18 letters…including spaces. You may not use someone’s specific name without their written permission. All names must also ‘appear available’ through the Interactive Naming Program and ultimately be approved by the Jockey Club before officially being accepted for a particular horse.
As a result, it is truly NOT an easy task to name a horse. So many wonderful names are already taken. When you consider that over 30,000 thoroughbreds are born each year in our country…finding that one special or unique name can be a ‘fun’ challenge.
The Jockey Club has a web-site. If you go to it, THE JOCKEY CLUB, and then click on INTERACTIVE REGISTRY, you will see a screen that has several options. Please click on ONLINE NAMES BOOK and try a few of your choices. Have some fun with it and get creative! You’ll see, getting the name you really love is not always easy!
Hmmm….DUMPLING! Dottie just tried it and per the Jockey Club Progam…it is already in use. A 2010 horse has the name. Next, we tried ‘The Dumpling’…not happening. Getting a bit more creative, we tried ‘MY DUMPLING’…and YIPPEE…it appears available! Options, options! Names are just one more fun thing for ME to contemplate!
Good Thinking, Sophie!
With love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Stacey
My personal favorite, since the first time I heard it…”Don’t Stand so close to Z.” Congrats on your foal status, the world cannot wait to meet your baby :)
Stacey
My personal favorite, since the first time I heard it…”Don’t Stand so close to Z.” Congrats on your foal status, the world cannot wait to meet your baby :)
Stacey
My personal favorite, since the first time I heard it…”Don’t Stand so close to Z.” Congrats on your foal status, the world cannot wait to meet your baby :)
Sharon Simons-Passmore
No… Dumpling isn’t classy enough for a baby of Zenyatta’s. Sounds more like a dog’s name. My Blue Heeler, MOXIE, agrees!
So glad to hear of the baby news. Still hoping we fans/professional artists can get a chance to visit in person. Waiting to hear from David or Sarah. I “owe” the Mosses a portrait – this goes back 20 years. Perhaps I’ll write to John and Dottie.
Sharon Simons-Passmore
No… Dumpling isn’t classy enough for a baby of Zenyatta’s. Sounds more like a dog’s name. My Blue Heeler, MOXIE, agrees!
So glad to hear of the baby news. Still hoping we fans/professional artists can get a chance to visit in person. Waiting to hear from David or Sarah. I “owe” the Mosses a portrait – this goes back 20 years. Perhaps I’ll write to John and Dottie.
Sue Noel
Zenny-Your dear friend Sophie really is TOO CUTE!!And so is her idea for a foal name. Love hearing how Dottie loves “the dumplings”!
It will be fun seeing all the suggestions roll in!I must say,I like Syn Wood’s suggestion of “Sweet Zensation” for a filly–I can just hear it coming over the loudspeaker at Churchill Downs!!
@ Gary Moulton-Really enjoyed the poem the other day–I always like your posts.
@ Margaret-Loved your idea for Zen’s baby shower.Decided to do that!
Sounds like lots of us liked Margaret’s idea. I think Zenny would like us giving to help horses that need it. Since Susan in TN is doing such a great job at River Edge Farm,there in TN,maybe ww could add them to the list for the shower–some of us are really getting into hearing about Root Beer and all!
LOved all of the posts about Ruffian–I loved her and still tear up when I think of her last race.
@ Susan in TN–I finally got my donation to River Edge today–in honor of Zenny’s being in foal. If we all help a horse charity for Z’s shower gift,we can make a lot of difference. Looking forward to more news of your new dear friends!
@ Shari V.-So loved hearing about your last days with this year’s class–glad you will have some more connections with them!! Am thinking of Dawn every day and hoping and praying for the best for her. Please give her my love when next you speak,if you think of it. Thanks!!
Sweet Zenny,it’s twilight where you are now–hope you’ve had a marvelous day with “the girls”!! Have sweet dreams tonight and a lovely tomorrow with the sun on your back and a soft breeze to ruffle your mane—LOVE YOU!!!
Maria K.
I am sending you more hugs and kisses. I love you Queen Z!!!
Sharon D.
what about “Sophie’s Dumpling”?
Sharon D.
…or “shadows in the rain”, after the track on zenyatta mondatta
Sue Noel
Ooops–“fumble fingers again!! Ww?? I meant we!!!
Kathy Kimber
Dear Zeny, What a wonderful post. Such an awesome responsibility to name your baby. One can contemplate for hours on end. My Dumpling, too cute, wink, wink, Dumpling reminds me of apple dumpling and I have a wonderful receipe for those. You Zeny dear, would eat the entire batch.
What ever the name is eventually it will be perfect becaus it is your son, or daughter. I bet Berni is just beaming now that he is going to be a very “special” daddy. Love you sweet girl.
Hugs
Megan S
Ooooh, I like Goulash or Cincada for a colt. For a filly I really do like Ebony Stone or Indigo. Muchos hugs to you, my friend! <3
Maggie
Ok, how about DanceslikeZen?
Cara
I’m glad you can b the only zenyatta, there cant ever b another horse like u!
Kathy P.
Hope that you have lots of pretty Dumplings!
LOVE YOU Z!
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
Sophie is such an adorable looking girl and I can only imagine she helped in making John’s birthday a special one. It is so interesting coming to your diary Zenyatta, as we learn so much about the sport of horseracing and now inluding the rules and regulations of the naming of a new colt or filly. It sure is going to be exciting to hear all the names that everyone comes up with for your precious little foal. Got to get a thinking now and see what the imagination can bring. Take care sweetie, love you lots!
Kathryn Cogswell
‘Llyric’ shows No Direct Matches, although ‘Lyric 1999,’ shown in red, has a previous previous use.
Kathryn Cogswell
previous previous???
Cynthia H.
Thank you for sharing such a sweet story about “The Dumplings.” All of us must feel as if we are truly Team Z insiders, with the fun pieces of Barn 55 information which you pass along in the course of your diary. Even the technical things are easily digested, because we are spoon-fed in such a loving way. If it is a filly, Sophie might like the name “Dumpling Dottie” in honor of one of her parents! How about Zen Again?
I am very worried about one of the Dumplings—Makoma—and hope that she is okay. She looked incredibly beautiful today on the way to the post.
Jill
My horse’s registered name is Little Louie. I didn’t name him that – he came with the name. I searched it and there have been others and now the name is available again. But to me, he’s like you – there’s only one Little Louie just like there’s only one Zenyatta. I’m such I’ll love whatever name they give your baby!
Delrene
Dear Zenyatta – I’m very worried about Makoma one of your fellow dumplings. She was vanned off. Lots of heartfelt prayers for her good health. Keep us in the loop. She is such a beauty too.
Maggie
Two more then I’m finished for the night:
SweetdreamsofZ
ShadesofZen
Jan
Zenyatta,
Thanks for the info for naming TB’s. “Dumpling” cute, but not for Z’s baby.. Something really original that would be be hard to forget.. Sophie is a Dumpling. :) Stay Happy & Healthy Big Mama. xoxo
Cynthia H.
Forgot. That was a fabulous win by dumpling Nereid in the 5th race today at Hollywood Park. Very exciting! A nice late birthday present for your dear john.
Bernie
How about “ZeezMyMomma”. Thank you for letting us be a small part of her life.
Kira
The naming process sounds like a lot of hard but fun work! Keep us updated on names that you come up with! (: I’m so excited to see this baby! You and Rachel Alexandra are going to have such top quality foals! Maybe one day they will both meet on the track. That would be a race to see! Two horses with some of the most amazing parents out there! Best of luck with the pregnancy, and don’t forget that you’re still allowed to play a bit. (; Love you Z!!!<3 xoxo
Kira
Oh, and thank you to all of Team Z for keeping us updated on our queen! It truly is special for us to be able to get an insight on her new life. We will never forget you, Z!
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Here is an article about Mikey and Joel Rosario http://www.drf.com/news/hollywood-park-rosario-smith-plan-ride-royal-ascot Hugs, J.B.
Doreen
Here are some more song titles and I’m done for the night. Sweet Dreams Zenny.
High Fashion Queen
Dancin’ and Prancin’
Fly Away Home
Let’s Go Dancing
I Came To Dance
Feel Like Flying
Radiant
Hard Act To Follow
Now You’re Dancing
Don’t Wanna Lose
Bewitched
It’s All Over Now – meaning that the other horses in the race don’t have a chance, if I should be so presumptuous.
Tessa
I think Zendini (colt or filly) would be a great name. I also thought of Mondatta (filly). Love ya Zenny!