Good Morning All,
It is such a fun time! I’m hearing the weather in California is a bit cooler than it is here. I am so enjoying all of my time outside…snacking on this very tasty Kentucky Blue Grass.
Many of you asked in the responses about our contest winner, MISS # 19…Dawn Conrad. Well, it is TOO CUTE! Dawn actually went to California on a bit of a holiday and asked Dottie if she and her friend could visit BARN 55. Here she is with STEVE…..standing right in MY STALL! She looks fabulous!
Dawn spent her time at the barn visiting with the horses and all of MY TEAM. She truly enjoyed herself and sent Dottie a wonderful message yesterday. Since so many of you asked how she is doing, I’d like to share parts of her email with you! (Dawn is fine with this.)
“Once I introduced myself as the lucky owner of #19, congrats were offered and we all went to Zenyatta’s stall for some pictures. What fun and how special I felt!!!”
“Then there were the beautiful horses!! Ebby was so gorgeous and such a sweetheart. You can certainly see some of Zenny in her as well as Bernardini, especially in her coloring and lovely top line. Received a kiss from Nereid and Mr. Commons was a perfect gentleman. Then it was on to see Makoma and meet Winston. I could have spent days talking with everyone and going from one stall to the next. I agree with the sentiment of John’s you voiced in today’s diary. After the time I spent at the ‘Clinic’, it was great for my soul to hug the horses. (I did get good news from the clinic. Yippee!!)
“The only thing that could have made it better was seeing Zenyatta, herself. I could picture her standing in her stall or grazing under her trees. It was a bit bittersweet for me having never met her while she was there. I had tried making it to California and the Breeder’s Cup, but the timing did not work out. To lay my hand on her neck as I did Ebby’s will be a hope I will hold in my heart forever.”
“Everyone speaks of her with great pride and just a touch of sadness. You can tell John misses her a great deal.”
How special of Dawn to share her thoughts with Dottie after the visit. I must add that Dottie did agree with her that John really does MISS ME…as does all of MY TEAM. In reality, I was at Barn 55 for over 4 1/2 years. I never left their sight for one moment. We spent countless hours together and have so many cherished memories.
In life, it is such a GREAT FEELING to know that you are missed, you are loved, and you can touch someone’s soul to such a degree!
I am truly SO FORTUNATE!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
PeggyOne
since Amy told me that Laus Deo was taken, I’ve been looking for another name that says the same. How about “Ylistä ” (which means “Praise God” in Finnish)? What do you think, guys and gals? It’s another that would work for either a colt or filly and would be completely their own.
Trina Nagele
@DAWN–I’m so glad you got to visit Barn 55. You’ll have cherished memories all your life.
judy berube
Dear Susan in Tn.:
See if you can rent this movie. It’s called “Let It Ride”. Funniest and best movie I’ve ever seen on horse racing. Let me know what you think once you’ve seen it. Terry Crow has the DVD and knows some of the lines by heart. I would rent it every once in a while, and decided to buy it. Laugh out loud every time I watch it. The cast includes Richard Dreyfuss, Terry Garr, Jennifer Tilly and Robbie Coltrane, as well as other actors you will probably recognize. Very funny. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
To Terry Crow:
Susan in Tn. is asking about the DVD we were talking about. I think we have another fan for “Let It Ride”. Hugs, J.B.
Judy (Maass) Gadwood ~ CA
@ Cynthia H ~ you and are were destined to meet at the track! I was in the massive crowd BC Day 2009. I didn’t burst a blood vessel, however, I BURST INTO TEARS! I kept saying over and over and over: “Oh, my God!” when she kicked major male butt and crossed the wire!!! I get goosebumps as I type this… from that race on, each time she won, I’d burst into tears! Her last race at Del Mar was no exception… I broke down crying tears of joy, so much so, I had total strangers asking me if I “was okay?” LOL That wss the day Ann Moss caught my eye with tears in her eyes… need I say (write) more… :-) Praise the Lord for Zenyatta ~ Queen of Our Hearts.
Kari Bussell
@Susan in Tn…meeting you Rootbeer and friends just went to the top of my bucket list secind only to getting to kiss and caress Zenyatta!
@Zenyatta, Team-z and all Zennyland fans who have been blessed by Zenyatta…this is for you…a matter of taste Patty- When You Been Blessed…..You are nithing but JOY and Blessings my Queen. I love you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L99lz1W12Fc
Terry Crow
@Judy Berube and Susan in TN–Let it Ride is the all-time horse racing movie, although Susan in Tn may not get all of the jokes because some of them are of the inside variety. It grows on you. I have gotten to the point where I can quote lines from the film. Like I have said before, I recognize and have known all of the race track characters in the film. Not the actors themselves, but the characters they represent. Just watch where you rathole that $5.00 bill. Even the DVD itself is funny. It has a picture of Richard Dreyfuss’ character praying to a horse. Great stuff if you have a broad sense of humor.
Karen Gogue
@Terry Crow – count me in on that! And thank you too! I went back and found the posts on Native Diver will read them all later. And thank you again! “Let It Ride” a favorite of mine too. Only saw it once – but must get a DVD of my own! Funny!
Sharyn
How nice Dawn got to step inside a piece of your world!! That is one special stall…
Kari Bussell
So sorry for typos….Cynthia Holt’s beautiful words made me do it(still have tears in eyes) please write that book ……Love you !
@Karen Gogue Thank you for your very generous kind words….I can’t even write one correct comment…I am not in Cynthia H’s or Dawn C’s league…at ALL! Only in my dreams…Precious of you to say that!
Karen Gogue
@Kari – ME NEITHER or is it???? See? Haha LOL – Again another message on Z’s FB. I tell ya, we’ve got to stop meeting like this!!! LOLLOL :)
Sue
Hi Z, I am reading today with tears running down my face. They are tears of LOVE and JOY. You are so special I don’t even think you know what you mean to all of us. You are much more that a horse to us. You are part of the family. You do have a very large family that loves you. We read the post each day to see what you are doing. We are the Zenyatta family and I am proud to be a sister. Much Love Sue
Terry Crow
@Judy Berube, Karen Gogue and Susan in TN–Sample line from Let it Ride. Racetrack Patron–Eight is the one, I’d bet my life on it. Trotter (played by Richard Dreyfuss)–They’ve got a $2.00 minimum bet. One thing new horse racing fans will probably not pick up on–The ticket seller, played by Robbie Coltrane, is at the $50.00 window and that is where Trotter also goes to cash. Its practically all machines now and even the live mutual clerks take and cash bets of all types. When I want to laugh, I watch this movie. It was filed at Hialeah but Trevor Denman is calling the races. Another quote–Cheesburger, a race track character–Trotter, who do you like. Trotter-The number 4 horse. Cheesburger-The 4 horse? Nobody bets the 4 horse. They put little kids on him to have their pictures taken.
Judy (Maass) Gadwood ~ CA
To all Zenyatta Fans:
Do you know about the gratefulness candles? This is the link.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/search.cfm?l=eng
I started one under ZENNY. If you go to “search” and type Zenny, you will be directed to her candle page. I’d love it if you would stop by and write something.
————-
Your candle will only stay lit for 48 hours, so you have to visit often!!
————-
BTW there is also one under JohnH for John Henry (her Guardine Angel) wink wink ;-)
Barbara Wood
@PeggyOne–RATS! I’m so sorry Laus Deo is taken. That would have been perfect. Is the English version taken? Do Zenny and/or Bernie have any connections to other nationalities? I don’t think they have any Finnish ones.
Kari Bussell
@KarenGogue-LOL!
@Judy Maass Gadwood…wish I could have been there with you and our dear Cynthia…she is a angel..and a poet…tell her to write that book she might listen to you…
Also Judy Maass Gadwood- Come back to DAYTIME- we miss you!!Who is going to stalk (LOL) the Great Cigar for us so we can see that great one grazing everyday…I try and it is always empty paddock…wonderful to see your name and read your comments here..Hurry Back!
Sharon Call
OK, Y’all. It’s a good thing I’ve learned to keep a box of tissue next to my computer because these posts never fail to bring on the tears. So touching and heartfelt.
@Frankie the Foal. Bless your little heart. You just keep taking it one day at a time. You’re eating and up and walking around with your Mom and that gives you an advantage. You’re young and that gives you another advantage. I know you don’t know how many people are pulling for you but you’ve inherited a lot of attention from Zenyatta’s website. The Queen spreads all that love around selflessly. It’s absolutely amazing that you survived that attack at all and wouldn’t have except for the hearts and souls of the people that worked so tirelessly to help you. You just keep up the good work and know that a lot of hearts are beating with you right now.
@Susan in Tn. I’ve tried to get in touch with the folks at River Edge to see the best way to get a little money to them for Chester. I’ve called several times today and no one answers and they don’t seem to have voice mail. I sent an e-mail but haven’t received a reply yet. It’s not a big donation but I want it to go towards a fly mask for Chester and maybe help a little with the vet bills that were incurred for him. Any suggestions?
Karen Gogue
@Judy(Maass)GadWood – Judy, when you go to Barn 55, maybe give John one of your precious posters that you’ve made for Zenny’s stall. He’ll hang it – he did mine. She meant so much to him-he’ll love it! So proud of her! And to be “hung” in that stall-shrine! OMG! Pure euphoria! Can’t even begin to describe how that makes one feel! YOU ARE IN THERE! YOU ARE IN THERE WITH HISTORY! And SHE IS STILL THERE! Her presence will never leave – never!
Marilu V
Dear Zenyatta: Today’s posting made me sad. I was so lucky to visit you at Barn 55 and have so many beautiful pictures with you under the tree. Yes, I agree with Dawn how patient, accomodating and wonderful everyone is at Barn 55. I think it is part of the Zenyatta Mystique! We were all welcome to see you and feel how special you are! Take care! Hugs and Kisses, Marilu
Trina Nagele
RE: DOTTIE’S BIRTHDAY —To Arlene and all who would like to celebrate our dear Dottie’s birthday, here is a link to the Thoroughbred Times interview in which she reveals her birthday is AUGUST 10. http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/women-of-influence/profiles/dottie-ingordo-shirreffs.aspx
@Terry Crow—Loved your post about the discussions you’ll have about Z in the future.
@Brenda—Have a good time in Kentucky.
Abigail from Montreal
Hi Zenny: This was a wonderful post and it was so great to see Dawn again. Thank you!
@ Judy (Maass) Gadwood: I went off and lit a candle for zenyatta. com because I think that everyone here is great and I’m thankful for Zenny, Team Z (esp. Dottie!) and the zenyatta.com community each & every day! Here’s the address & you can re-find it by typing in ZC….and someone else could re-light it in 48 hours!
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng
EK
The only comedy horse racing movie I ever watched was “Hot To Trot”. It had talking horses.
Abigail from Montreal
CORRECTION:
This link is easier. Just type in ZC (for zenyatta.com) and then follow….
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/search.cfm?l=eng
Dee
Zenyatta, You have touched so many souls and we adore you very much. I would love to meet you someday. You have a mystique about you that warms our hearts and provides comfort, smiles, joy and happiness. It was great to read about Dawn’s visit to Barn 55. Many thanks to you and your team.
Kari Bussell
@Karen G- well put!
Majestic Prince was my first love for a colt. I was 6…Then I saw Secretariat I was going on 10 when I watched him run all 3 triple crowns..I watched all on TV…My Mother crying out his name and crying tears of wonder..I remember the hair on the back of my neck stood up and chills ran down my spine…Just like when I saw Majestic Prince…Then Ruffian my fist love for a filly. I knew I would love and long to be near thoroughbreds and all horses forever ….and along came Zenyatta and she is the Love of my Life…Our Forever Queen~~2010 Horse of the Year (still can’t say that enough)
~~ZENYATTA~~~
anyone know where to find good prints, portraits etc…of MP?
Trina Nagele
PS to DOTTIE–I do hope you don’t mind that I linked to that interview. I wouldn’t want to be a bother.
Kari Bussell
So sorry last one….Dottie mine is August 12…woowow!
Mary Copelin
@ Misty, thank you for your post regarding the gentleman’s comments after the BC race in 2010. You were both right on target. Zenyatta is one of the greatest thoroughbred race horses of all time, and she is absolutely magical.
I have had horses for over 55 years. Most of them were working horses( cutting and reining) but some of them were racing horses – both TBs and Quarters. I have been blessed to have had some magnificent and wonderful individuals. They were each allowed to develop their own personality and character. They rewarded me with love, life and many championships.
I was raised on Calumet horses. Even after we moved from Illnois to California, we would make regular pilgrim-ages to Kentucky to visit the horses and farms around the Lexington area. And I used to go to Hollywood Park and Santa Anita to visit some of my favorite horses when they were racing on the west coast. So I have had the great honor of meeting and interacting with some of the greatest of all time. (In fact, one of my most prized possessions is one of Secretariat’s
turds.)
I was able to see Zenyatta run on several occasions, and, of course, was in awe. But nothing could compare to meeting her on November 23rd 2010 at barn 55.(I took with me one of my dearest friends, who was suffering from multiple forms of cancer and who could barely walk.)Zenyatta was as magnificent as one might imagine. The lifeforce she projects is beyond description.She is more than magical! She is a miracle!!
My friend, since meeting Zenyatta, has gone into remission- something her oncologists told her was impossible.
judy berube
To Terry Crow:
Wow, you remember the lines verbatim. I swear I’ve seen characters at the racetrack exactly like Cheeseburger; Hawaiian shirt, gold chains and all. Hugs, J.B.
Sally (B)
My sweet peppermint loving Z; Such good news you gave us with Dawn being able to visit & touch horses at Barn 55. It was special to know she got good news too from her clinic. Yes, I can not imagine what it would be like to have been with you every day, and love you, and have to let you go. So sad. I know how I felt from mostly loving you from afar, on TV, to traveling to 2010 Oaklawn, Breeders Cup 2010, and your Keeneland farewell 2010. (I was getting worn out with excitement! hee) I just never had the chance to hug or kiss you!! You had to remain a bit too distant. I had never been so emotional & passionate in my life over a horse. (I love all horses) I cried & sobbed that I may never see you again. My husband thought there was something seriously wrong with me. (hee) So, I do understand how all your buddies and family feel!! When you love you do let them go and then to be in a good place. Your family loves you so much, your in touch, and they see you often. I feel better now too, talking to you on your post. Know one knows what the next day brings, and that is why Z I can not let my dream of actually talking to you, a touch, a kiss, die. You have inspired & helped so many by just being you!! love with one kiss on your nose, the other for baby Z. God Bless all of you
@peggy; I truly like your name for what it stands for. But, I do love “Mama Can Dance”. Everyone will know who was the mama!! that is for sure!! Everyones special.