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
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: Today’s post has me in tears. I am so happy I got the chance to see you race at the Del Mar last summer. I remember thinking at the time how truly magical you were. My only regret is I didn’t return to CA to visit Barn 55 following the BC when you were still there.
@Misty: Thanks for sharing your story. The man you spoke of that was so emotional made me think of the prose written by Priscilla Clark, president of the Thoroughbred retirement facility Tranquility Farm in California, that Mr. Moss’ read at the 2010 Horse of the Year awards. In part:
“If you love Thoroughbred horses you go through life hoping that you can see just one more in whose presence the clouds fall away to reveal the mountaintop. It can take a generation or infinitely longer for such a horse to arrive, a horse that is capable of carrying the human heart. For the last one hundred years we know them all by name, but Zenyatta brought to us a beauty that was a tonic for the soul.”
Zenny, you have touched so many lives. We all have been truly blessed that Dottie and John and all of Team Z continue to share your journey us. Love, Linda
tony
@Misty, my wife and I were also at the 2010 classic and truly believe it was her greatest race. People all around us were in absolute awe of her after that stretch run. I’ve said before and I’ll do it again…she made believers of many people that day. A group of young men behind us bet on her to come in second but were bitterly disappointed when she didn’t win because they honestly thought SHE was the best horse on the track. You should have heard them screaming for her…they were hoarse when the race was over. Just knowing we were in the same space as she made the day magical. I really can’t explain it nor will I try. She just IS.
judy berube
Dear Max:
Thanks for the video of E. She has the same kind eyes as Z and those beautiful, long ears. Hugs, J.B.
Andrea
Wow! What an honor! To be in the stall of the Queen! Oh, the envy! I will have an empty nest soon. I think I will look into OTTB rescue volunteering. I was an AQHA teen, but TB’s have stolen my heart with their sheer valor, effort, and true heart! Every worthy attribute a human could posses is easily found in a horse!!!
Cheryl
I cant even imagine how your loved ones in California can get along while missing you so much. I know you hold their hearts, as all of your fans as well. Dear Zenytatta, what a wonderful and pure kindness you spread to the world. LOVE YOU
Max
@judy berube. I agree about Z, but I think that you can also see the influence of Bernardini on E. E seems a little distant yet, but in time she will develop a connection to her fan base. I love the way Z always poses so well for the camera and her people. A true Queen.
judy berube
Dear AJ from CA.:
You’re welcome. How great that you got to see Affirmed and Z up close. A Triple Crown winner and our beloved Queen. It doesn’t get better than that. Hugs, J.B.
Lynn ..... (nearby Hwd Park) California
Hi Zenny, I was in your stall too last month. Truely awesome! I kissed all your horse buddies! Your half sis had just come in 4 days earlier. I had to pry myself away after an hour or so.
…..
Wow.. @ Cynthia H. You captured words I couldn’t find to describe Secretariat and Zenyatta. I thank YOU.
On a previous post, I stated; my friend is getting the grand-daughter of Secretariat!!. She is Cousin Sara (8yrs), her Sire is Awad (retired at ‘Old Friends’ right now) and her Dam – Jazz Session was the daughter of SECRETARIAT. We are so excited. My friend and I saw, on TV, Secretariat’s Belmont race. We never forgot that. And now she will have part of him. It’s amazing.
I’m looking forward to the Belmont race Saturday.
….Take care Zenny. You are so loved. Hi all at Lanes End.
judy berube
To Hernan Tovar:
Dear Ingrid:
You’re welcome. Hugs, J.B.
Andrea
I just had to comment about Misty’s post! So moving! You were there! I am in CA. I felt that the darkening sky at CD was ominous. I screamed for our Z. I know the people there must have seen and felt so much emotion! Z makes the blood just sing in our veins! I had to go for a walk that afternoon, my 17 year old almost got in the car to come look for me! I know you all understand!!!
judy berube
Dear Max:
You’re so right. You can definitely see Bernardini in E. Yes, I think she will get used to the cameras and all the attention in time, and maybe even pose like Z does. Still, they are all individuals; we’ll have to wait and see. Hugs, J.B.
nina
You are very lucky girl Z!!!
judy berube
Dear Kimberly Potter:
Just read your post. Hope the flooding problem improves. We’re having a heatwave here in the East. Temps in the high 90’s. Hugs, J.B.
Jill
Dawn, thanks for sharing. It’s like we were all there with you. And thanks, Misty, what an emotional story. Great posts today! We are truly blessed because of you, Zenyatta, and your team for letting us share in your life. Love you.
Sunny Boyd
Good evening Zenyatta,
if I ever make it to the great CA, you bet I will visit your previous digs!!! For sure:) :) :)
Visiting this site, and having followed you during your career and now retirement, one of my future plans is to volunteer at a barn. And may be get a piece of property that allows me to keep chickens & horses, adding to my 4 legged entourage I already sport. Ha.
Well, dear girl, it’s time for 40 winks & dreams of mints
judy berube
Dear Z,
Goodnight. Happy baby dreams. Love you, Judy and Russ
Charlotte Farmer
What a heartfelt post from Zenyatta regarding Dawn’s visit to Barn 55. That alone would heal anyone. This website continues to be truly unique. It continues to inspire with all the various postings, and the love that is shared for one particular horse, Zenyatta. What I have come to notice is the brief glimpses of how some came to discover the world of racing, such as the Majestic Prince posting. Whatever horse brought you to the world of racing, you are truly blessed, for nowhere will you find such beauty, born for only one purpose, to race with the wind.
Lucy Zeh wrote a book, “Etched in Stone: Thoroughbred Memorials.” In that book there are two paragraphs that say it all and speak to the great ones that have joined the ranks of the Immortals, Kelso, Native Diver, Carry Back, Citation, Swaps, and so many others. “’The animal which possesses intelligence and affection and which brings to us fame and fortune is worthy of remembrance in death.’ Death is the only thing that stills their fighting heart, these magnificent animals whose beauty and power can be seen on-and-off the tracks around the world.—Lucy Zeh”
“Monuments such as these could not be erected by men who consider the racer as a means of gambling; rather, by men who loved courage, strength, speed and will – and found these qualities incarnate in the thoroughbred. –Joe Palmer”
I love you Zenyatta!
Robyn Mullhausen
So happy for Dawn Conrad, but I sure wish it was me too.
Zenyatta, there will never be another YOU! You and your entire team are a gathering of angels.
Robyn Mullhausen
So happy for Dawn Conrad, but I sure wish it was me too.
Zenyatta, there will never be another YOU! You and your entire team are a gathering of angels.
Linda Henderson
I spent my last birthday watching you run last summer at Hollywood Park. It was the best birthday even if I planned it myself! This summer, I will go back to Hollywood for more fun but no Zenyatta.
Doreen
There’s a nice article about Mr. Prospector and his influence on Belmont Stakes winners. If you’re interested in what people look for in a horse’s pedigree, this is quite informative. Both Zenyatta and Bernardini have Mr. Prospector in their pedigree. Zenyatta on her sire’s side and Bernardini on his dam’s side. http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/breeding-news/2011/06/08/mr-prospector-belmont-influence.aspx
ArapahoeParkFan
Congrats to Dawn for yet another awesome Zen experience! Don’t give up…keep striving to meet the Queen herself!
Char
Thanks to all of Zenny’s human connections for giving Dawn such a special time at Hollywood Park. You continue to be a great example for horse racing!
Holly Zemba
Congrats to Dawn, glad she got to visit your stall and all your California friends.
Jackie
Good Evening Queen “Z” So nice that Dawn was able to visit your home at Hollywood Park. I’m sure we would all have loved to been in her shoes.
I was thinking about the post where Dottie wrote about horse names and that she refers to the Mosses horses as “Dumplings” Well how about your foal be called “Z” Dumpling!
Dottie, someone else has an August 10th birthday. Mike Smith. I too am a Leo. We Leo’s exude confidence, are quite generous and loyal and always encouraging! Gee it’s funny how so many of your posts contain content of confidence, generosity, encouragement and loyal!
Hope your feeling well and enjoying the Kentucky Blue Grass.
Hugs and kisses
Jackie
Signofthetimes
@Judy B
Just ordered my 2012 jockey calendar. Thanks so much
For the link. E is such a baby and so cute in her video.
I hear John in the background. Love those ears going
In opposite directions. ? What is all this about? Her face
And head are sooo much Bernie with the Z and V ears and
The “family” pose with head raised. She is such a baby
Doll.
Eveline
@ Maggy, hope you have a wonderful day in Belmont ! It’s a beautiful track.
Trina Nagele
Dearest Zenny, Time to say goodnight again. Sleep tight till morning.
@KAREN GOGUE—You are so very welcome! I would love to participate in something really special for Dottie, as I’m sure many others here would too. Maybe we can join forces. I’m too shy to do anything much by myself. I was at Hollywood Park once (just recently), but didn’t have the courage to try to visit Barn 55—afraid I would be in the way. In August, the Shirreffs will have their horses in Del Mar, I think?
@SHARON CALL and SUSAN in TN—Thanks for your beautiful posts about Frankie the Foal. She has Z’s never-give-up spirit, doesn’t she?
@SUSAN IN TN again—I agree with Judy Berube—your posts are NEVER too long!
@LYNN near Hollywood Park—Looking forward to hearing more about Cousin Sara, granddaughter to the great Secretariat.
@ANDREA—I hope you find a thoroughbred rescue near you. Please let us know.
@ MARY COPELIN—Thank you for that remarkable story about your visit together with your sick friend to Barn 55, meeting Zenyatta and experiencing her “life force.” Your assessment that she is more than magical is all the more meaningful given your rich background in being around other great horses. It seems the miracle of Zenyatta can be experienced and expressed, but not explained. There it is, though, for all to see: your friend’s cancers have gone into remission. Best wishes to her for continued good health. She’s lucky to have a friend like you who took her to just the right place.
Kari Bussell
@ Terry Crow- thank you for taking the time to give me all the information. I appreciate it very much. Like I stated I was only six…it was about 2 decades before I went in search of information regarding Majestic Prince’s connects….everything I read portrayed him as in a negative manner…thank you for sharing your personal story…I am not one to believe negative reports about famous people unless I sense it and see it for myself. I almost ashamed I didn’t think to check Fred Stone….I am also looking for Silky Sullivan prints etc…I just love his story
@CYNTHIA HOLT-See how you bless people with your GIFT to find the words …even if your are describing in that unique way only you can that at the moment even you felt at a loss for words….,but somehow unlike most of us you find them…
WRITE THAT BOOK-.. You owe it to the great Champions and the just sweetie-pie personalities you have met along your life’s path…You have the most fascinating story…You have been privileged to see all the greats in person for all these decades (you stated ).Please share your experiences … write that book so we can live it all vicariously through your beautiful words….While we will probably never meet eye to eye in person…For the past 3 years (Met on Mr. Shirreffs YT channel) you have been my mentor, (always reminding me of Mr S’s words about kindness thus stopping me from being argumentative with the rude and unkind…especially during HOY-2009), my cheer leader…and most of all the one who told me to Dream, really dream and visualize getting to see the Queen…Even after 2009 BCC when with a mic shoved in his face at a emotional moment Mr.Moss declared her retired…I knew I mean I KNEW without a doubt I would see her. Stephanie Lambert (careful on way to Belmont our dear friend) would laugh at me at my mere suggestion that I knew …I KNEW can’t explain it…I found myself in the owner/trainer section Paddock Section at the Apple Blossom…The best seats period…. (not being pretentious yet another long and miraculous story)….I sat next to Cindy Jones (Vet-Karen the one who invited me to walked on track -it felt like I was actually part of team -Z I was about 15ft behind Z, Mario & Frank…) I walked in Z’s hoof steps moments after her historic 16th win…) Okay – let me backtrack and say that I had purchased numerous Girl- Power variety of Z posters to have to hold up when The Queen and her escorts walked by to show support….We Were in RA country…Many of the local had on her pins…It was when it was very ugly…I had look forward to seeing her .and the race of the ages…Okay my posters didn’t arrive in time…Oaklawn did not give out posters…so I bought the Mounted huge print that the guy selling small 8by10 prints,buttons….I ask him if it was for sell he said No..needless to say everything I keep upping it until he agreed …I got 8 buttons…I was covered in buttons lugging this around every time we went to the outside area trying to decide where to watch Z…
Kari Bussell
Everyone- I did not intend to hit send with that way too long, jumping all over the place in sequence last post. My sincere apologies. I was trimming it down and hit by accident…Very, very embarrassed!! I will wait until Dottie has posted new diary and attempt to help anyone who is interested make heads or tails out of it and finish it….again really red face over this …I had about decided not to tell at this time…So Sorry!