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
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, I hope you had a wonderful day and sleeping well now. Dawn looks so happy in your stall. What a lucky Z-Fan Family member to get to be where you grew up in racing & meet all the amazing people who had hands on exoerience with you. I sure wish I lived closer to visit your Barn 55 & all the wonderful people who knew you so well.Tell Dottie “Thanks for the wonderful Post!”
@ Kari Bussell-Don’t be embarrassed about your post. I enjoyed reading it. So cool to walk behind Zenyatta! Thanks fo sharing! I love to hear any Z story. That’s what is great about this site.
@ Susan in Tn.-Thanks for the info. always enjoy reading about your horses at the rescue!
Zenyatta, sending Hugs & Kisses From Alabama With Love, Amanda G.
Casey Phillips
I know that we are all excited about your pregnancy, so in the spirit of horseracing, I’m thinking we ought to do a “foaling date” pool. Here’s my bet- February 29, 2012 and it’s going to be a filly- because that’s Sadie Hawkins day and it only comes around on leap years. And, Zenny, you too, are a Leap Year baby, with a special birthday!
Barbara Wood
@Kari Bussell–We too were at Oaklawn. I, for one, was GLAD that RA wasn’t there because we were spared some of the ugliness and stress that might have arisen due to the stress of competition. My bad knee didn’t let me get close enough to her in the saddling area, but to just be in the grandstand and hear and feel the roar of the crowd and watch her dance were the experiences of a lifetime. If I never get to see her at LE, at least I saw her then. We were also guests in an owner’s box, but due to all the step-climbing, we went back to our original seats just before beautiful Gold Ember broke down. It would have happened right in front of us. As it was, we didn’t see it. RIP.
Celeste
Awww, that is just too cool. Thank you so much for sharing the photo of Dawn with Steve in the beautiful Zenyatta stall!! Even though Zenyatta isn’t in there I’m sure her spirit reamins and you can feel like you are breathing in a little part of that. How wonderful. Team Zenyatta is an absolutely remarkable group of people and along with Queen Z, y’all continue to lift my heart. Thank you!!
Lori K
@ Dawn conrad I would like to say I am so glad you are ok :) How AMAZING it must have been to visit barn 55 and all the horses. Dottie & JOHN you are so KIND, GENEROUS and just TOO CUTE :) What a nice thing to do for Dawn. ZENNY I am sending you hugs and kisses have a wonderful day :) LOVE LORI xoxoxoxo……
Robin Stevens
XOXOXO ZENYATTA & ALL OF ZENYATTA’S CONNECTIONS… YOU HAVE TOUCHED OUR HEARTS & SOULS LIKE NO OTHER…..DAWN I HOPE ALL IS WELL…AFTER A DREAM VACATION LIKE THIS I AM SURE YOU ARE JUST GLOWING BEAMING DANCING & SMILING FROM EAR 2 EAR : ) : ) : )
Kathy Kimber
Dear Zeny, E has your ears she is such a sweetheart.
Does anyone have any stories on Silky Sullivan? I loved him and remembered him well when he raced. Not sure people today remember him but I do. Thanks
LauraJ
@Lynn near H’wd Park CA, so cool on your friend getting a daughter of Awad. He’s one horse who knows how to work a crowd.
–
@Susan in TN, glad to hear that Rusty, Chester, and especially Root Beer are doing well and making progress. I’ve had something similar happen at the Dober rescue, where a scared dog learns to trust people by observing how the other dogs act. He will love his Jolly Ball. One of the horses at the Kentucky Horse Park (Western Dreamer, a champion Standardbred) has a Jolly Ball hanging from the rafters of his stall. He bangs it around with his nose. It’s fun to watch.
–
@Judy Berube re: your response to Terry Crow, I’ve seen those guys at the track too. They are usually puffing a stogie.
They always have chest hair.
Roberta Smith
I am so happy that Dawn got to visit! Yes, Zenyatta you are so, so loved! Have a great day and EAT UP!!! I love you!
audreyc
@Dawn – Good for you! What a special experience. I am only skimming over the posts, (time constraints) but I believe I heard you had “good news”? I am very happy for you.
@ Those who posted regarding Secretariat – I purchased the book “Secretariat’s Meadow” by Kate Chenery. I highly recommend it. It is a fascinating account of the whole history, culminating in the great Secretariat. I loved the pictures. There is one of a headshot photo of Secretariat, superimposed over a broad picture of the original land and Chenery homestead, that was “his” Meadow -“In the end, it was the land that made them all.” I choke up every time I look at it….
Abigail from Montreal
If anyone is interested in a SPECTACULAR “tour” of Belmont Park, you might want to tune in to Lenny Shulman’s & Steve Haskin’s “And They’re Off” (June 8). Here’s the link:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/videos/watch/BF123D98-8D4A-469C-977F-23C4BCD048AE
Ida Lee
Yes my Queen…you are indeed missed and loved. It’s really unbelievable how one beautiful and super talented mare can make such a difference in a sport. It’s like there’s no racing anymore. It’s definately no where near as much fun without you. ..take care Sweetheart.
Abby
Thats good to hear that she had fun.Its not everyday you have a chance to visit barn 55. I miss seeing you race, you are so talented. Take care Zenyatta have fun :)
Karen Gogue
@Abigail(montreal) I love tuning in every few weeks for the S&H show – too funny sometimes. Beautiful Belmont…..and thank you for your kind words on the John birthday. I’ve read all your articles since you burst on the scene, brings back wonderful good times indeed – sometimes sad. I lit a candle, for Judy – John Henry a favorite too. Couln’t get into Zenny’s. I will try yours. And thank you again :)
Maryyette
Hi to Dawn C, thanks for sharing this wonderful experience – I think Zenyatta 19 is with someone with a wonderful an appreciative heart – best wishes to you, always –
Terry Crow
@Kari Bussell and Barbara Wood–Fascinating recount of the race at Oaklawn. Made me seem as if I was there. Zenyattas’s two races at Oaklawn did a lot to convince people that she was not just an artificial track wonder.
Karen Gogue
@ LauraJ – I’m laughing so hard right now at what you said to Judy! omGosh – me too!! The chest hair part had me rooling (see can’t even spell! Laugh so much thru tears!!) rolling on floor!! Oh, how true! Still lol! Made my day! :):)
Trisha Veazey
sure do wish we could get some Zenyatta jewelry (pins, charms,etc and christmas ornaments. what’s the chance of a smaller bronze, something we the working class can afford.
Just a thought.
Sigh, i will just have to visit your site everyday to keep in touch.
Love hugs and kisses
Erin
In case anyone is interested, John Shirreff posted a YouTube video of Eblouissante training with the correct pronunciation of her name. She looks amazing!
MLV
Yesterday I received my Zenyatta sculpture in the mail. It is beautiful and even though I really couldn’t afford it, sometimes you just have to do what makes you happy and I could use some happiness in my life right now.
I miss my beloved horses and reading Zenyatta’s diary each day (from day one)is something I have really come to look forward to.
Karen Gogue
@Kari B – You’re beautiful! Like it just the way it is – we got it – and love it!
Sharon Call
@Everyone. Here is the link to E and John’s commentary in the background as she breezes.
http://www.youtube.com/user/jonshfs05
She is really beautiful. Can’t wait to see what she looks like later this year when she’s had a chance to mature a little more. I think I read that she’s 16.3 hh now at 2 years old, so I think she’ll grow some more.
Terry Crow
@Kari Bussell and Kathy Kimber–I saw Silky Sullivan race at Santa Anita. He was certainly a dynamic horse and it is too bad he was such a flop in the 1958 Kentucky Derby, which was won by Tim Tam. After his win in the Santa Anita Derby he was one of the favorites in Kentucky. Unfortunately, that race in the Santa Anita Derby was the high water mark for him. Many people speculated that he had a breathing problem and that is why he started so slowly. I don’t know, but he made up ground in a few races like no horse before or since. If you want to see some old videos of him and his races, go to you tube and enter his name in the search.
Bernie
What a wonderful site “greatfullness.org is and the Candles…. thank you for sharing.
Jane Wade
Glad she had a good time! How could you NOT have a good time at Barn 55?! wink-wink!
I was wondering who Ebluisantte’s groom is? Would be so great if Mario was her groom too!
Lisa g
Dawn is such a lucky girl.
Anna Wiley
@ Dawn Conrad: It makes me shiver just thinking about meeting Z. I can see it all, though… I’m walking down the asile of the barn at Lane’s End…a gorgeous bay head pokes out of a stall with the nameplate “Zenyatta”…IT’S HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, I wish. :D So cool that you got to visit BARN 55!! You are sooo lucky….. :) What an awesome picture above, too. I enjoyed reading the excerpt from your email. Well, gotta go, but I hope you get to fulfill your dream of meeting Zenyatta. :) Good luck!
Love,
Anna
P.S.-Have a great day, Zennydear!!
OraJean Stevenson
Dear Zennie & Team-Z,
Thanks Dottie and Dawn for sharing that wonderful visit to Barn 55 with us. We all miss you alot, but this Diary, that Dottie helps you keep, fills in much of that hole in my heart.
Hugs to you all. Fondly, OraJean
Alene
Wonderful that Dawn had the opportunity to go to barn55. Your stall is now a shrine to an amazing animal. You Zenny!! You have touched the lives of sooo many people in such a positive and wonderful heartfelt way. Your team has done the same. There is only ONE Zenyatta as there was only ONE Secretariat!!!! Lots of Big Hugs and Kisses, Alene…I to wish I could go to kentucky and see you. Hopefully someday that will happen. I think it will!
Dex
Zenny, you cannot even fathom how many souls you have touched! I hope to have the honor of meeting you one day!