Good Morning,
It is hard to believe how fast time flies by. The sun is now setting on another Triple Crown Series. The 2011 Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont are in the recoord books and congratulations to all 3 winners: Animal Kingdom, Shackleford, and Ruler On Ice.
The Belmont on Saturday was very exciting! I have to admit, I was like Max and Sharyn. Per their comments in the responses, they were watching Bernie’s son, Stay Thirsty, cut to the rail in the stretch and close steadily to be 2nd. So was I! I have to admit, I did cheer him on a bit. After all, he is Bernie’s son! GREAT JOB, STAY THIRSTY!
The winner ran a terrific race. My sincere congratulations to RULER ON ICE and his team. I would like to give a special SHOUT OUT to Jose Valdivia as well. He is a terrific guy! MY TEAM knows him very well as he used to ride in California. WE are so happy for him. We’d also like to thank all of the people who work so hard to make racing and these events so special!
On an industry note, it was GREAT to see the ‘handle’ for Belmont day. I’ve heard that they bet over 70 million dollars. This is so encouraging for our sport! PEOPLE DO LOVE RACING! YIPPEE!
Again, my heartfelt congratulations to all! Now we move forward to other exciting racing events. We have lots of 2 year old action beginning. This is always fun to monitor the new faces, names, and pedigrees of the adorable “babies”. The summer seasons at Del Mar and Saratoga are always highly anticipated. Several other tracks also add to this great mix. Then on November 4th and 5th, all eyes will turn to Churchill Downs who will again host this year’s Breeders’ Cup. There is always so much going on in our sport! All of this activity is so much FUN!
It is TOO CUTE that Kari mentioned in the responses that TIAGO was not only 3rd in the Belmont…he was also 3rd in the BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC. He accomplished this in 2008, the year I won the LADIES CLASSIC.
In 2008, it was the first year they made The Breeders’ Cup a 2 day event. I ran on Friday afternoon in the LADIES CLASSIC. Then TIAGO ran in the CLASSIC the next afternoon. He truly ran a terrific race! TIAGO finished a very, very competitive 3rd…closing tons of ground and flying at the finish. What a great weekend of racing it was for both TIAGO and I….and of course, MY TEAM as well! Such fond memories we have!
Enjoy your day! I hope you had fun over Belmont weekend…and picked LOTS of winners.
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Barbara Wood
Good afternoon, Zenny!
Could you give us a report on how Tiago is and where he is now?
I fell in love with YOU your first year of racing as someone “to REALLY keep an eye on”, but I hopelessly lost my heart in the 2009 Breeder’s Cup when YOU paused to let that last horse go ahead and then stormed to the finish line….first. I could almost see the boys asking themselves, “Where did SHE come from??”
Can’t wait to hear your next obstetric report. Anyone know when that will be? I know the Mosses don’t want to know the foal’s sex until he/she is born.
I think a fitting thing for us to do is donate to a horse rescue/charity in honor of Z and Baby Z when the time comes. Of course, we can keep doing that all along, as I’m doing now. I was keeping up with DynaKing on the Bloodhorse blog, and partially because of the fires in Arizona, Heart of Tucson desperately needs hay. There are SO many who need our help, including Frankie the Foal.
Have a wonderful afternoon, Big Z. Love you always.
Debbie
hi Z! all ran a great race, I’m thankful all are safe and sound! YOU and your team have brought back the interest in horseracing! THANK YOU!!! love you gorgeous mama xoxoxo
Kari Bussell
My Queen you have left me speechless, full of joy and put a huge smile on my face. I will always love you Zenyatta and everyone around you….
Here is a link (if I get it right LOL) to Tiago’s Breeder’s Cup- Note Tiago does beat Curlin for 3rd…Curlin was 2 time HOTY …..Tiago beat him…HUGE- for Tiago fans…Go Tiago…Look for Moss silks and watch him run…It will remind you of someone else we all know and adore…love…pratically worship..Zenyatta was 9-0 that year and lost HOTY to Curlin (who was 4th in BCC)-….Please don’t debate it again…just making sure new fans learn facts…I love you Tiago…always.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn2bnTeeIZk&feature+related
I hope you guys realize that I am in no way putting Culin down…I am singing Tiago’s praises…I loved him then and now…
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, beautiful picture of the sunset, perfect picture to close another chapter, and begin new again. I love you, have a wonderful evening…Lisa g
Cara ezzell
Good afternoo z, stay thirsty ran a great race and i’m so glad he didn’t get hurt on that muddy, sloppy track! Animal kingdom made a valiant come from behind effort after clipping heels w/ mmm and johh lost an iron and almost came off over ak’s neck. I’m worried about nehro b/c i heard later he sustained an injury and has to have surgery. Please keep him in your prayers. Dottie, could please make a post if you hear any updates on his condition? I know you’re a busy lady but i know you would be one of the best sources to find out this type of info. I want to give a major congratulations to sarah’s secret who won the honeymoon handicap @ hollywood park! I heard she is trained by your awesome john!! I know she’s in the best hands!! Also heard animal kingdom is her half brother b/c they have the same sire. I was proud of brilliant speed for showing. Dynaformer is his sire so he is half brother to barbaro! Girl, i can’t help but miss you out there but i’m so you’re living the good life and are safe and sound!! Thanks for all the info dottie! Big hugs and much love to you queen z, cara from texas xxxooo
Kari Bussell
Here is the link again to Mr. John Shirreffs latest trainin video uploaded 12 hours ago….the last 3 minutes feature Eblouissante and Silent Poetry …another Wow…Please remeber to leave him a comment and thank him for taking the time to so these for us….Fisrt three minutes features several including one big naughty stinker..note how patient, tender and kind his he is with him…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjsW0eiTVFk&feature=channel_video_title
Kari Bussell
Oops pleas forgive typos too focused on link..
Kari Bussell
*please…my e is acting up..
Stella Bagwell
Dearest Queen,
I hope your week is starting out on a lovely note!
The Belmont was very exciting, but I’m still waiting for a special horse like you to come along and grab my heart—but I’m afraid that isn’t going to happen. You’ve already taken it! :)
Happy grazing with all your paddock pals, dear Z.
Much love and many hugs,
Stel
Cynthia H.
Zenyatta, we can never forget that today, June 13th, is the one-year aniversary of your magnficent victory over the valiant St. Trinians in the Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park. Her gruelling effort put the latter on the shelf for many months. For one soul-searing moment, some of us actually thought that you were about to taste defeat for the first time in your spotless career. But, you somehow reached down into that immense heart of yours, and accomplished what had appeared to be certain impossibility. It was truly a spectacular moment, “one whch we’ll NEVER forget!” Missing you and those incomparable moments so much today, and full of gratitude for the gift of your greatness.
Barbara Wood
The link to the interview with Frankie the Foal’s vet (for those who have followed the story) is http://www.carolinaregion.com/2011/06/12/frankie_interview/. If that doesn’t work, just try the first part, and it will lead you to it. There are also many pictures.
Kari Bussell
Last link I promise….This is the only video Mr. Shirreffs ever put to music…It is Dylan’s Forever Young – a video slideshow of the great Tiago featuring Dottie and Ann Moss….It is insight into their soul IMO…A must for anyone who is really a fan….enjoy..be sure to note the end…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T9QpXX1w&feature=channel_video_title
Deborah Biediger
Watching the Triple Crown series, watching Turbulent Descent lose, it just makes me appreciate you all the more. As Penny Chenery said in an interview this weekend (and I am paraphrasing) we want a hero, someone that will not break our hearts….well that was YOU. There are so few of You out there. You won all your races, never broke our hearts…even your last race only made me love and appreciate you more. My only heartbreak is that I don’t get to cheer you on any longer. I may as well stop looking for any horse hero that will ever come close to your racing record and, of course, your unique and wonderful personality. I REALLY miss you! THE LEGEND LIVES!
Kari Bussell
So sorry try again-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T9QpXX1-1w&feature=channel_video_title
Cheryl Smith
I LOVE STAY THIRSTY, was so happy in the trip that he had.
Mary Jane
The Zenyatta factor is still in effect. You and your team brought so many “newbies” to the sport. Now they wonder if there will ever be another like you. People who never gave a thought to horse racing are curious again. They are tuning in to see if there is another horse who can capture hearts the way you did – do. Will there be another like you in our lifetime? Probably not. But let’s not tell anyone. The sport needs all the viewers it can get!!!
Karen Gogue
What a beautiful, heartfelt post Zenny! You’re sooo special! And we love you too much! Love you more and more – our Zenny of Zennyland of our dreams!!
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
@ Cara e. – Nehro will undergo surgery @ Rood & Riddle for a bone chip in his ankle. Trainer said not career ending but a major setback. Zenny, The example Your Team started for involving fan enthusiasm with their favorite horse will be on display at this year’s Vanity when the owner’s of your former adversary, Switch, are going to pass out purple tee shirts that will read “Go Switch” to her many fans until they run out. The same article also took note of the fact that this will be the first Vanity in four years not one by YOU, OUR QUEEN! TOO CUTE!! Love & Peace
Karen Gogue
BTW – That photo!! Breathtaking!
Pattie in Pickens, SC
I LOVE this website. Everyone is so nice & polite to each other. On some of the other racing websites, the people get so nasty & mean to one another. There is so much LOVE & Respect on Zenny’s website !! I Pray everyone has a Super Monday & High Hoofs to All :)
Kristen
I became interested in racing again thanks to you, Zenyatta. At the beginning of the year I put $25 in an online betting account (drfbets.com) so I could play around with betting. Well, my account was down to 60 cents, but thankfully the last six dollars I bet were on Stay Thirsty, so my account is now over $30!! it’s been really fun and I’ve learned a lot. And it’s all thanks to YOU big girl! Maybe I should give you 10%???
Marilu V
@ Hello Kari! Thank you so much for the link. I am touched by the music and the video. What beautiful memories. How fulfilling. Must be so hard every time they retire and send them away! Marilu
Sarah Powell
Yea for Stay Thirsty – he ran hard! I think there is no doubt that the increased interest in racing is due directly to you and your connections. As I wrote on my postcard during the contest, I had become very disenchanted with racing until you and your connections came along and I’m sure that I’m not alone. You brought many of us “back into the fold!” (thanks Dottie and John for the training videos – love them!)
Kari Bussell
I would regret it forever if I didn’t add that the gentlemen in the Tiago-Slide-show-Forever Young…is Frank Leal (Dream Maker)…thank you Frank Leak- You made my dream come true positioning Zenyatta to where her ear grazed my fingertips the day after the BCC… I touched Greatness and Greatness touched me down to the core of my being…You, the Queen and all of Barn55 & Team-Z are forever in my heart & prayers. I love you.
Susan in TN
Hi, Z Friends! I left a “Lou” update and thank you’s at the end of the last post but had to stop to feed Lou. So let me finish!
@Cara Ezzell: I read you are sponsoring a horse at TROTT-how wonderful! And I love the name “Scrumpy”!
@Terry Crow: Enjoyed your comments about your betting success and donating blood-too funny!
@Kathy P: Remarkable story about the women you met and helped at Belmont. We all influence others, often without realizing it. I think “Zenyattasphere” is the perfect term-she is about being generous, caring and sharing.
@Sharon Call: That video that you referenced-wow-you can see what a near-disaster the start of the Belmont almost was. Those guys and horses are amazing! Thank you about Lou and I will get those pictures of Chester. He is on my mind -last night I called our dog Chance “Chester”-but he responded as well as usual!
@Charlotte Farmer: I admire your efforts for Noor. Keep us posted if there is anything we can do to help-I may have missed something in the last few days.I didn’t know John rode him!
@Trina N:I saw Monty Roberts probably about 15 years ago and it was pretty fascinating. I think I read somewhere that he had worked with horses who had starting gate “issues.”
@Christine in VA: I didn’t think your comments from the last post were stupid at all.
@Vicki B: I look forward to seeing “Buck.”
I knew a woman who saw him several times, years ago, and said he was amazing.
@Linda J: I have thought the same thing myself- that the same horses should compete in the Triple Crown to make it a fair competition but I know there is no realistic way to make that happen. I do wish the field in the Kentucky Derby would be made smaller. 20 horses coming out of the gate-your Triple Crown could be over in a quarter mile. A VERY inexpert opinion!
@Ann from Indiana: I am so glad to hear that your husband is doing better-what a long haul. Prayers go out to you both.
@Nehro:Hope you have a fast recovery!
@Shari V: Going to email you-
@Karen Gogue:I emailed my info :)
@Brenda and Victoria: I think it’s so great that a grandmother and granddaughter can share the same passion together-have a wonderful trip!
@Kari B: Hope you are cooling off over in Knoxville, too!
@Dottie and ALL of Team Z: Thank you for everything!
Warm wishes to all <3
Oh-@Maggie N: I laughed about Toby and your husband-we have a Saint Bernard and he can do no wrong! He is so funny-sometimes it's like having a cartoon dog(hard to explain).
Karen Gogue
Tiago is so special – and to see the pure joy on Ann’s face – priceless! I was there that day on Breeders’ Cup, a day I’ll never forget – the house was rocking!! Hi, Kari, my friend. Again, thank you for the post of video. Missed hearing from you! :)
Karen Gogue
@Kari B. Girl! Why haven’t you E-Mailed me?!! karenlg06@yahoo.com!! I’m ‘teed’ @ you! hahaha, not really! :)
Lisa g
@Joanna, I am and have been for a long time on that same SoapBox. I still want to know where Plum Pretty was, didn’t see her in Maryland or in New York this weekend…Could we have had a Triple Tiara winner, if not a Triple Crown Winner??? Zenyatta will change all of this. Dams will rule.
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
With the triple crown races, I found myself missing seeing you race. As much as I enjoy all the talent and excitement from the horses that are currently running, not a one of them bring the anticipation and excitement that you did when you ran. I guess I still am suffering from Zenyatta withdrawal I guess. Anyway, let’s hope that the sport of thoroughbred racing keeps going on and on for many years to come.
Hope you are enjoying your days during this fine time of the year. Love you lots Zenyatta and you still sparkle and shine brighter than any star up above!
Lisa g
I hope that the ‘foul’ was not on purpose, this is a one change in the horse’s lifetime…these 3 races, and it is a shame if someone were to play unfair. I could not believe what I was seeing, when Johnny V was struggling to keep his seat, glad AK is strong, he survived the domino effect as well.