Dear Friends,
In life, one may experience so many emotions for a great number of reasons. Today, I am feeling such a sense of GRATITUDE as I’m hearing all of the reports from Louisville in relation to their very strong storm last evening.
From this morning’s updates, last night they had tornado warnings in Louisville. The National Weather Bureau alerted this area the storm’s path was in line with the University of Louisville and Churchill Downs. As this is the middle of the racing meet at Churchill, the barn area had approximately 1400 horses based there as well as backstretch workers in residence. I’m not sure of the numbers for the University, their grounds and housing etc.
At about 8:10 in the evening the storm hit Louisville. As you can see from this photo MY JOHN took while we were there last Breeders’ Cup, the University is very close to the race track. Per Darren Rogers, the Churchill Downs publicist, “9 barns were damaged to some degree and the Track Chapel. They were barn numbers 5, 21,22,23,24,25,26,28 and 40.” (I know this backside well. I stayed in the barn located somewhat behind these when I was there. I walked around this area and these barns each day while preparing for the Breeders’ Cup.) “NO backstretch workers or horses were hurt,” per his report….”but the strong storm did create significant damage.”
Without a doubt, everyone is extremely GRATEFUL to the Louisville Fire Department, their Metro Police, the local Gas and Electric Company and The Downs personnel for all of their work, help and guidance to these people and horses during this time.
I’m also hearing via additional reports from the DRF and The Bloodhorse that Rogers Beasley from Keeneland is working with Churchill to offer stalls for the horses and housing for the workers at this race course. Keeneland is in Lexington…so that is about an hour or so trip from Louisville. Sallee Van Company is working with Keeneland to coordinate the transport of the horses and workers during this time.
It is amazing to ME the different things that can happen so quickly….in a moment or so…and then suddenly change the path or direction of one’s life. One minute, these horses are quietly in their stalls resting, the workers enjoying their lives…and the next minute things are in such a completely different state.
All of this simply reminds ME for the zillionth time, one must really ENJOY and APPRECIATE each MOMENT! You simply do not know what will happen in the future!
Blessings to ALL at this time who are dealing with the results of this storm. I am so GRATEFUL that we are hearing NO ONE WAS HURT…either human or horse! This is truly something to be THANKFUL for today!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Stella Bagwell
Dearest Zenyatta,
A chill ran through me when I heard about the storm last night. I’m so, so grateful and relieved that no humans or horses were injured or killed. Barns and living areas can be rebuilt. And I’m sure the good folks at Churchill and in the racing industry will come together to help the victims get their lives back together.
My Queen, I hope you and your gal pals will watch the skies and run for cover when need be. I’ll be praying the storms move on out of Kentucky.
Much love,
Stel
Gloria Jeanne
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eblouissante/143117319085172?sk=wall&filter=2
Barbara C
I thank God all are safe – a little shook up – but safe. I also thank God for the close knit community that is there and that Keenland is helping with the housing till all can settle down. Thank you Dottie and Lady Z for all the updates we receive. We will continue to pray for everyone there and other areas that have been hit by these devastating storms. Be safe and healthy.
Trina Nagele
@Judy Berube–HURRAY and a HIGH HOOF!
@Charlotte—Congratulations on this heart-warming outcome to all your hard work on behalf of Noor.
@Terry Crow, Diana S and other Dumplings—I am looking forward to meeting up with you on July 9 at HP.
@Diana S again—Great ideas for publicity for Noor!
@Susan in TN—I am delighted to hear that I was helpful to you! Thanks so much for letting me know!
Megan
Great news Z that everyone & the horses are uninjured.You are right we never know what can happen in life,thus we must cherish every single moment.xoxox
Kimberly Potter
My Beautiful Zenyatta~ Thank you for the update and I am so thankful that horses and humans were not injured at CD.
I have had a really bad week. One of the attorneys I work for lost his wife to Ovarian cancer last Saturday after a courageous 3 1/2 year battle. She was 44 years old. She left behind an extroidinary 10 year old son who is devasted, and my heart just breaks for him. The Memorial Service was yesterday…It was a very emotional day.
You couldn’t be more right in that we never know what might happen next and we need to give thanks for all that we do have. The ones we love or the things we have can be taken from us in an instant…I vow to appreciate all that I have and never take it for granted. Tell my family and friends that I love them…every day, no matter what. Just when I think that I have it bad, all I have to do is look around, and there is someone going through much more pain or has much less than I do.
I thank the Lord every single day for my family, my job and YOU!
Love Always and Forever~ Your #1 fan in Montana!
Judy (Maass) Gadwood ~ CA
Today is a good day to lite a Zenny gratefulness candle:
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=ZENNY
Diana S
Zenny: Just popped in while at work – uh oh – and truely appreciate your and Dottie’s update on the storm damage and that no souls were lost or injured. We had a crazy bad hail storm in Phoenix (!) last October with golf-ball sized hail that cut a damaging swath a mile wide from south to north that people are still recovering from. My old truck has dimples all over it. I worried so for any animals caught out in that with no place to hide, like livestock and such.
@charlotte farmer: I’ll digest your travel list once home and get crackin’ on a possible media entourage from state to state. It would be so cool if some of the Z family is near enough to the route to caravan along like an escort.
More late when I am safe at home to play.
diastu in tempe
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, ur safe from all bad weather.
dunie
Thankful no one was hurt and thankful fo you, Zenny!
The Kennedys in San Diego
Steve Haskin on Bloodhorse.com’s “And They’re Off” gives the 2011 filly/mare division kudos with the greatest praise going to Blind Luck, 2010 Three Year Old Champion Filly. He recounts her accomplishments and concludes, like us, that he “just loves her.” We are so happy we finally got to meet her in her barn last Sunday. Pretty chestnut and very sweet. Well worth watching pn Bloodhorse.com.
Kim
Zenny-you are such a wonderful girl, always concerned for others. You momma raised you right, that’s for sure. We take care of eah other in Kentucky. Everyone bands together to help those in need. I’m glad the storms missed our area; I do think of you when severe storms are in your neck of the woods. Hope the early afternoon storm here today missed you. Love you , Big Mare
Diana.A
you are such a sweet girl! glad everyone is safe!….love you girl!
Mary
Yes Z….. things in life can change in a moment. It is wonderful to hear no one was hurt…I am sure the horses were scared. You and Dottie do such a great job with your daily post…I look forward to it every day….have not missed one. Again..Happy Summer Z…and hugs to you!!!
Marilu V
Dear Zeny and Dottie: Thank you so much for the information. Comforting to hear everyone is safe (human and horses).GOD bless all who are helping them. We can all agree weather conditions have really changed and we never know what’s ahead these days. Like you say count our blessings and be grateful for each beautiful day! Be safe! Hugs, Marilu
Jan
Zenyatta,
Glad to hear all the people and horses were not hurt. Keeping everyone in my prayers, and hoping the weather calms down there. Stay safe and healthy big Mama.. Sure love the pics of Ebby.
Gloria
Thank you for this thorough update. One thing about Facebook, it’s like a personalized newspaper for me. I’m in California, I have a lot of horse racing related “likes” and some friends in the area and everyone was posting comments or videos of the tornado last night soon after it happened. Very scary, but glad to know horses and humans weren’t hurt. I’m watching HRTV and they’re interviewing some of people involved with this disaster. They are true pros. They’re taking care of business and ready to run tomorrow night at Churchill. Wishing the best to all involved. And to you, too Zenyatta and Team Z. Love you guys!
Susie Cartwright
I was glad you weren’t here last night Z. No 4 legged or 2 legged people were hurt!!
Deborah Richman
Thank you so much for the update on the tornado at Churchill Downs. What a relief to hear that no humans or horses were hurt! I’m praying that you and your friends stay safe at Lanes End. How true it is that life can change in an instant!
Shari Voltz: so glad to hear good news :)
Re: Sgt. Reckless… I am so happy that so many of you have commented on this heroic little mare. Getting the word out about worthy causes and amazing horses is part of what makes this such a wonderful community. We hear something good and run with it! Thanks Debbie G, Trina Nagele, Judy Berube, Charlotte Farmer, Dawn Conrad (so glad to hear she was in Cowboys and Indians!), Kathy Kimber for your comments.
Trina Nagele: thanks for posting Reckless’ facebook page.
Charlene Crumpton: thanks for the link to her web page with info on donations
I just read that Fox Hill Farms has named its newest named two year old filly “Sgt. Reckless” in her honor :) http://rockportharbor.com/2011/06/03/our-newest-named-sgt-reckless/
Charlotte Farmer: wonderful how everything is falling into place for Noor, thanks to you. Wish he was passing through my area so I could pay my respects.
Diane S.: how great that you are letting the media know about Noor’s journey.
All Z friends…thank you for all your comments and links. They never cease to inspire me, inform me, make me laugh, or at times, make me cry.
Katie Clawson
Z, I am so grateful that no horses or workers were hurt! By the grace of God only some barns were damaged. Hopefully Churchill will rebuild soon and be able to get back to racing quickly.
Love, Katie(future jockey)
Marty
Yes. Thank goodness no person or horse was hurt. Must have been a scary situation.
Glad your doing ok Zenny…
Karen Gogue
Does anyone know if ZAZU has been sold? According to Cal Racing – new owners listed on their entries. Thank you.
Joan Walls
Days can be so fragile. Thank goodness no person or horse was injured last night. Blessings to everyone involved. Love and hugs to you, Zenny. Hooves crossed. Joan
Sheri
Im am so relieved that no one or horse was hurt. I hear this was a pretty bad storm. But at least its over! I’m glad you are ok to and the storm didnt hit or affect you. Love you Zenny!! :D
Sue Ann Wilson
I am so thankful, too. It seems no one is immune to these sort of events.
Deborah Richman
Judy(Maass)Gadwood: love the story about Mike riding Ebby and his comments about her. Too cute!
I also wanted to tell you how much I like the gratefullness candle site :)
Sue Fredrick: Liked your comments above on the fan page for Sgt. Reckless. A movie about her would be great, wouldn’t it?:)
Hernan Tovar
My dear Zenyatta, we have to be very thankful nobody was hurt! I want you to know every night I prey for you and for the others horses. Last night I received an E-mail from Blood Horse telling us about the tornado, when I realize was so close to you my tears start running, I am so glad you are ok. Love you Ingrid.
tony and sue
Hi Zenny, yes we are so thankful you and others are safe after a terrible day of storms. Stay happy and healthy, sweet girl.
Christine in VA
God protected his creation Horse & man at the Downs.Thank You Lord.
I read a book the other day about a child who went to haven for a short time during surgery. He said “God has a horse and it is the color of a rainbow” I guess before you came to us dear Zen you were the color of a Rainbow. You still shine beloved creation.
Maria K.
Thanks for the update. Thank God that no human or horse was hurt. I love you Queen Z.