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
Brenda
As I type this here in Fort Erie it’s raining and thundering but I think it will pass which is good because Victoria is riding in 2 hours. My thoughts today have all been about Kentucky so I thank you and Dottie for the very detailed report that everyone is safe and sound, thank heaven. I had to see a Dr. this afternoon for an insurance physical and to my delight he showed me a photo of his wife visiting Giacomo last year so we were able to have a nice little chat about horses and Kentucky, very timely since in four weeks Vic and I will be there. Hope Charles had treats for you today Zenny, HUGS and KISSES to YOU and the bump.
Susan A.
Hello Zenyatta,
How can we be of help to the horses and humans of Churchill Downs?
Susan, M.A.
Judy (Maass) Gadwood ~ CA
@ Deborah Richman: You’re welcome! I love to share anything and everything about our Big Mamma Z (and HER Bernie, and her Sis “Big E”)! :-D The pictures of E that I’m seeing are just incredible… can you tell she’s Zenny’s Sis? Oh, yes!!! :-)
judy berube
The Kennedy’s in San Diego:
Thank you, thank you; but I owe it all to Trina Nagele. Hugs,J.B.
Gloria Jean and Judy M. G.: Thank you for that link about Mikey and Eblouisante. I think that little work made his day; maybe his week. Judy, I’ll light another candle. Hugs, J.B.
Judy (Maass) Gadwood ~ CA
I have a connection at the Kentucky Horse Park. I emailed her about the park’s web came facing CIGAR not functioning. In her email she wrote:
“Yes, we have had back to back storms, including several today and one nearby tornado in Versailles this afternoon.”
STAY SAFE!! Prayers!!! XO
judy berube
To Trina Nagele:
Thank you and HIGH HOOF to you. Hugs,J.B.
Lisa g
@Judy G-CA: Did my candle as soon as I found out about this. I had no idea till I read Diary Post #279. Thanks for the reminder. Lisa g.
judy berube
Dear Sarah Powell:
Sounds like you had some scary moments. I’ll bet you were a huge comfort to your “babies”. Hope these storms move out of the area. Hugs, J.B.
Linda
What GREAT news that no horses…people hurt….Wonderful to see how many people step up to help in these times…
Zenyatta you look Fantastic…..very excited for you and your team…..
Linda
What GREAT news that no horses…people hurt….Wonderful to see how many people step up to help in these times…
Zenyatta you look Fantastic…..very excited for you and your team…..
Celeste
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the storms and the photos also. I’m also very grateful that no horses or humans were hurt in the tornado and I believe it is beautiful the way so many are pulling together to help one another. Thank you, Zenyatta, and Dottie, for always being so kind and caring.
judy berube
To Z Fans:
Hope these WATCHES in the Lexington area are just that and nothing more. Hugs, J.B.
Deneen
Z and Dottie — thank you very much for the update. I am glad that everyone is okay (human and equine). So grateful to hear the good news!! On another note, here’s the latest article on Zenyatta via Bloodhorse.com: http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/throughthelens/archive/2011/06/23/spring-at-lanes-end-farm.aspx
Terry Crow
@Charlotte Farmer-Thanks for the post on Noor along with the address for donations. I will add my voice to those who have already contacted Mr. Dwyre. I hope he writes a follow-up as he indicated he would do. Anyone who doubts the enormous impact that this story has had need only to click on the link that Ms. Farmer supplied in her last post. It is a real eye opener.@Kimberly Potter-You appear to be a real compassionate soul. You are right, one never knows what awaits us.@Diane S–Your ideas dwarf anything I would have thought of. Good luck with your project. The Noor story is a natural.@Trina Nagele-Looking forward to meeting the dumplings.@Brooke-Good to hear from a member of Mrs. Voltz’s class. Keep posting.@all who have enjoyed, or should I say tolerated, my jokes-I have one about a priest at the races that is really old, so old that some of you may not have heard it. I am giving advance warning because I do not want to post anything that might offend somebody.
Judy (Maass) Gadwood ~ CA
This link may have been posted by someone else earlier. If so, I apologize for the repeat! GO GIRL POWER!! WOO HOO
Eclipse Watch: Six Fillies to Watch During the Second Half of the Season
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/741682-eclipse-watch-six-fillies-to-watch-during-the-second-half-of-the-season#/articles/741682-eclipse-watch-six-fillies-to-watch-during-the-second-half-of-the-season/page/7
Diana Harris
Amen I couldnt agree more. Life has its surprises good and bad and so we all need to learn to live each day as if it where are last and love those close to us and let them know it. Be thankful for what you have and always wish others the best. so with that said, Zenyatta,Dottie, John, the Moss’s and all who are involved with Team Z thank you for making this world a better place, for allowing us to be part of your lives and share our lives with you. you all are truely a gift from God and I am so thankful that you are in my world. may you be safe up there and thank you again for all you do and have already done for us. Much love for you Zenyatta and team Z.
judy berube
Dear Karen Gogue:
These are the 8th race entries for the 8th race at Hollywood 6/25/11. Zazu’s owners listed as Mr. & Mrs. J. S. Moss http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/HOL062511USA-EQB.html#RACE8 Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
To Terry Crow:
Left you a post on Diary #279. Hugs, J.B.
Deborah Richman
Terry Crow…waiting for the joke…:)
Maggie
Very Very glad to hear that no horses or folks were hurt. The barns will rebuild, and be new again. We have to count the moments in our lives. Love you Z.
ZENYATTALOVERAMY!!
yes! what dreadfull! news! i just thank the lord no horse or human whas hurt! but its still a tough time! with horses being moved out and long hours of repairing.i hope they get it done fast and things can go on the way they were.and dear,dear ZENYATTA hope you and your little one are safe and happy i love you both dearly oxoxoxoxo FROM YOUR BIGGEST FAN AMY.
Barbara Grimaldi
I had heard that some of the horses escaped the barns and were running loose and scared. I am so glad you devoted your message to us to that event, dear Zenyatta. When I heard the news, I thought of all the horses in KY and of course worried about you and all your friends. Thank heaven they are safe. You are so right–life can change within an instant, so take each day as a gift and make the most of it. Not easy to do when you’re feeling down, but this world is spinning a bit faster these days, and the best attitude to have is yours–make each day count, spread joy, be thankful for the gifts we all have.
I love you, Zenny.
Ida Lee
I’m so grateful no one got hurt..I sure do miss seeing you burning up the tracks little girl…
Shannon J.
Zen,
I know you are worried about your equine friends and their human families at Churchill Downs….we all are…they are in our prayers indeed.
On a lighter note…read this morning that YOUR Mike rode Eblouissante (your “dazzling” little sister) for the first time and the workout went well. This is E’s second workout and John said Mike came back sounding like a kid who got a new car!! LOL! I hope E has the same sharp wheels that you did and takes Mike on another snin of a lifetime! John and his crew and Mike deserve no less!
Gooooooooooooo E!!!!!!!
Karen Gogue
@Judy B.
Thank you! Must have been a glitch in Cal Racing this morning. Looked again just now, and it is listed as Moss. Didn’t believe they’d sell Zazu! Thank you for the answer! :)
Sharon Call
@Deneen. thanks so much for the link. Beautiful shots of Z. She looks fabulous and so calm peaceful and content. Just think this time next year, if all goes well, she will be the Queen Mother.
@Barbara Grimaldo. Where did you hear/see about the horses running loose? I’ve combed Bloodhorse, DRF and the Louisville newspaper and didn’t read a thing about that. Something they’re not telling anyone about?
Sharon Call
@Barbara Grimaldi. Sorry, mispelled your last name.
Sharon Call
Geez! Now I’ve misspelled misspelled. Not much hope for me today!
Sharon Call
@Barbara Grimaldi. I just went back to 279 and read Lil from Ky’s post about the horses running loose. This was never mentioned in all of the press conferences or articles I read today. I guess they didn’t want to scare anyone.
@Terry Crow. I just read your last joke on 279 about the race horse and the milk wagon. LOL – I loved it! Keep the jokes coming.
Martha Kinkead
I too am so glad that no one was hurt at Churchill Downs yesterday. It truly was a miracle judging from the pictures that I have seen. And, yes, I do agree that we need to remember to Live The Moment as Mrs. Jackson said. Life time changes can happen in a “blink of an eye”. Love to you and your team, Beautiful Lady Z.