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
Judy (Maass) Gadwood ~ CA
@ ALL
Churchill Downs: Clean-up underway following tornado hit; racing to resume Friday
http://www.drf.com/news/churchill-downs-clean-underway-following-tornado-hit-racing-resume-friday
sue
Yes, Zenyatta, well said–about enjoying and appreciating every moment of life as we really don’t know what will happen next.
Love ya, Sue
Signofthetimes
Dear Zenny and Dottie
Thanks so much for update on KY storms.
So glad no horse or human was hurt. Being from
Ohio those tornados can be quite a problem.
Love the link to all of your “spring” photo’s Z.
Lanes End does such a beautiful job with your
Grooming. Your mane is beautifully coffured. And your
Coat is sooo shiny and dappled.
tony
Zenny, you are a wise gal. I am thankful for YOU (and Dottie).
Jane Wade
So glad that no one was hurt and the horses are ok!
Debbie G
Hello sweet Zenny. You are so right about never knowing what each day will bring and appreciating each moment. Life can be so unpredictable. I just saw on the news that is was an EF-1 tornado that hit Churchill and that 200 horses were misplaced, but they are all being placed at the KY Fairgrounds and local farms, as well as Keeneland. I’m just so grateful that no one (horses or humans) was hurt. From the looks of the damage, I’d say it was a miracle. Loving you in Lexington :-)
Sharon Call
@Judy (Maass) Gadwood. Versailles is where Z is. Have you heard anything else about the tornado there?
Linda
Dear Zenny and Dottie – I instinctively came to this website last night after hearing of the storms, knowing that local (KY) folks would tell us more about what was happening.Like everyone else, I was also concerned about conditions around LE and whether YOU were safe and sound, Zenny. Thank you for your update and perspective on the backside area of the Downs. Thank goodness there was no loss of life or serious injuries. Love you, Z!!
Ellen Zachary
Thank heavens all horses and humans were unharmed…we are truly lucky, and you are so right…we must enjoy every moment…
Victoria
It’s funny how Steve had to bend down to get out of the building because you’re so tall, Zenny!
And thank goodness no one was hurt!
Alene
Zenny, Thank the Lord no one was hurt!! We can only take the moment we are in for granted. Nothing else.. Again,thank God for sparing everyone. Thank Keeneland for they`re support and quick response. Thank you Dottie for the update… Love you Zenny…Take care of yourself and all of your friends..Lots of Hugs and Big Kisses, Alene
OraJean Stevenson
Dear Zenny & Team-Z,
Thanks for your up-date on the tonado damage at Churchill Downs. God was looking out for the people and horses there, last night, knowing now that no one was injured, in all that damage!?!
Glad you’re safe and sound, today, in the Lexington area. Be good.
Hugs to all. Fondly, OraJean
Fran
Hi Z! Yes, I heard it was an awful night for some people and horses. Just so very glad, too, that no one was injured. Everyone had to be frightened. Z, tell me, when there is a tornado warning, do you stay out in your paddock or do you go into your stall? Either way, it has to be a frightening experience. We should never let a day go by that we don’t tell those that we care about that we love them; people and our horses and other pets because one never knows.
relientkislove
Ah thank God no one was hurt. Man I didn’t even know there was a storm going there! I wish I would’ve known so I could pray before it happened, but looks like God protected all of them (: I’ll still be praying though
judy berube
Dear Karen Gogue:
You’re welcome. Hugs, J.B.
Pam
I had to get on line to see where Lanes End was located in relationship to Churchill Downs as soon as I heard the news this morning. I’m so glad to hear that no people or horses were injured, only buildings which can be rebuilt. It’s wonderful to hear that Keeneland is being so generous to help with the displaced people and horses.
I’m so grateful for your diary entry today. I was a little worried when I saw the proximity of Lanes End to Churchill Downs.
Hope the sun is out tomorrow and you can graze with your friends!
Love to you, Zenyatta, and everyone on your team.
Dawn Conrad
Dearest Zenyatta. Thank you so much for the information on Churchill Downs. It is so sad to see the damage, but like you I am very grateful that no one human or equine was hurt, thank God. It was so uplifting to see how everyone was reaching out to help at the track and in the surrounding area. The story by the Bloodhorse about the two horses that remained calm while they were under the collapsed roof of the barn was amazing. You are so right Zenyatta, everything can change in a heartbeat. I am sure all of us have had those moments in life, I know I have. It is is so important to celebrate each day, reach for our dreams and give and receive much love! Sleep safely. Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
@Trina – Thank you so much for the link lesson. I have often found some great items to share, but did not know how.
@Shari – Thinking about you.
@Sarah Powell – So glad the you and your babies are well. I join you in your prayers that this violent weather end.
@Judy Berube – Congrats on the post. I will look forward to testing the waters soom myself.
@Gloria Jeanne – Enjoyed the post about our Mike and beautiful E. She is so special. John’s comment was priceless.
@Brooke – Hello. How fun that you and Mrs. Voltz get to share some time together this summer.
@Charlotte Farmer – Love your posts and you for what you are doing!!
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
So grateful and thankful that no horses or people were hurt by that terrible storm and tornado at Churchill Downs. And yes Zenyatta, life changes that quick from peaceful and happiness to uproar and havoc. So glad that it stayed away from your area. Love you lots Zenyatta!
Lynette Lucas
Zenny- I’m glad that everybody at Churchill is fine and there were no injuries!!! Glad the storm didn’t come your direction either!!! Love you beautiful girl!!! Hugs and Kisses from Roswell,NM!!!
judy berube
To Dawn Conrad:
You’ll do just fine. So much easier than typing the links. Trina Nagele is a Techo Whiz. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Brook (From Mrs. Voltz Class):
Nice to hear from you. Hope you enjoyed your ride on Dusty and time with Mrs. Voltz. Hugs, J.B.
Janet Cutting
BROTHERHOOD IN ACTION!!!!! DIDNT HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IT— REACHED OUT AND GAVE A HELPING HAND. HOORAY!!!!!!!!! BIG HUGS!!!!
Paula Higgins
Very relieved that no humans or horses were hurt. Living in Ga. I know what it means to live in fear of tornadoes. It’s not fun. I think it is wonderful the way everyone is stepping up to help the horses at Churchill. They showed pictures of the damage on the news today and it was extensive. Amazing really that no one was hurt. Thanks for the update Zenny/Dottie.
Kathy Kimber
Prayers for the people and horses involved in the tornado. Devastation from such a storm large or small is just mind boggling it stuns you. They were blessed that none were hurt.
Guido
We were worried about you Z when we heard about the storm earlier today. We’re so glad also that no living creature was hurt. And the helping hands are such a blessing. Glad there are such wonderful people nearby! Thank you for keeping us posted on everyone.
Kim S
Oh Zenny, truer words were never spoken. We have to be prepared every day for almost anything. So glad that you and all of LE was spared. And so relieved that no animal or person was hurt at Churchill. Hopefully these storms and tornadoes will end soon and relief for the terribly dry areas will come soon.
@Charlotte Farmer–Hooray for you!!! What touching tales you have about the willingness of complete strangers to help Noor. Really touched my heart so that I had to stop reading because of the tears.
@Terry Crow–where’s the joke? I don’t have to get up at 3a but 4a is close enough :)
Gonna cut it short tonight Zenny, still haven’t read the story of Sgt Reckless. Everyone have a safe Friday. My prayers are with all those in need. Love you Zenny girl, throw your Zen out there for everyone. Lotsa love to all.
Teresa
Thankfully no human or equine friend was injured. I have been praying that they are all well. And thankfully you and your little foal are safe.
Shari Voltz
Dear Queen Zenyatta(Dottie). Thank you for the update on Louisville. I so agree with your philosophy. We must be thankful for each day and live in the present. I took a class once that taught us about being mindful. Living in the here and now not the past. This was a really great class. I am just thankful that no one was hurt or killed. I pray that you stay safe sweet girl. These storms of late have been really bad. Well sweet Zenyatta I hope you have a pleasant night with sweet dreams. I am sending you many Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
@Dawn I emailed you again :)
@ Deborah thank you for the kind words :)
@ Brooke I will call you and your mom tomorrow. If all goes well I will come up next week. I am so excited to meet Dusty and all the other horses :)
Cynthia H.
It is nothing short of a miracle that all of the horses and backside workers emerged unscathed from last night’s terrible storm. ” Someone” was definitely keeping watch.
@Trina Nagele: Thank you so much for your great COPY AND PASTE 101 crash-course! The most mundane tasks on a computer are are a mystery to me. This will help!
I wish there were a crash course for in-the-moment living, too. Zenyatta can and does teach us all about that. She is always happy to be exactly where she is, and embraces the moment serenely and with the most gentle compsure. As Dottie pointed out in one of her recent posts, she could stand for hours under her favorite tree outside Barn 55, simply savoring the beauty of her environment and the companionship of whomever happened to be with her at the time. For her, there could be no nervous anticipation concerning races to come, or rigorous mental exercises concerning which racing tactics to employ against her opponents. And even if she could, I am sure that she would not languish in emotional agony over the one-inch which separated her from a “perfect” racing record. She could not be more perfect if she tried–which she does not. She is simply content to be Zenyatta, truly alive in the “now.”. We who love and admire her so intensely can only hope to live as well.
AJ from CA
Must have been terrifying for those affected by that tornado. I read that nothing like this has happened at Churchill Downs in the last 137 years! Hope the horses were not too emotionally traumatized. Everyone there please keep safe and an extra big hug to Big Mama!!XOXO
@Daneen – appreciate the link to latest photos of Z taken by Marthea Kelley! Best ones so far.