Good Morning All,
Yesterday, as further details and reports were published in relation to the tornado and Churchill Downs, it continued to amaze ME that there were no injuries of note to human or horse. The photos published during the day showed the level of damage… and it truly was miraculous! Thank goodness for the quick reactions and assistance by so many wonderful people. Also, it was mentioned that the actual construction of the Churchill Barns…with the hay storage areas located above the stalls being so strong and well built…added to the safety of so many horses in this storm.
There is a phrase MY TEAM often reflects upon when hearing certain things like this and it is LUCKY US! This thought certainly applies at this time to this situation.
I must say, I was so touched by your comments yesterday referring to GRATITUDE, CHERISHING THE LITTLE THINGS and BEING THANKFUL! These feelings and emotions are so important to practice in life.
With this thought in mind, I truly want to again express how THANKFUL I am for ALL of the wonderful people I have and have had in my life. On so many levels, it certainly has been a bit of work to get ME to the place where I am today. I do understand that I have talent, but I am also fully aware of the fact that I could not have done it by just having talent or by myself. So much in life depends upon people working together for the best interest of one individual or another or the greater good for many.
Thus, while grazing, the thought occurred to me to THANK my pal at Lane’s End, MATT, for being so terrific to ME. So I did! I walked right over to him and gave him a BIG KISS. I must say, I do think this caught him a bit by surprise. As you can see in this photo, I made him laugh. I think at this moment, Matt truly thought I was TOO CUTE!
This morning, Dottie mentioned that I currently have over 86,000 Face Book Friends! Wow…I am deeply touched by this number!
I’m sending each of you a BIG THANK-YOU KISS too!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(All 86,131 of YOU!)
Z
WILD HORSES
Hey Big Z
WOW would I love to be in Matt’s shoes. He is soooooo lucky to be getting a big kiss from you. Your team should auction them offf for charity for horses after they leave the track. I love ya Big Girl!!!!
Lori
Sharon Passmore
Reminds me of the late ’60s tornado that hit Arlington Park. Glad no one was hurt. Hope fans will take a look at my latest Zenyatta painting in progrress – Zenyatta dancing!!!
Charlotte Farmer
Terry Crow – I was pretty sure when you mentioned a priest that it was the joke I was thinking of. It still makes me laugh. Keep the jokes coming for there are times, as I said in yesterday’s Post, when smiles should be the prescription for the day.
Steve Haskins – Did anyone listen to his live broadcast? I left a question about Woodstock Farms and Kelso. Does anyone remember if he might have answered my question?
Michael Blowen – I spoke with Michael yesterday and he said that I should contact him every Friday and he would give me the current amount regarding monies needed for Noor. As of today, Old Friends has received $720.00.
Zen’s Facebook – I am not surprised at the number, 86,000. Not only have you done more for racing but you have represented those who went before with such grace and style, as does you Team.
In another era, the ‘60’s, Heather Noble headed up the Kelsolanders, honoring the great gelding, Kelso. In 1966, at the age of 15, she organized a club with no rules and no dues. The only criteria for being part of this club, you had to love Kelso.
Now this was in the days of no cells phones or computers. They were from all over the country and eventually the number grew to over 1,100. Both young and old were part of the group. When they would meet at the track they wore his stable colors, yellow and grey. Kelso would receive over 3,000 letters a year from all over the world. The membership eventually went into the thousands. The Kelsolander Newsletter went from one-two pages to eventually 20. Heather would use a mimeograph machine, then fold and mail the latest information on what Kelly was doing.
Dear Zenyatta does this remind you of anyone we know? Yep, your fans, and how lucky they are to be in a world where information can be shared by just a push of a button.
Kathy Kimber – Sgt. Reckless – High hooves to you! Everyone makes a difference and I believe there is no such thing as an accident. You were meant to give them a heads up. Sgt. Reckless would say, “Semper Fi to you!”
Karen Gogue – Need to get the other half to you regarding Dottie’s birthday.
Zenyatta – Your words touched my heart when you said you understood talent, but that you were fully aware that it took a team effort. It helps when others are there for you, working together for the greater good.
Matt – You lucky dog, best kiss by a lady ever.
Susan in T – Thank you. How is Lou doing?
LauraJ – Thank you for explaining the Paypal. I have never used it, but if I ever do I will remember your instructions.
Patricia – California/Tahoe Girl – I notice on today’s post by Jeff Pelline that the Downtown Association is going to acquire the Lola Montez house. Interesting that you mentioned her last night and then Jeff ends up writing an article on her. Please keep posting to Z’s site.
Linda from Vermont
this picture is so cute! Matt is too! Let’s try for over 100,000 fans!
Signofthetimes
Dear Zenny
How sweet of you to kiss cute Matt. You have so
Many very cute men at Lanes End that take such
Good care of you. Hope Bernie is not tooo jealous.
Have a great weekend watching the races.
@Abigail from Montreal.
Have been waiting for part 2 and it was soo well worth
The wait. A superb explanation of the genetic influences
Of the great mares and their mates along with the large
Heart gene carried to modern day TB from the great Eclipse
And of course your Big Red. I really love your blogs.
@Judy B. Thanks for posting all the up to date links.
Paula Higgins
Zenny this is too cute!!! Matt has a big grin on his face and I certainly understand that. Zenny they do not come any sweeter than you. You are horse with a very kind heart. Dottie, you are right about how it takes many people to make something as spectacular as Zenyatta a reality.
Melissa
Oh Matt, you are so lucky. How I would love to get a big kiss from you Zenny. You are so beautiful!!! xoxo
Charlotte Farmer
@Michael Blowen – Forgot to say that Michael is developing an Archive there at Old Friends.
@ Me – I forgot, in my last Post, to put the “@” sign. Dumb and dumb.
@Story – This appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Friday, April 21, 1950, by Pete Pedersen:
“Noor, rolling along in a five-furlong blowout, hurdled a shadow at the quarter pole and almost went down. He rapped his left foreleg slightly, but gathered himself to finish the trial at 1:02-2/5
“He’s just a big, clumsy kid,” explained trainer Burley Parke at the barn while Noor was cooling out. ‘He must’ve thought the shadow was a hole, and took off like a steeplechaser. All four feet were high off the ground, and he seemed to be swimming. Thank goodness he came down straight. He’s so full of the dickens now I get a slight case of heart failure every time he’s out of his stall.’”
Yep, that was my boy . . .
seawave121
That is what Z loves most to do. Put her nose right on yours. I think she loves the human smell :)
Kathy Kimber
@Terry Crow: Oh this is the best one yet I love it. Keep the jokes coming it really brightens the day. Hope your friend Don is better maybe the two of you should get to the track.
@Abigail in Montreal: Going to read the next installment this weekend when I can relax and take my time at it.
@TO ALL: May God Bless each of you have a great weekend. At some point take time to smell the flowers along the way. Say hello to a stranger. Hug a tree. Check in with Zenyatta. Smile. Hugs to each and everyone of you and have a good night.
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta,Dottie. You are definitely so right – we must live each day to the fullest. What a great picture of you kissing Matt. We truly thank you Zenyatta for all that you have given us – you are truly a gift of love. You have given so much to so many – you are an inspiration to young and old alike – you are amazing! Love you, Angel in Disguise. Please stay safe, eat well for two and enjoy your families at Barn 55 and at Lane’s End, and have fun with your BBFs. Love you, Angel in Disguise.
Trina Nagele
@TERRY CROW—Hey, count me in too! I love your jokes!
s (in San Diego)
@Karla…Zenny looks like a kid that just came in from having a blast playing in the yard. I would not worry…she gets her daily beauty treatments and plenty of love. I think she looks perfect!! Happy and Healthy.
judy berube
Dear Signofthetimes:
You’re welcome. Hugs, J.B.
Trina Nagele
@seawave121-—Hi, Seawave121! It sounds like you have a lot of Z stories to share. Please do.
OraJean Stevenson
Dear Queen-Z & Team-Z,
Love the photo…Lucky Matt…you both look HAPPY!! Have a wonderful weekend.
I just got home in time to see the last few races at Churchill Downs, and a great
report from Jill B. on HRTV, about the work going on there in the aftermath of
the tornado. You’re so right about how grateful we need be, for each blessed moment of each good day.
Hugs and kisses to you all. Fondly, OraJean
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear Terry Crow: Count on it that any time you consider sharing a joke, here is a vote in favor . .. to that end, there is the story Art Linkletter told on himself after retiring but not yet aware he could still be a bit ‘full of himself.’ He started by visiting a retirement and care facility to ‘give back’ to the community, and on that visit, strode across the lobby to a sweet-looking lady sort of watching the world go past her. “Do you know who I am?” he said to her, and leaning down with his best ‘on stage’ smile .. . “No,” she said, patting him on the wrist, “but if you ask that girl behind the front desk, she`ll tell you.”
judy berube
To Charlotte Farmer:
What a handful Noor must have been. Sounds like his trainer, Mr. Parke, really loved him. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
To Kathryn Cogswell:
Laughing out loud. Told my husband the joke; he’s still laughing. At this age, it’s almost to close to home. Hugs, J.B.
Sunny Boyd
Haha, Good one Zenyatta,
look at that gorgeous snootie. I still say, had you puckered up at the very end of your last race, you would have one!!! :) :) :)
Have a good night & dreams of carrots&mints
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear judy berube: Me, too, too close .. . Bless his heart & you two, too .. . Mr. L`s best first question to the little ones on ‘Kids Say The Darndest Things’ ?? — “What did your mother tell you not to say before you came on the show?”
Kim S
Ah Zenny, what better thing is there than a Zenyatta kiss? Even if I’ve only had a diary post one.
@Judy Gadwood–I was so very saddened by the news of Frankie. Had to stop reading until the tears cleared up. What a courageous fighter she was and everyone that was helping her fight. Run free baby girl, you have some wonderful company in that heavenly pasture.
@Terry Crow–TOO CUTE with the last 2 jokes. We needed them today.
So excited for those of you going to Kentucky, it’s on my list, too.
Zenny, your timing was perfect today, with that kiss, it was needed today, too. Hugs and kisses to you Zenny girl. And great big hugs to your Teams for their outstanding love for you and your fans.
Got some kisses and nibbles from several of the horses at the rescue today. Had help from a newcomer (who is owned, though, just being boarded) Smarty. I was filling waterbuckets and he came to keep me company, steal water over the wall and stand on the hose. TOO CUTE!!
Well Zen, have to say goodnight. Keep those kisses coming, cause they are always coming your way.
Have a great weekend everyone and enjoy the races, Lotsa love to all.
Stephanie
Dottie & Z one of the things that. I am most grateful for in my life was your kindness to me, it came at a very low time in my life and made all the difference in the world. I came away from Del Mar with a feeling of hope and something to always have to smile back on when things get rough….since then I have become so much stronger by your kindness that weekend and have continued to get stronger. I owe it all to your family for helping me take the first step of a thousand……….xoxoxox from Maine love to Zenny Always xoxoxo
Librarian
Great photo, with Matt’s smile that could melt an iceberg. You both are too cute. Thanks to everyone for the great info about Churchill and all the positive thoughts for the safety of humans and horses.
I always feel so happy after reading this site, from the links to great information, to the human interest stories that everyone shares, it is indeed a blessing.
@Terry Crow, Thanks for the priest joke, I had heard it from my mailman a few years ago, being Catholic and having horses, so I remebered the punchline, and really – laughed out loud !
janet tedford
AWW PUCKER UP NOW HOW CUTE IS THIS PICTURE . ZENYATTA YOU ARE SUCH A WONDERFUL MARE , SO GLAD EVERYONE HUMAN AND HORSE IS OK BUT FOR SOMEREASON I WAS WORRYED FOR YOUR SAFTY ZENYATTA NOT ONLY FOR YOU AND YOUR TEAM BUT FOR YOUR UNBORN BABY OH WELL LOVE YOU ALL GOD BLESS
Jackie
Good Evening Queen “Z” Matt what a lucky guy. Photo is TOO CUTE!
I was reading Bloodhorse earlier and I can’t belive that Blame is consdered a candidates for the “Greatest Upset Victory in 2010” at the ESPY Awards. Now I am not a Blame hater or anything like that, but how is it Zenyatta was not a candidate for the “Greatest Sports Moment of 2009” by the ESPY Awards. I guess I will never watch that show again.
Good Luck to the Mosses. Zazu, Cloud Man and Cozi Rozi are racing this weekend. Looking forward to Sunday at Hollywood Park. It won’t be the same without you Z. Also, Good Luck Mikey on Astrology. He is racing in Iowa.
Hugs and Kisses
Jackie
Jackie
Thought I share this article in The Daily Racing Form. It appears someone is going for another record. Let’s wish this filly Good Luck!
http://www.drf.com/news/thoroughbred-publicist-tries-get-ink-zenyatta-harness-racing
sue and tony
Zenny, a kiss from you is better than gold!
Matt is lucky to get a big old smooch from you…many of us would pay big $ to have that chance. :-) By the way, you look fantastic. Life at the farm agrees with you lovely lady.
Sue M
@Jackie – the only reason Blame is nominated for the greatest upset (and totally unexpected) victory is because it was. He managed to beat THE BEST – our Zenyatta (and really only because she didn’t like the dirt). She very nearly had him at the end. We were there and I can say it was one of the most emotional moments of my life witnessing such a wonderful mare as Zenyatta. And then meeting John and Zennie the next day on the backside at Churchill Downs.
I want to say that I LOVE coming here and reading your posts Zennie. It IS a very wonderful place to visit every day and your messages to us make it that way. I’m so thankful that Dottie takes the time to help you write to us and keep us posted :)
Judy (Maass) Gadwood (CA)
@ ALL ~ Churchill Trainers React to June 22 Tornado:
“Employees of other stables came to the rescue, helping leading horses out of the Margolis barn. Susan Margolis said horses trapped by the roof collapse were so calm that initially she thought they were in a state of shock. She said veterinarians later told her that was not the case, just that the horses maintained their composure at a time of crisis.”
TWO HOOVES UP FOR THE HORSES, ZENNY!! XO