Good Morning,
What a weekend! There was such great racing around the country. My pals all ran wonderful races…and were so competitive. I am very proud of all of them.
On another note, it was a weekend of great PRIDE for ME! Not only did my owners receive the PINCAY AWARD for their contributions to our sport, but there was a fascinating one page article in Sunday’s LA TIMES sports section titled,
THE GREATNESS SOCIETY
Here’s a membership list for one of sports’ most exclusive clubs: The best of all time
By Douglas Farmer and Matt Stevens
In this piece, Farmer and Stevens have named the athletes for several major sports who are ‘the best of all time’ and a comment about each. They have listed them by the date/years each participated in his/her particular sport. Per their article, here are the “MEMBERS OF THIS CLUB”:
Basketball Guards: Bob Cousy, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant
Basketball Centers: George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Shaquille O’Neal
Women’s Tennis: Margaret Court, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, and Serena Williams
Boxing: Jack Johnson, Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Manny Pacquiao
Hockey: Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr, Wayne Gretzky, and Mario Lemieux
Football Quarterbacks: Sammy Baugh, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Brett Favre, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady
Soccer: Pele, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi
Football Running Backs: Jim Brown, Gale Sayers, O.J.Simpson, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith
Golf: Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods
Baseball Sluggers: Babe Ruth, Joe Dimaggio, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Ken Griffey Jr. and Albert Pujols
and
Horse Racing: Man O’ War, Native Dancer, Secretariat, Seattle Slew and ME…ZENYATTA!!!!!
What can I say! I am SO HONORED and SO INCREDIBLY PROUD! (Blush, Blush)
MY TEAM shares these emotions with ME! To have one’s name included on this list, considering the exceptional levels of achievement and prominence by the other MEMBERS OF THIS CLUB, is so incredibly humbling and quite overwhelming!
This is truly an extraordinary feeling for ALL OF US!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
suew
Zenny…was there any doubt you would be mentioned with the GREAT ones? All the doubters are long gone…you proved beyond any doubt that you were a spectacular racehorse…one for the ages.
I am so proud that I got to witness your BC10 race live. You are one special hourse, my Queen. It looks as if others see that, too. Congrats to everyone who helped make her the wonderful mare she is today!
Kathy S.
So proud of you, Queen Z! You are rightly included in that list of GREATS.
We love you!
Cara Ezzell
CONGRATULATIONS QUEEN Z!!! I know & love all the other horses being honored but you are my FAVORITE!! It’s so cool that you & my favorite basketball player are being honored for the same award!! His name would be none other than Michael Jordan!! When Michael played that is the only time I followed the Bulls b/c I’ve been a Laker’s fan since the 80’s!! I know you must be a Laker fan too! I did a book report on Man O’ War in the 1st grade (I may be repeating myself) & got an A b/c I loved the subject; otherwise I probably would have gotten around a C or even D. LOL! You really deserve this award & even though you are retired now, you are doing so much for the racing industry & helping horses!! Z or Dottie, I just want to ask you guys a question. Is your John currently training a horse by the name of Star Billing & is Dynaformer the sire? I asked the other day but I got busy & forgot to look to see if you guys answered. My friend, who lives in CA & goes to Hollywood Park sent me some photos & I believe that’s what she told me the horse’s name is. Anyway, John is in the photo also. Gotta run b/c I live in Texas (about to have a heatstroke – LOL) & I’ve been grooming, messaging & using a led light on my horses right hamstring (it was slightly pulled in a 100 mile endurance race & that was his 1st time to do 100 miles). I wasn’t riding b/c I can’t tolerate the heat & my favorite thing to do is just pleasure ride & I let my horse tear it up @ mach speed (@ least it seems that way to me – LOL) for short distances. CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN TO THE MOST DESERVING HORSE!!! Thank you for the post Dottie!! You are such a wonderful person!! Love you Z & major hugs & kisses to you, Cara :):):)
Judy (Maass) Gadwood aka Judy MG
NJ Stallion Unbridled Jet Dies
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/63966/nj-stallion-unbridled-jet-dies
REST IN PEACE :-(
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Debbie G — Sounds like a great Claiborne visit. While we did not meet Seth Hancock and Blame (he was at Churchill Downs preparing to meet Zenyatta in the BC Classic), the staff provided a great tour of this historic farm during our visit last November. They brought out their stallions including Eddington (now in Secretariat’s stall), Arch (Blame’s sire), Pulpit. They pointed to the stall across from Arch and said, “Blame will be there after the BC Classic, right across from his Daddy.” Another interesting comment from the staff — “If she(Z)doesn’t win, we hope the winner is Blame.” They were Zenyatta fans too.
Judy (Maass) Gadwood aka Judy MG
Catching Up With Some Old Friends
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/archive/2011/07/11/catching-up-with-some-old-friends.aspx
IMO Michael Blowen is a SAINT!! There some TOO CUTE pics included in this article :-D
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Terry Crow — Simply love your sense of humor.
judy berube
Dear Terry Crow:
In addition to those, we keep getting adverts for hearing aids. Ha, ha. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
To the Kennedy’s in San Diego:
Great Story. Even the competition was rooting for her. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Judy M.G.:
Thanks for the link to Old Friends article. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
To Judy M.G.:
Read that Bloodhorse article. So sad. They were about to call him to bring him in. Hugs, J.B.
Nina
U rock’ !!!
The Kennedys in San Diego
When I think of Zenyatta’s 2010 BC Classic, I do not think of it as a loss, but rather as her most courageous run coming from 20 lengths off the lead against the best, almost twice as far behind as in most of her races. I always hoped that Zenyatta saw it as another victory as indeed it was. As I recall, Dottie commented after the race that Zenyatta thought she won. Recently, I asked Mario his impression — his response was there was no doubt in his mind that she saw it as her 20th win. It made me feel better.
judy berube
Dear Abigail in Montreal:
Did you try the link I left yesterday; Arlene left the same link today. But, if you will read my post to Jeanie above, it explains what to do to get the video to resume. Hugs, J.B.
Soc
You are the Queen, no doubt about it, you are one of the greatest. I still rather get to see you over any celebrity, show, vacation, etc. It is heaven while in your presence.
judy berube
Dear Eveline:
So sorry for your loss. Hugs, hugs, J.B.
Judy (Maass) Gadwood aka Judy MG
@ Nancy you posted on Diary #292: “How can I join Z’s dumplngs? I met Mary and Pam at Hollywood Park and had such a nice time talking to them about all kinds of things.” FYI – anyone can be a “Z Dumpling”! We want to have a Chapter of the East Coast Dumplings to go with the West Coast Dumplings! :-)to keeps things fun on both coasts!!
Paul
Zenyatta, I watched TVG all weekend except for between 7 and 8 PM EST on Saturday when I watched the Gold Cup show on ESPN. I really enjoyed it. That was a good clip on you, Zenyatta. Congratulations to both of the “Dudes” and Twirling Candy. It’s amazing that you have a connection to Twirling Candy, Zenyatta. If I understand correctly, his sire lives with you at Lane’s End Farm. I know one thing-Bob Baffert was really happy seeing that both of the Dude horses-the first and second place horses in that race-are his horses. And just to think, Zenyatta, the son of one of your stablemates was in third place. Not bad at all. Girl, I know that you will never forget Hollywood Park. The ESPN clip showed your old stall preserved exactly as it was the day you left. It will never be occupied by any other horse if I understand correctly. It still isn’t the same without you racing any more. I think about you constantly and I really miss you terribly. Congratulations for making the Los Angeles Times list as one of the best race horses of all time. This article broke it down by sport and even position within each sport. What an honor, Zenyatta. Keep up the good work. Keep your charity work up as well. It is greatly appreciated by many people and by many horses for that matter.
Sharon Call
@Ensign. So good to have you back. Amazing news about V and Street Cry. Maybe those folks caught on since Z has made such a big splash and stopped the McCoy/Hatfield thing.
@Terry Crow. At least you haven’t gotten mail from crematories, funeral homes and cemetaries,hearing and eye centers for seniors and how to get life insurance that pays in under 2 years. I already belong to AARP.
@DJ. You crack me up. Thanks for the hearty laughs today. I needed them.
Sarah Powell
@Eveline – so sorry for your loss – please know that lots of prayers, hugs and good thoughts are coming your way.
Sharon Call
@Judy MG. Struck by lightening. I just can’t imagine that. How sad.
tony and sue
Suffice to say, you ROCK, Zenny. You surely must be named among the all time greats because you ARE. We are thrilled for you, your team and everyone who recognizes the awesomeness that is Zenyatta!
The Kennedys in San Diego
More well deserved recognition. As I recall, Dottie described John talking to Zenyatta on her last night in Barn 55. He told her she was “exceptional” in every way.
Steve Haskin quoted retired jockey, Richard Migliore as saying when you get inside a horse’s space you can feel their energy. While he had been around many very good horses, Migliore said he had never felt anything like the energy he experienced with Zenyatta except Seattle Slew.
We feel so very fortunate to have lived through and experienced the era of Zenyatta on the track and up close and personal at Barn 55. She is otherworldly.
Elizabeth G.
Tears of joy for you, sweetcakes….
Sue Noel
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Your being honored on the “Greatest” list is SO deserved!!I am so happy for you and all of the team!! You are SO correctly called the Great Zenyatta!! You Are great—people do not call you that lightly—they mean it!!!!
Wonderful that the Mosses won the Pincay Award too!!Isn’t it wonderful that the remarkable achievements of your team are recognized by so many?
Saw the races on TV Saturday–loved seeing the part about you,but wish it had been longer!!We just can’t get enough of you!!
@ Judy MG–What a day you must have had on Saturday!! Wish I could have been one of the “dumplings” who was also there!! Someday!!!
Am still way behind on past postings–hope all is going well with everyone!!
@ Susan in TN-Am anxious to hear more about Rootbeer and all!!
@-Dawn-Been thinking about you and hoping all is well. Please give # 19 a pat for me!!–Zenny-as you settle in this evening ,hope you have had a happy day and that tomorrow will bring the sun on your back and a soft breeze to ruffle your mane. LOVE YOU!!
DJ
To JB and Sharon Call: I’m off for dinner, but thank you for reminding me to check my mail…still waiting for my info on “The Clapper!”
…………………………………..
Terry C: Along the same lines…Three sisters ages 92, 94, and 96 live in a house together. One night, the 96 year old starts a bath. She puts her foot in and pauses. “Was I getting in or out of the bath??” The 94 year old yells back, “I don’t know, but I’ll come up and see!” She starts up the stairs and pauses. “Was I going up the stairs or down??” The 92 year old is sitting at the kitchen table having tea listening to her sisters. She shakes her head and says, “I sure hope I never get that forgetful.” She knocks on wood for good measure. She then yells to her sisters, “I’ll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who’s at the door!”
………………………………….
p.s. My mother in law is a very dear and wise lady who is approaching 90. When she lived with me she always said, “If we’re not laughing we’d be crying!” I always thought that was just TOO CUTE! I like to add, and if I’m not praying, I won’t be laughing! :) hugs DJ
Christine Coleman
Hi Zenyatta Coleman! (Thanks to the Mosses for allowing the rest of us to dream :) ) I’m so proud of you! However not surprised in the least! Those journalists put you in the right mix my beautiful thoroughbred mare! Keep protecting that little one tucked safely inside… I can’t wait to see your little one when he/she is foaled! Love you Zenny!
Judy (Maass) Gadwood aka Judy MG
@ DJ – lmao!!! That was hilarious!!! :-))))
Franci Nelson
I watched the ESPN piece on you. It was great to see you and what a beauty your sister is. Looking forward to seeing her race. Take care and congrats on latest honor
Lil from KY
ZEN,ZEN, ZEN What are we going to do with you , girl—-You just keep coming up with more & more honors! And we love it!We love you, not only for your great racing ability, but for your wonderful heart & the inspiration you have given to all.I know Lane’s End is taking the best of care with you & I am getting so anxious to see little Zen, who I know will be adorable just like her mama.Love always, sweet girl xoxoxo