Hello Everyone,
It has been a very exciting morning. The final bid on the Breeders’ Cup Experience and a VISIT WITH ME was $11,200. I’d like to THANK and CONGRATULATE J. D. SWEENEY from SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, for this generous bid. These funds will go a long way to support and assist the V FOUNDATION in their efforts on behalf of cancer research.
I can’t wait to meet the Sweeney Party and personally thank them for their wonderful outpouring of support for this worthwhile cause.
It was interesting to listen to all of the updates on “Mike and Mike in the Morning”. Dottie got up quite early CA TIME so she could do so. Then during part of the program…which was hosted by Brian Kenney and Bob Valvano (Jimmy V’s brother)…they replayed a portion of a very famous speech Jimmy gave 7 weeks before his passing. It was March 4, 1993. In this inspirational speech, he introduced his concept to create the V FOUNDATION along with the assistance of ESPN.
Jimmy offered his drive, devotion to this topic, his hope, and his vision. ESPN granted their support to this endeavor via their time, money, and various efforts to enable the V Foundation to get started.
There were several key words and phrases Jimmy used repeatedly in this moving speech which can truly touch so many of us…no matter what is else is going on in our lives:
1) Each day try to LAUGH, THINK, and HAVE SOME EMOTION.
2) Be enthusiastic about things going on in your life…KEEP YOUR DREAMS ALIVE by working hard to try and make your dreams a reality.
3) Don’t give up….DON’T EVER GIVE UP!
These are certainly wonderful thoughts to reflect upon…no matter what you are doing!
I must say, I know one thing for sure. Each of these POINTS holds a very special meaning TO ME…and is also very symbolic to the way I tried to view my life and all aspects of my athletic career.
Point # 1…I really wanted to have FUN each day! I tried to make things unique and entertaining and add my own personality to the tasks at hand. I learned to dance…and did so whenever I could! I enjoyed every moment while at Barn 55 whether I was in my stall, relaxing, training or enjoying some treats while outside grazing and ‘hanging out’ with my pals. Additionally, I truly LOVED EVERY MOMENT I spent visiting with and sharing my daily activities and career with ALL OF YOU!
Point #2…I worked very hard to keep MY DREAMS ALIVE and make them a REALITY. 19 victories in a ROW! I still find this so special and have to literally pinch myself when I think about it. I was the ONE WHO DID THIS! ME, ZENYATTA!
Point # 3…This one is very dear to my heart and it definitely applied to ME during my racing career. No matter what else was going on…I always gave each task MY ALL….and I NEVER, NEVER GAVE UP!
Here’s to wishing each of you a very special day!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
DJ
Phew! Just in the nick of time… Thanks “Z”!!
Lauren
Dear Zenny – Hope I am the first response. It is so true – never give up and your dreams will come true. You are such an inspiration to all of us. God bless beautiful girl – you are loved. Say hi to Dottie for me.
Macy Rowan
We will miss the star of the show this year at the Breeders Cup (hint – that’s you, Zenny!) :-)
Gloria Jeanne
Congrats to the winner – enjoy the visit and Breeders’ Cup – sounds like so much fun!! Thanks Zenyatta for doing this.
Love and Hugs
Alexandra Bowdoin
Never, Ever, Ever, Ever Give Up! As quoted by Winston Churchill….Wonderful
Post!! Thank you Team Z!!
Diana S
@Zenyatta and all of Team Z: You continue to amaze and thrill us. What great things you all do, and just as amazing, what great things you inspire all of us on this blog to do. I can’t get enough and will keep coming back for more for a very long time. (No way that I’m first today – how’d that happen if so?) Too Cute!
diastu in tempe
DJ
To Lauren: You were! I was just finishing my cyber-beer and mumbling to myself :)
Shannon J
Zen,
I happily donate to the V Foundation every year in memory of my grandmother who passed away from Lymphona…cancer research and funding is very close to my heart. Coincidentally, I donated in very early 2010 and because my donation met some sort of requirement they sent me a GORGEOUS framed photo of YOU winning the 2009 Breeder’s Cup Classic!!! What a nice surprise it was and I LOVE the photo as it is VERY well done!! Keep up the good work!! Wish I could come meet you….I’ll be in Kentucky (AND at Lane’s End on BC weekend) and I’ll be SOOOOOOOOOOOO close to you….Do you know if Lane’s End will have some sort of meet and greet that weekend so we die hards can come for a visit and photo op? WE LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCH and it would be a shame to come from across the country and not be able to see your beautiful face!
Rosemary McCauley
Thank you Zenyatta and Dottie and all of Team Z. What an inspiration you all are.
Nancy
The whole Barn 55 Team Zenyatta have inspired the fans. I can only hope they will inspire other trainers and barns to have their horses accessible to the fans so that racing can get more and more fans as time goes on. I miss you Zenyatta.
Dawn Deems
Congrats to the winners!
And THANK YOU Team Zenyatta. You are true pioneers and such an inspiration.
We love Zenyatta, Barn 55, and all of Team Zenyatta!
Pam Zacek,
Good for the winners, hope they enjoy, there special breeders cup, and see all the beautiful horses compete… I think Z, you should tape yourself on the shoulder you did the Holy cow, she won 19 in a row, races, for me it was 20 just to watch you, run that breeders cup race , you won in my eyes, all the way, your did the best you could and thats what counts, have a good day in your field with your buddies, Laugh and love, thats the best.
Ann Ahnemann
you never gave up Zenny! Never ever spit the bit!
Ann Ahnemann
You never gave up Zenny? Never ever spit the bit!
Janie
Congratulations to the lucky winner! The whole thing sounds like heaven to me so I hope whoever J.D. Sweeney is, he/she shares the whole experience with us afterwards. Love you lots Zenyatta!
Sandra Frey
Love your blue socks in the Breeder’s Cup photo! Hope you still have them for when basketball season rolls around…you and your barn buddies will be cheering “Go Big Blue” for our University of Kentucky Wildcats! LOL Seriously, Zenyatta, Dottie, and Z Team…you all are the best…this website rocks my world! Much love always!
LT
Zenny you were the Star at the Breeders Cup and I’m so glad I was fortunate to see you up close and personal. Your presence was awe inspiring and I can’t wait to see that beautiful little foal. Stay healthy gorgeous.
nancy in nj
i don’t know how you (Z/Dottie) do it, but you always seem to say the right thing at the right time. today’s post was exactly what i (and probably some others, as well)needed to hear today! those thoughts of jimmy v are things that we know to do but can’t always see our way clear to remember. thanks for the reminder and for all you do. hugs to you both!
Marilu V
Dear Zeny and Dottie: What a wonderful post. Great way to start the day. I will share Jimmy’s inspiring speech and your thoughts to my children.
It was very hot there yesterday and today too. I hope you and all your friends are fine. Hugs and prayers going your way. Marilu V.
harriett
I thought it was great when Mike & Mike were talking about how much you had already raised for the V Foundation and other charities. They said they thought it was a record for a non-human, and I’ll bet they’re right. TOO CUTE!
Sheri
i love that Z! congrats to the winner! Love you!!! :D
Yvonne
Dear Zenyatta, Congratulations to the top bidders. It will be well worth every penny to see you in person. I only wish it was me as does everyone else I’m sure. What a great donation to the V Foundation. How are you feeling being with baby on board? I miss you so much Hugs and Kisses to You Always Yvonne
Linda Waltman
I’m happy for the person who bid that much and I’m sure the foundation will appreciate it. When will the rest of us on the East Coast who have followed Zenyatta during her career be able to go visit her? I thought she was going to be accessible for people to visit. I have emailed Lane’s End several times but never get an answer.
Thank you.
Kathy Beyers
Enthusiasm can make a big difference. I’m sure the V Foundation will know exactly what to do with the winning bid! You continue to help and inspire all of us Z!
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, This Dairy Post just shows how perfect you really are. You will be so, so, very, very, missed at the Breeders Cup this year, nothing is really the same without you on the track doing your best, and dancing into the winners circle. I am glad you are retired from racing healthy and safe, although you are still a very busy girl, and you are going to be the best Mama Ever..I love you, Lisa g
Lisa g
CONGRATULATIONS JD SWEENY OF SD, CA. You are such a lucky human.
Judy (Maass) Gadwood aka JAG
HI ZENNY, MY QUEEN!!
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Firt of all, I want to share an article in the LA Times about MR. COMMONS
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/07/mr-commons-turf-del-mar.html
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Congrats to Mr. J. D. Sweeney. If this is his FIRST visit with you ~ boy, is he going to enjoy YOU!!! :-D
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I love your words of wisdom! You are too SMART & TOO CUTE, Z!! I espcially like: NEVER, NEVER GAVE UP! ;-) I’m sure I’ve read that somewhere else… or did an ANGEL tell me this!
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HUGS & KISSES TO THE QUEEN OF MY LIFE & BABY Z XOXOXOXOXO
Georgia Harper
Wow Congratulations on the auction. I must say this was such a wonderful posts it brought tears because it is so true.
love to you and the Z team!!!!
Mary
DEAREST DEAREST ZENYATTA
YES IT WAS “YOU ZENYATTA” DOING ALL THAT, I WATCHED YOU “DO IT ALL” I HAVEN’T HAD SUCH JOY SINCE YOU LEFT THE NEIGHBORHOOD BUT WHAT COULD BE WORST IS NEVER TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN SO I WILL JUST SHUT UP ON THAT AND BE GRATEFUL…
I ALSO MUST SAY YOU ARE SUCH AN INSPIRATIONAL BEING…I WISH I JUST KNEW ONE JUST ONE LIVE HUMAN BEING THAT HAS A HEART AND SPIRIT LIKE YOURS…YES I KNOW THEY ARE OUT THERE, I READ THEIR BOOKS…LOL…BUT I DON’T KNOW ONE…SAD BUT TRUE. SO YOU KEEP WRITTING ZENYATTA, YOU REALLY MAKE MY HEART SMILE:)
ZENYATTA I LOVE YOU!!!
Mary
P.S. IF I HAD 12,000 I COULD HAVE OUT BID THEM ON THE VISIT:):):)