Hello Everyone,
Del Mar sure got off to a wonderful beginning yesterday! I gather it was quite a party atmosphere with approximately 48,000 happy people in attendance. The racing was fabulous and the crowd had a great time. It was perfect weather…in the low 70’s and really pleasant. Good luck to everyone during this entire meet.
While all of those people were enjoying their ‘DEL MAR FUN’, Tasty Temptation and I were out having a PARTY of our own grazing and enjoying the outdoors. You can see I am getting a bit more of a baby bump and my coat is ‘highlighted by the sun’. I do think it is definitely a great look for ME… if I say so myself.
I’d also like to CONGRATULATE my pal, MR. COMMONS, for winning the Oceanside Stakes on Del Mar’s opening day card. At Barn 55, he was stabled about 3 stalls down from ME. We saw each other all of the time and often grazed together in the afternoons. He is one handsome lad and I am so proud of his effort! What a great victory from off the pace! YEAH, MR. C!
I also noticed that MY JOHN had on his LUCKY Z CAP…..which has MY NAME on the back. It looks terrific on him….if I say so myself. The guys on TVG even commented about it. I know he really thinks about ME often and I will ALWAYS BE A HUGE PART OF HIS LIFE. What a bond we have had…very special and very nurturing. He was always so lovingly supportive of ME and ALL OF MY NEEDS! I, in turn, totally loved every moment of being at Barn 55 with MY JOHN and MY TEAM. I always tried to do my VERY BEST with every task I was ever asked to complete!
It’s starting to get a bit warm out here now. When it is like this, they take us back to the barn and let the fans circulate the cool air around us while we are relaxing in our stalls. I’ve even heard they are going to cancel the Woodbine races today because of this extremely hot weather!
Just as I thought….here come the guys now to take us inside!
Just like we are doing….please take extra care of yourselves in this HEAT!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Don’t forget….Saratoga opens tomorrow! Our sport is SO MUCH FUN! Something is always happening!
Kathy S.
Zenyatta, you and Tasty Temptation look so beautiful. We miss you sooooo much in CA but thanks to Dottie we can stay in close touch with you. Thank you! We need our Zenyatta fixes on a regular basis.
evy
Fabulous photo. Thanks for including it in your post.
Sue B in Indiana
It sure is hot here in the Midwest but you are truly gorgeous Z. Hope your barn is cooler than mine. Really miss seeing you race but thanks Dottie for all the wonderful pictures and posts. Almost makes up for it:(
Love the baby bump.
Abigail from Montreal
Well it’s another scorcher here today in Montreal. By noon it’s going to be 42 degrees F PLUS. Jericho is starting to really dislike his mum because she again stopped him from loping up the street to his favourite park…..Of course, there is a silver lining to all this. As one can barely think of food, I am now wearing slacks that I thought I’d have to give away two months back!!! Makes me think of jockeys in the olden times and their “sweat boxes” as was shown in the Seabiscuit movie. It appears my sweat box includes several rooms these days!!!
@ Kate Wheeler: Thanks so much for your lovely comments about THE VAULT. It’s so special to get feedback, as Dottie & Zenny would agree, I’m sure. My ears “pricked up” when I saw your last name, Kate. My horse-mad grandfather was a Wheeler. They came from Mass. to Quebec when cheap farm land was offered here in the early 1900’s.
@ Judy: Yes, I noticed some Zen bloodlines in All Along’s pedigree too! And she was also a big girl, like our Zenny. True too that there’s a certain physical likeness. She was a sweet, lovely mare who loved to run and was always quite willing to do what she was asked.
STAY COOL EVERYONE!!!!
Abigail from Montreal
P.S. BIG racing weekend in the UK. The famous King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is on Saturday & HRTV is covering it. Workforce, St. Nicholas Abbey, Rewilding (who beat So You Think at Ascot) and a very nice colt, Nathaniel are all entered. And at Saratoga, it’s the Coaching Club American Oaks with Plum Pretty, It’s Tricky, Royal Delta, Buster’s Ready and Joyful Victory. At Delmar, it’s the Eddie Read Handicap. WOW! What a GREAT racing Saturday!!!!!
Cynthia H.
Best of luck to the Moss’ CLOUD MAN today in the 7th race at Del Mar, Joe Talamo aboard! What a pair he and Mr. Commons make!
To me, there is no sight more beautiful in all of racing than a horse with a magnificent, reaching stride on the turf.
Lil from KY
Kari Bussell——No problem, I knew who you meant.I have the mental lapses frequently.
Brenda——-So glad you had a good time in Lexington, & fun going to the farms. Did you have some good food on your trip?
Gotta go, I have a dog show coming up this afternoon and I am the emcee, 16 dogs in the lineup, a variety of breeds, all dressed up & walking down the red carpet. It is for a retirement center, & should be a lot of fun. Will have a musician playing some “doggy tunes” for background music. Aren’t dogs wonderful, I love them.
Zen, What a fabulous photo of you & Tasty & as I’ve said before, I never looked that good when I was pregnant!Keep cool, darling girl,& get lots of rest on these hot days!
Stella Bagwell
Dearest Zenyatta,
You look fabulous and I love your highlights!
The racing at Del Mar has been so exciting and yippee ti yi yay for Mr. Commons! You must be so very proud of your friend. And yes, he’s extremely handsome–one of the best looking colts on the east or west coast.
I do hope you’re being careful in the heat.
Have a great weekend and while you’re cooling in the barn maybe you can watch the opening at Saratoga! :)
Love and lots of hugs,
Stel
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear s in SD: [and Judy Berube for the link] She IS something fetching. Will you please keep us up on what you know for her? Thank you. Khc.
Robyn Mullhausen
Z, you are filling out nicely. Wonderful to see you relaxing with your pals. Your highlights look good. As you know, lots of human ladies like to highlight their hair for summer. :) The heat in Baltimore today is suppose to be 103+ with a heat index of as much as 120!! Glad they take you in during the peak heat of the day.
DJ
Good morning Sweet “Z” and little “z”. For those who would like to start Today with a hymn/prayer:
………………………………….
Lord God, your word abiding,
And our footsteps guiding,
Gives us joy for ever,
Shall desert us never.
Who can tell the pleasure,
Who recount the treasure,
By your word imparted
To the simplehearted?
Word of mercy giving
Succor to the living;
Word of life supplying
Comfort to the dying.
O that we discerning
Its most holy learning,
Lord, may love and hear you,
Evermore be near you.
……………….Henry Williams Baker
Bobbie Graser
I’ve been reading but not commenting lately but had to today. You look FABULOUS! I did see Mr Commons win his race and was very glad for all his connections–what a stride! he appears to float over the ground.
We are finally getting rain in SE Wisconsin today and everyone is singing with joy! What a blessing after many days of extreme heat and humidity. I hope it cools off in Kentucky soon.
Lisa g
Life is Sweet and Bernardini…Too Cute
DJ
To Bobbie G: So happy to hear about the rain in Wisconsin! My mother is from Milwaukee, and I spent many years enjoying the beauty of the City and the people! Thank you for the upday :)
DJ
‘update’
ENSIGN
@ LauraJ,
.
Most stallion’s fees are set after the Breeders Cup. The September sales give them a strong guage of commercial marketability (not an issue with Bernardini) and most of the Championships are cynched up by the BC or shortly after. You probably won’t see any news on his next year’s fee until Oct/Nov : )
.
And yes, LVR was bred back to Dynaformer again… still hoping for that elusive filly …
Mary
Zenyatta, enjoy your lawn party:)
yeah to the Zenyatta cap;
I noticed immediently, watching on TV, John wearing his Zenyatta cap, before TVG commented on it.
A High Hoof to trainer John and Mr Commons for their win.
ps you are carrying your baby bump well
Marilu V
Dear Zeny: This is a beautiful picture. Hope you and all your firends are OK with the record breaking heat wave. Hugs and Paryers going your way! Marilu
Dear Dottie: How is LIFE IS SWEET? Hope she is doing well. Is she in foal again? I read it in one of the posting. Have a wonderful weekend. Best regards, Marilu
judy berube
Dear Abigail in Montreal:
Thanks for the info on the races in the UK this weekend. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear s in San Diego:
The mare is sweet looking and beautiful. Just want to tell you how special I think you and the gentlemen are who saved her and are trying to find her a forever home. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear s in San Diego:
Meant to type gentleman. Not easy typing with a five pound Toy Poodle sprawled across the keyboard. We’re joined at the hip. Hugs, J.B.
Sally (B)
Oh my gosh Z, you are a beautiful mom to be!! Wi. has had a full week of advisories of heat indexes to 115 degrees! I am glad they have special fans to keep you cooler. At least you can get out for a while with your friend and I am glad. Summers last only so long and then back to that pleasant all day outdoor weather, eating that lush grass for hours if you want. Congrats to Mr. Commons!!
If I were John I would be wearing that sentimental hat too!
Love with 2 kisses on your soft nose; one for baby z.
Nancy McNaul Applegate
Like Kathy Caldwell, it’s my dream to see you one day, too, Zenny. Stay cool!
Patricia Emery
Yes, stay cool sweet one! I’ve been enjoying the races at Saratoga since I was a young child…great track & quaint town, nice people, food & shops!
Take care everyone and have a great weekend.
XOXO
MaryAnn Donahue
Hello Z, Lovely photograph of you and Tasty Temptation. It’s always good to see you in a new pix and pose. I’m sure you are the big horse love of John Shirref’s life and for good reasons. You are a wonder. Wondering if his Z cap is his lucky hat? Stay cool dear one and thank you for writing. I cherish you and your words.
carrots, mints & hugs,
Mary Ann
Neva Rae Powers
Miss Z you look great!
notafanofensign
Darley is not confirming any breeding between LIS and Bernardini.
DMCQ
Hello beautiful Zenyatta! I have not commented for awhile, but I check in most days to see the new pictures of YOU, to make sure YOU are are doing well even in this heat,to read Your news and news from the Z Dumplings. I am so grateful to LE folks for caring for YOUR safety, health and happiness and to the Moss’ for sharing You with all of us. Thank you also to the Z Team and Your John for sharing pictures of YOU and to Dottie for sharing information such as how to understand thoroughbred pedigree and graded stakes and continuing to be your voice. YOU inspire us by Your example on the race track and since turning to your new role. We are so proud of your work to help others, horses and people. High Hooves!
I have been helping at our state department of education’s annual conference for educators this week and just came home Friday afternoon. There were lots of people, around 1500 I think, and the days were very busy. Each night I would unwind right here, learning new things, reading all of the positive and encouraging comments. I was too tired to actually comment, and I think that’s why I need to express these thoughts of personal thanks.
@judy berube: Thanks for looking up those fabulous cites for Phar Lap and Citation and all the other links, and notes, and thoughtful comments to everyone.
@Terry Crow: I love your gentle humor and your wonderful jokes. I understand the companionship of finding out that others also remember back to some times gone by.
@Barbara Grimalde: Your love and sincerity is appreciated.
@Charlotte Farmer: Thank you for stepping up and taking Noor to where he can be respected and remembered as he deserves. Do you know how inspiring you are?
@JAG: I have lit candles and prayed for comfort for you and your family. I know that your comments will be so very welcomed when you can participate online again.
@Sharon Call: Thank you for your direct explanations as to why all of us who would love to see Zenyatta cannot do so for her own health and safety. I know that I probably will never see Zenny in person, but I love the pictures and I have a very strong imagination. If I should be blessed to see Zenny, well won’t that be a wonderment!!?
@all of you: I read your comments, follow your links and love this positive force that you have become. Thanks for absorbing me into the Dumpling family. (Sorry to go on and on.)
candi cartier
ohh zenny you so beutiful my queen as well as your friend. candi from florida
Barbara Sanders
I check on the progress of that “BABY BUMP” regularly. Stay healthy girl!