Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #303

Here I am...enjoying my summer training days at Del Mar last year! Photo by John Shirreffs

Hello Everyone,

From Del Mar to Saratoga…which opens today….HAPPY RACING!

This is truly the DAILY DOUBLE of summer racing in our sport. It kicks into full swing today! You have Saratoga which starts the day on the East Coast…and then Del Mar on the West Coast to round out your day of thoroughbred enjoyment! During the next several weeks, there are so many options, so many great horses, an abundance of stakes races and LOTS OF FUN!

Even though it is exceptionally warm on the East Coast today, in the mid-90’s and a heat index of 100, the NYRA stated that the race meet will open on schedule. There are 2 stakes races on their program, the Sanford for 2 year olds and the James Marvin Stakes for older horses. The latter drew a field of very accomplished stakes winners going 7 furlongs. Both races will be very competitive and fun races to watch.

Each coast offers deep racing fields over the entire weekend. Have a great time handicapping, watching the races, and analyzing all of your selections! Additionally, HOOVES CROSSED for great racing luck for all of YOU!

Again, please take special care of yourself in this heat. It is really important for you to monitor your physical activities and stay properly hydrated! I know something about this. MY JOHN always monitored my hydration levels when I was at Barn 55. Due to my size and weight…and then in consideration of my physical activities as an athlete, this was a very, very important part of my overall well-being. That is why I know the great importance of monitoring one’s HYDRATION LEVELS!

Happy Weekend to all of my dear, dear FRIENDS!

With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z

Reader Interactions

558 Comments

  3. / Reply

    Happy Sunday, Zenny. Hope you and everyone have been maintaining appropriate hydration levels, especially for you and Baby Z during these steamy days. We are all so proud of Cloud Man and Team Z. He seems to really be coming into his own.
    @Diana S: Your memories of your dad are wonderful to hear. His gifts to you were and are priceless. You are blessed.
    @All: Are any Dumplings going to the Breeders Cup races at Churchill Downs this year? I know it won’t be the same without Queen Z, but can we all figure out a way to meet up in her honor, with Dumpling tags, hats and colors?

  4. / Reply

    Kc: Thank you for the ‘Reading Dad!’ I was a reading ‘Mom.’ Thank His Goodness; for without the internet distractions (over 15 yrs ago), and video games, my Son’s “treats’ when we were out together were lunch and a book at the bookstore. Library Cards, the order of the day. Closeness, the reward for both he and I. Now, as he moves on with his Degree in International Relations, I am grateful for the long, quiet, moments; moments of communication with and without words. Bless you for sharing this story!

  7. / Reply

    Dear DJ:
    It’s so true. Technology may be good in some ways, but it took away that one on one communication and peaceful intimacy of earlier days. Hugs, J.B.

  8. / Reply

    @judy Berube-Jack Benny is one of the best ever. He carefully cultivated a cheap image which was apparently exactly opposite of his real personality. From his TV Show-They were in Rome–Mary Livingstone, really his wife, picks him up in a cab at the Trevi Fountain. “Jack, do you have some coins for the driver’s tip?” Benny fumbles in his pocket and hands her some coins. “Jack, these coins are wet.” A joke from George Burns made during his stand up routine in Vegas-I was there Warning-some might find it offensive-“I had a dream last night that I was all alone on a desert island with 20 beautiful women but it didn’t do me any good. In my dream I was Liberace.”

  9. / Reply

    Dear Terry Crow:
    They both were so dry, subtle and very, very funny. I also loved Gracie Allen very much. She too was the opposite of the character she portrayed. She had to be very clever to come across so dense. Hugs, J.B.

  10. / Reply

    @Brenda——-Maybe you confused me with someone else—I was at the Horse Park for a dog show & was talking about seeing Zsa Zsa Gabor there. But the book about Funny Cide sounds good, I will have to read it.

    @judy berube——This was just a fun show, we didn’t have judging or anything.
    The dogs just strolled down the red carpet in their cute outfits. I used to show Old English Sheepdogs in conformation and really loved it. I lost my last OES to leukemia, so I gave it up, after the loss of my sweet Harry. Its been a while, but I still cry over him.

  11. / Reply

    @Terry Crow – I’ve got another cowboy title for you – “I can’t get over you till you get out from under him”.

  14. / Reply

    Hi Zenny: I hope you are enjoying your weekend. Great picture of you at the Del Mar. I was there last summer when you were there. I have great pictures of you, too. In fact two of the pictures I had framed and are in my computer room. What wonderful memories I have of you and the Del Mar! I was hoping to return this summer, but decided to go to Hollywood Park instead to see your family and your Barn 55 friends. I saw your sister Ebby, too. I can’t wait for her to take her maiden run. Love you Zenny. Take Care.

  18. / Reply

    Dear Lil from KY:
    Know what you mean. Still miss the little girl Poodle we used to show, and she passed in 2000 at 17 years old. As I type this, my 3 year old Toy Poodle girl is sprawled across the keyboard and resting her head on my wrist. Her head is bopping up and down as I type. She’s a riot. Hugs, J.B.

  20. / Reply

    @Debbie G-Good one. Worthy of the hall of fame. @Anne from Paramount-I’m not quite sure what to make of Ms. Derek’s responses. I will listen to the archive when I am not so sleepy.

  22. / Reply

    @ J Smith and to @ S in San Diego: Your message to @S in San Diego is so true. I traveled by myself to see Zenny at the Del Mar last summer. I had a wonderful time. Everyone was upbeat and they are there to have fun! So, you will always meet people to chat with. Earlier this month, I traveled to Hollywood Park for the Gold Cup race and met other wonderful Z Dumplings fans. So as they say: Just Do It. You’ll have a great time!

  23. / Reply

    @ Rosemary McCauley: Wasn’t the Clement Hirsch the MOST wonderful race! Zenny, you were awesome. I wish I could have attended more of her races.

  25. / Reply

    Would love to go to SA in Nov. 2012 for the BC. Afraid of the weather in Nov. at Churchill, especially if they run ar night again. (Silly me–this from someone who had 105 today in TX!) But I don’t know anything about where to sit, what to wear, where to stay. If anyone has suggestions, it would be great. The best scenario is if we could all sit together. Don’t know if it’s feasible. I’ve only been to Churchill on days in the middle of the week in summer. And the 2010 Apple Blossom–great fun!

  26. / Reply

    @signofthetimes and judy berube. It’s Tricky might have been giving them a little etiquette lesson. Do not throw ice water at a filly. Ask first.

  27. / Reply

    @Max and Judy B
    Definately; Filly’s ask first and then get permission. She is really going to be fun to watch. 30 minutes to get her halter on before the race. Oh My !!!!

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