Happy Monday Everyone!
Wow, it has been a busy, but OH SO WARM WEEKEND! (At least here and on the East Coast! My Team told ME that it was fabulous weather in Del Mar… the low 70’s!)
The Saratoga Meet got off to a great start. The racing was very competitive and the stakes results were very solid. The horses seemed to handle the heat…as did the fans!
Del Mar weather and racing was terrific from all reports. Shorts, hats, and California Casual dress worked well for everyone. It was crowded over the weekend…but nothing like opening day. The entire environment was perfect for betting, enjoying the horses parading in the paddock, and having a bite to eat.
I’d like to give a special ‘shout out’ to my Barn 55 pal, CLOUD MAN, who won a very nice allowance race at Del Mar on Friday night. During the Del Mar Meet, they have a late first post each Friday, 4 o’clock, run the races, and then have a concert for the fans.
Each week, the group performing is different. These concerts are really well-attended. Last year, the performances were held in the infield, but as the Meet progressed, they thought the noise might be a bit too loud for the horses. This year, management reorganized things and relocated the stage placing it next to a huge parking lot by the beach side of the grandstand. This is a terrific location for everyone to have a great time.
Even though I love music and I truly adore DANCING…really loud music the night before a big race is not always the best thing for an athlete when he/she is trying to focus, relax and get some rest. So, changing the on-site location for these summer concerts is a fabulous thing. On behalf of my fellow horses, THANK YOU DEL MAR!
In this heat, relaxing in the barn with the cool air breezing around ME, I’ve had a moment to reflect upon so many things. Throughout the years, there have been numerous photos taken of ME that I truly enjoy. Fans often send various pictures to Dottie…ones she has never even seen before. When she saw the one above, she thought you might also enjoy it. In it…is a cartoon drawing of ME done by one of my fans…flying between the Twin Spires. Notice the intent look on my face as I’m studying this poster. I love it when I’m showing my SERIOUS SIDE!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Robyn Mullhausen
It is nice to see you appreciate “fine art” Zenny. Stay cool and comfy in this heat.
Mary
Zenyatta, I miss you not on the track :(
not the same without you racing.
Hugs and Prayers
Dottie, Thank you so much for helping Zenyatta express her thoughts!
Janie
Yes, Zenyatta, I can see that you are very seriously scrutinizing that drawing of you… you are such a precious girl. Stay cool and comfy in the heat and enjoy that Kentucky blue grass sweetie…
Barbara Wood
@Susan in Tn–thanks for the report from River Edge. So glad to hear everyone is coping. How is Chopper?
nan
i think it would be great if dottie
published a book of photos of zenyatta…
i know i would enjoy it..
Di
Stay cool Zenny. I hope to see a current picture of you soon!
Paula Higgins
This photo is hilarious! She is so intent on looking at that picture. As if she is actually studying it. Zenny is really a hoot! I love the fact that she is there with two of her favorite female family. Stay cool Zenny. Sorry to hear about the breakdown and retirements. The breakdowns are terribly upseting. As everyone has noted, Zenyatta was kept in the best possible shape and for a horse that size, it was a very impressive accomplishment.
Barbara Grimaldi
Dear Zenyatta: you have your master’s robe on in the photo–all you need are a pair of glasses and a mortarboard on your head and you would be Dr. Zenyatta!! You look so serious and focused in that photo–it is truly adorable.
I asked this at the tail end of the previous Z message, but I’d like to ask it again:
Has anyone here read Temple Grandin’s book, Animals Make Us Human? I highly recommend it to anyone who loves animals as we do. When you read the section on horses, the It’s Tricky story becomes clearer.
GREAT FILM, Kari…thank you.
BELATED THANKS to the Kennedys for that film clip showing the size of our Z next to other horses…wow!
Margaret: had no idea a moose could do that…so interesting!
Away from my Dell for several days. Hope all of you stay happy and healthy and love and hugs and kisses to our lovely and precious Zenyatta!!!!
judy berube
Dear Georgia Harper:
There was a three horse incident I think in the last race at Del Mar yesterday One horse didn’t make it and I don’t know the extent of jockey injuries. It was like a chain reaction. Hate this part of racing. Sometimes it only takes one bad step. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Susan in Tn:
Thank you for the report on the Sweeties. Hope this heatwave lets up. Take care. Hugs, J.B.
Abigail from Montreal
This has to be the cutest! Zenny studying her fan mail!!!!
Love you, big girl & hugs to Dottie and all of Zen-Nation,
Abigail
PS PBS is running a new crime series called ZEN. The detective’s name is Aurelio Zen & he lives in Rome.
DMCQ
Hello beautiful Zenyatta! (I wrote this on Saturday, but not on the Saturday diary. I didn’t see that there was a newer posting.) I have not commented for awhile, but I check in most days to see the new pictures of YOU, to make sure YOU 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.@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.)
Joan
HI Z, so glad you retired without enjoy.
First Dude,one of my favs wsa retired today with injury, so I won’t ever get to see him run again, just like you, except you are one healthy lady.
Love ya Big Z
Joan
Sorrythat should read without injury. OOPs!!!!
Love ya Z
Lil from KY
Dear Kari Bussell——You sure know how to make a girl cry, don’t you? The video & beautiful song, tore me up as I looked at Zen’s photos—what a GREAT job you did!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, you are a special person.
Dear Barbara Wood—-The dog video was absolutely precious, loved it!!!!
Dear Terry Crow—–WOW—you are really getting wild with those song titles–what next?? Your jokes are great, (some a little corny) but that’s ok.
Gorgeous ZEN—Goodnight to you & little ZEN, this hot weather will end soon & we’ll have the wonderful winter to look forward to, I love winter & you will too.
I can just see you out running & having a ball in the snow!
Lil from KY
@Kari Bussell—-Kari, Did you use to live in Louisville? I lived there about 15 years, it’s a great town.Lots of interesting places & things to do there, not to mention the great Churchill Downs!
judy berube
Dear Sharon Call:
Here are links from Diary #303 on It’s Tricky. One is from me http://www.drf.com/news/saratoga-its-tricky-outfinishes-plum-pretty-after-long-stretch-duel-cca-oaks The next link I post was originally posted by Max. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Sharon Call:
Here’s the link by Max with that incredible photo of It’s Tricky by Barbara Livingston. Hugs, J.B.http://www.drf.com/blogs/and-theyre-offat-saratoga
Paul
Zenyatta, despite incredibly warm weather everywhere, there was some pretty good racing going on all over the country. Congratulations to your friends from barn 55 who did well in races. I can’t imagine that noise from concerts distracted you that much in your racing days, but it is probably a good idea to keep loud music further away from horses before they have to race the next day. You probably reflect and think a lot where you are right now. I do that a lot myself.
Snoprinz
Brought me back to the Breeders Cup. Thanks for sharing this drawing. you are such a special lady Zen. Take care of yourself especially in this hot weather.
Sharon Call
@Barbara Wood. Every time I hear about another breakdown on the track, I think about Dynaking/Gifted and his comeback. Your link above has lifted my heart through the roof. How completely wonderful to see that horse running and bucking. Who would have ever thought he could be brought back like that. So many thanks to the wonderful people at the rescue that took all the time, trouble and money to help this boy. I, too, have to send another donation to them to help with the probably massive expense.
judy berube
Dear Gary Moulton:
Saratoga was a “lake” today. Bernie’s son, Spare Change, ran 2nd to the favorite in the 3rd race at $7.20 to 1. Exacta paid $26.40 (not too bad). They scratched Dancin N Prancin out of the 6th race. Wouldn’t you know, the $6.50 to 1 shot, Morning Shine, beat all the “Cat” favorites in that one. Hang in there, it will get better. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear DJ:
Beautyinthepulpit won the 5th at Saratoga as the 8-5 favorite. I Ain’t No Saint ran 2nd in the 7th race at odds of 5-l. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear DMCQ:
Always enjoy reading your posts. Hugs, J.B.
Marilu V
@ Barbara Wood and Sharon C: Thank you for the link on Dynaking/Gifted. What an inspiring recover. Thanks to all the wonderful people at the rescue for saving him. This is a great example of how we can make a difference. We can’t save the world but we can make a difference in our own little way. Marilu
tony
Zenny, you never cease to amaze me. You are one smart gal!
Sue Fredrick
Hey Big Mama, the pic reminds me of when my GF and I snuck back to shed row at the Apple Blossom race and John and Mario were grazing you(we got so close) and John was reading the racing form and you came up and stuck your nose right into it. I said to John “so that’s how she wins all the time, huh” and he laughed out loud. Good memory!
@Kari Bussel I left a thank you on yesterdays post, don’t know if you saw it, but I remarked how much I loved that song TIME TO SAY GOODBYE, but didn’t know the name until I saw the video. Well I ran right out and bought it and I’ve decided I want it played at my funeral. I also loved your new video, I don’t know how you do it but keep up the good work.
Luv you Z and kisses on your nose.
Debbie G
I am so relieved, Zenny! I got home from work and turned on the news and the lead story was about a barn fire at a famous Central KY horse farm. I immediately thought of you, of course, and my heart just dropped. Fortunately, the story has a happy ending. It was at Three Chimneys, and the two horses inside were rescued. They said the fire was caused by lightning. The assistant farm manager and night watchman went inside the blazing barn and rescued two broodmares. What heroes! I would just die if anything ever happened to you, Zenny. I love you so much. Take care, sweet Zenny. I love you! :-)
@Barbara Wood – I love the Dog Prayer video!
Sharon Call
@Judy Berube. Thanks so much for the links. I enjoyed all of the pictures taken at Saratoga. The photo of It’s Tricky really tells the tale. What was the groom thinking throwing a bucket of water on her? Bet he doesn’t do that again.
DJ
Dearest Sweet “Z”,
Nothing gets past you, does it? Literally! So good to see you with your Ann and Dottie, and is that your faithful Mario hidden? Thank you for another Hoofprint for our hearts!
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To Ingrid A: You are welcome. Thank you for keeping me company in the Spirit!
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JB: Hooray! Hooray! Hugs, DJ
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Barbara W: So precious is that Djaingo! And contemplative prayer at that! Thank you, I am still smiling.
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Kc: Hope your battle with the mister is over and you are all cleaned up and ready for a ‘hair of the cat’ ..blas’e happy hour.
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