Happy Thursday, Everyone!
Dottie is totally overwhelmed by all of the kind wishes and birthday greetings she received from all of YOU! She is deeply touched by all of your kindness and asked me to THANK YOU SO MUCH!
The poem by Trina Nagele is forever a keepsake. The countless cards with such memorable messages from all over the country a cherished surprise. Then the facebook wall filled with so many gracious wishes proved to be THE ICING ON HER CAKE! Dottie commented to John last night how all of this truly illustrates the amazing qualities of the ZENYATTA FANS….they really DO CARE ABOUT OTHERS! YOU ARE SO SPECIAL!
On a racing note, I wanted to share a few photos of the barn area at Saratoga. Above is the Phipps barn. Gotta’ love those trees! It looks beautiful!
Then here is the Steve Asmussen barn. Oh, I see David there looking at some horses.
The Oklahoma Training Track also has a turf course for the horses to use. It is really a very nice set-up for training. As I understand it, several trainers do stable horses at Saratoga from April, when it ‘officially’ opens each year…until it closes late fall…about the end of October. At this point, the weather is changing. Several trainers send their babies (2 year olds) there when they come in from the training center…to get them ready…as well as other horses in their divisions. Saratoga is a very important part of the New York Racing program for many reasons.
This weekend is packed with some great races around the country…but a major FOCUS is Arlington Park Race Course in Arlington Heights, Illinois. This venue is hosting the “International Festival” of turf races which includes the Arlington Million-G1 (my pal, Gio Ponti, is pointing for this race), the Beverly D-G1 for fillies and mares, and The Secretariat-G1 for 3 year old colts/geldings. Many top quality horses from our country participate in these races which traditionally draw several major horses from Europe as well. It really becomes an international festival of racing! Good Luck to All!
Enjoy your day…and again, on behalf of Dottie, THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR YOUR THOUGHTFULNESS!
I must say, you are all TOO CUTE!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Anne
Someone commented about you today at Saratoga on the rail as we were all watching the horses in the paddock. They missed you and felt you were something extremely special. I of course chimed in and said,”you bet, she was one in a million.” No one will ever forget you!
I remember an outrider saying that Oklahoma Training Track got its name because someone griped that the training track was so far away from the main track, “it might as well be in Oklahoma.” Pretty funny when you think about it.
Have a great day Queen Z…
I am so happy that Dottie liked her birthday presents… Special thanks to Karen for all of her hard work to make this happen.
Trina Nagele
@Jackie, Anne from Paramount, and others who posted with kind remarks about my poem to Dottie—THANK YOU so much! You make me feel like I won the Gold Cup! And Anne, I appreciate your Columbo reference—I was a great fan.
@Anne from Paramount, again— Here are links for the articles you mentioned: “Breeders’ Cup return good news for L.A., but problems remain” by Bill Dwyre
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dwyre-breeders-cup-20110811,0,4896850.column
Barisoff fit like an old Shoe in sport of kings”
by Doug Krikorian http://www.presstelegram.com/moresports/ci_18658400
@Shari Voltz—–Thank you for the update on Dawn Conrad. It’s good to hear she is doing fine. Her next post is eagerly awaited. And best wishes to you as you prepare for the new school year. Hope you’ll still have a chance to see Brooke and her Dusty. Greetings to Brooke from the Z-sters.
@DJ—Loved your sweet post upon your arrival at your retreat. Best wishes for a fruitful three days.
@Anne who was at Saratoga— If I am not very mistaken, the presentation of that special surprise for D-(for Dottie) Day has had to be postponed, but is still in the offing (Thanks, Karen Gogue!)
@ALL–I know I’m pushing my luck here, but I wanted to try a little verse to honor Kari Bussell, so with your indulgence, it’s coming up next. Hope it brings a smile.
Trina Nagele
To Kari Bussell, Videographer-in-Chief for Queen Z, on the Occasion of her Birthday
On your special day, Kari,
We want you to be merry.
You labored ceaselessly for Z’s sake,
Now it’s your turn to have some cake.
Your videos touched our hearts—
They’re such a celebration
of Zenyatta’s feats
throughout our nation.
So by acclamation
Let this be Kari Bussell Day!
May we present a tray
Filled with your favorite treats–
Maybe pear tarts?
In Kentucky Zenyatta too
Remembers you
And wants your day to be ducky.
She sends you her thanks
For honoring her
In thoroughbred ranks.
We all hear her neigh,
“Hoof, hoof, hoof-ray—
Have a blessed birthday!”
Trina Nagele
@Jackie, Anne from Paramount, and others who posted with kind remarks about my poem to Dottie—THANK YOU so much! You make me feel like I won the Gold Cup! And Anne, I appreciate your Columbo reference—I was a great fan.
@Anne from Paramount, again— Here the link for the first article you mentioned: “Breeders’ Cup return good news for L.A., but problems remain” by Bill Dwyre
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dwyre-breeders-cup-20110811,0,4896850.column
Trina Nagele
@Anne from Paramount — Here the link for the secon article you mentioned: “Barisoff fit like an old Shoe in sport of kings”
by Doug Krikorian http://www.presstelegram.com/moresports/ci_18658400
@Shari Voltz—Thank you for the update on Dawn Conrad. It’s good to hear she is doing fine. Her next post is eagerly awaited. And best wishes to you as you prepare for the new school year. Hope you’ll still have a chance to see Brooke and her Dusty. Greetings to Brooke from the Z-sters.
@DJ—Loved your sweet post upon your arrival at your retreat. Best wishes for a fruitful three days.
@Anne (who was at Saratoga) If I am not very mistaken, the presentation of that special surprise for D-(for Dottie) Day has had to be postponed, but is still in the offing (Thanks, Karen Gogue!)
@ALL–I know I’m pushing my luck here, but I wanted to try a little verse to honor Kari Bussell, so with your indulgence, it’s posted above. Hope it brings a smile.
Trina Nagele
Dearest Zenny, Sleep tight till the morning light.
@All—A note of explanation—I forgot that trying to post two links in one comment would result in a “Your comment is awaiting moderation,” so when that happened to me, I went ahead and rewrote the post, breaking it up into two. I don’t think the original version will ever show up, but my apologies if it does.
Brenda S..
Good Morning Zen Nation!! This morning I am going to get my hooves buffed up – my occasional treat to myself – so my toes will shine before I see all those gorgeous fillies at Saratoga.
Dear Kari B – Happy Birthday to you talented lady. Your skill with the videos is amazing.
@ Trina N aka Official Poet Laureate – congratulations on producing another masterpiece.
@ Diana S Official Dumpling Tour Organizer 2012 – Dollars are being dropped into the piggy bank. I’m also taking a good hard look at some gold and silver pieces I don’t wear, can’t take them with me, and I really want to be at SA next year.
Dear Zenny, Have a wonderful day, maybe you’ll get a pedicure too, and eats lots of healthy grass for you and Baby Z.
Barbara Wood
@Trina N–you are too much! Great tribute to OUR Kari. With any luck, there are enough Dumplings to celebrate someone’s bd almost every day. Have a good one, Kari!
@Charlotte Farmer–I had to laugh because I always think of Carlo Ponti when I hear Gio Ponti’s name also.
Lil from KY
Terry Crow, Maybe you’ve heard this joke, but here goes:
A man was driving down a country road, he noticed a chicken racing along beside him, he sped up & so did the chicken, he tried to get ahead of the chicken, but to no avail. He noticed that the chicken had 3 legs.They came to a farm & the chicken turned in to the barnyard, where a farmer was standing. The man said , I notice this chicken has 3 legs. The farmer replies, yes I raise them. The manasked the farmer why, the farmer answered, because my wife likes drumsticks. Then the man asked , do these chickens taste different from regular chickens—The farmer answered, “Nah, never been able to catch one!”
evy
Missed the birthday post. Happy belated birthday to Dottie and Mike. I hope you both had wonderful celebrations.
Pattie
Happy Birthday Dottie :) I pray you had a Wonderful Day !! Thanks for the Phipps Stable Photo at Saratoga. My family knew Gladys & her son Ogden quite well, when we lived in West Palm Beach. It’s good to see the family carry on the tradition. Hugs & Kisses to Queen Zenny :)
Kimberly Potter
@Kari B~ Happy Birthday talented one. Wishing you the best day ever. :)
@Trina Nagele~ Another very touching poem for our Kari. Makes me want to tell you when my birthday is….ok, it’s 9/14. lol
@ALL Z’sters~ Have a fabulous Friday and and a wonderful weekend of racing. May all come home safe and sound.
Love and Hugs to ALL~
Zenyatta’s #1 fan in Montana~
Kimberly Potter
@Lil from KY~ Love the chicken joke. TOO CUTE!
Sinem
Hello Kari LarryTo me all the photos are beuftiual! What can I say, you are meant for each other!! I can’t wait to see the wedding pictures Love you both,Ani
The Kennedys in San Diego
Mucho Macho Man
http://us.mg201.mail.yahoo.com/dc/launch?.partner=sbc&.gx=1&.rand=10j4o63164u9t
Kimberly Potter
@Diana S and ALL~ I started my jar and am putting in a 1.00 a day. Thanks for the GREAT idea. I want to be at the BCC 2012 so bad I can taste it.
DMCQ
Good Morning to our precious Zenyatta and Little Z. What a beautiful day here, just fine for being outside until it heats up. I hope you are keeping cool and content. I have a few pears that the squrrels have decided I can have and here’s some for you. :)
@Susan in TN: So glad you checked in! May it be a comfort to know that the Dumplingz love you.
To Kari B.: Because you are you, I hope you enjoy every second of your birthday!
To Abigail from Montreal: Many thanks for keeping us up to date with the world. I loved the Euro fillies part 2 link.
To Trina N:Well Done! Loved your tribute to Kari.
To judy berube: Thank you for your wonderful postings. I always count on your links to inform me. I put the Hall of Fame in favorites to keep for reference since I know so little about that process.
To Karen Gogue: Loved the story about your grandson wanting to get you a Z gift. He’s the gift of course. Too Cute!
To Gary M.: I don’t really understand, but I keep reading your picks and it is starting to make some sense to me. Thanks for posting and letting me lurk. :)
To Sharon Call: Really enjoyed Toronto Flashmob for Cancer! I’m going to share it on FB for my family. I know they will like it too. Also, thanks for the news about Old Friends expanding.
To Deborah Richman: Gift Shop? What a really fine idea!!
To All: Your dedication and love for John Henry has had its impact on me. I read your comments and links and my world got a lot bigger. You made me do it! I’ve become a proud “fan come lately.” Thank you and for each of you, I hope you have the kind of day you wish for…Happy Z day! :)
Patti
Hi Zenyatta – been reading your posts as regularly as possible. I’m finally coming to visit KY and will see your farm. We won’t be able to see you but we’ll be close by; adoring you from the distance. Stay well and happy and keep us updated on the news. Thank you, Dottie, for helping our Queen keep in touch with us! We sure miss seeing her glorious presence on the track.
Cynthia H.
@DMCQ: I cannot locate the comment, but whoever it was who suggested that your blackberry jam (sounds scrumpy!) be available at the DEE gift shop was brilliant! Hey! Perhaps official gardener Karen Gogue might try growing a patch on the farm (in Georgia or Kentucky?).
@Diana S: I’m not sure how much of an “insider I am (I just happen to work on the premises!), but I will help all I can with with Dumpling plans for BC at SA in 2012. It will defintely be two golden days for the Dumpling Divas!
@Kari B.: Hope you are enjoying a magnificent birthday, dear friend.
@Trina Nagele: your very special tribute to Kari is the best gift possible! You are now responsible for composing all poems for future Eclipse Awards, etc., for DEE.
@Anne from Paramount: I agree, it is GREAT news to learn, via Mike’s show, that Jerry Antonucci will be back on the job at Pomona! He loves it there, and is the all-time handicapping king! I once occupied a desk located directly behind Jerry’s, who is a thoroughly nice guy. I bet Paula Deen would refer to us as, “Y’all Dumplins.” I expect to hear some flack from Kari B. on that comment!
Keep stashing that spare change in the coffee cans for BC 2012 everyone!
Cynthia H.
@DMCQ: Thank you for jogging my memory!
@Deborah Richman: It was you who suggested the idea of a DEE gift shop! Would you be interested in playing the role of Chris Crocker (shop manager at Champions Gift Shop at Santa Anita)? I have the strong feeling that you would be a great organizer and creative merchandiser!!
J Smith
KENNEDY’S your link is only showing me a Yahoo email page. Of course, it could be me! If u have a minute, could u chk. I love M3.
Cynthia H.
@Diana S: I DO have inside connections with several excellent bail bondsmen (should the need arise).
Ida Lee
Well, the water works are on!! Just reading about the late, great John Henry always chokes me up. What a Champion and What a character!! I heard a story where for 22 years he tried to bite the hand that fed him, literally..I never saw him in person and he looked so old and feeble the last picture I saw of him. But it was a butt shot as if to say “yeah I’m old but kiss my butt anyway”. It was so funny. He will always have a special place in my heart and I will always see him as the great Champion he was. I wish I could have issed him goodbye. RIP my Love.
Chris H
@Karen Gogue — the title of the book I found at the dollar store is: “Dear Smarty, a collection of letters written to Smarty Jones by children, familites & other animals from across America” — whew — long title. I’ll go back to the store today and look through the books again, would love to read the “Smarty Jones – Forever a Champion” book. I purchased a book from The Bloodhorse “Top 100 Racehorses of the 20th Century” published in 1999. Have thoroughly enjoyed reading about these great horses and their pedigress. My family thinks I’m crazy — most of my likes on Facebook are horses!!!
Lil from KY
all—–It is a most glorious day in Ky, 70 degrees, very low humidity, perfect for Zenny and her pals to romp in their paddock & have fun.
Enjoy the day, Zenny & little Zen!!
Love you xoxoxoxoxo
Barbara Wood
@Chris H– my sentiments exactly. Some of my friends roll their eyes when I start another horse story.
judy berube
Dear DMCQ:
You’re so welcome. Hugs, J.B.
DMCQ
To Cynthia H: LOL, actually “Y’all” is singular in the DS (deep south). The plural is “All Y’ALL”. :)
To All Y’All Dumplingz: Sweet dreamz!
Pam Zacek,
Glad Dottie had a great day, and I love the picture, of Saratoga, Ilove it around there, but never made a race pittys the word for me on that one, Good luck to all who is running, in Sarotoga or Del Mar, and Safe trip to everyone, and thank you Zen for giving us a diary, or to tell us about Dotties birthday,was good, glad all is good In Kentucky, have a great day, and hope all your pals, win who are running, and for the Lady with the closenest to John Henry, what a horse he was, I loved him posing, and telling everyone, you see me I love that camera. Im hoping all will great with Zen, as you said, gives you goose bumps, for sure,
Paul
Zenyatta, congratulations to your buddies who ran in this past weekend’s races. There were some pretty good ones. I agree with you that the horses from other parts of the world who raced this past weekend in American races add an international flair to the races that they were in. I also agree with you that Zenyatta fans are good and caring people who have each others’ best interests at heart. There’s a reason for that. It’s because you inspire people to be that way because you are that way yourself. By the way, Michelle Yu from TVG network states that Arlington Park is her second favorite horse racing track. I don’t remember what she said her favorite track is.