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
Karen Gogue
Note to my post above
Actually my 7 year old grandson was in a Dollar Tree store with his DAD and told my son, “look Daddy, grandma will love this book – is that Zenyatta Daddy?” My son cracked up and my grandson bought it for me with his 4 quarters! I cried from laughter and from joy that this little guy thought so much of his grandma that he wanted to get me something about Zenyatta! Precious memory…..
Karen Gogue
JUDY B
Thank you for the info on HOF.
judy berube
Dear Karen G.:
You’re welcome. Loved your story about your adorable Grandson. Did you get my e-mail? For some reason, I’m not sure it went through. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Kari B.:
Happy Birthday! Hugs, J.B.
DJ
Just arrived back and checked in…thank you, my tears of gratefulness! I guess I am a real Z’ster now complete with waterworks! A three day retreat on Charity..when Charity is found here?, and always in front of us only by a mention! Thank you..I have never had so many beautiful friends. I will try and find something equally lovely as all of you have been to each and every one of us.
Kimberly Potter
@Karen Gogue~ Love your “Dollar Tree” story about the Smarty Jones book your grandson bought for you. How precious is that???? I always say that my grandkids are gifts from God for raising my own two kids. :)
Love and Hugs to ALL~ Sweet dreams~
Zenyatta’s #1 fan in Montana
DJ
The Divine Images
…………………….
To Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love
All pray in their distress;
And to these virtues of delight
Return their thankfulness.
For Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love
Is God, Our Father dear,
And Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love
Is man, His child and care.
For Mercy has a human heart,
Pity a human face,
And Love, the human form divine,
And Peace, the human dress.
Then every man, of every clime,
That prays in his distress,
Prays to the human form divine,
Love, Mercy, Pity, Peace.
And all must love the human form,
In faith and trust as well!
Where Mercy, Love, and Pity dwell
There God is dwelling too.
………………………………….
William Blake
Marshall (girl's name)
Good night, sleep tight sweet “Z” girl! So glad that Dottie had a wonderful birthday!
@Susan in TN: Sorry you are having a stressful spell. Many prayers and thoughts go out to you! Take care of yourself! Hugs!
@Kari Bussell: Have a positively lovely day! Happy Birthday and Best Wishes for the entire year!! Hugs to you!
KIMBERLY
Nitey Nite ZZZZZZZZ!
signofthetimes
@Gloria Jean
Ten years
signofthetimes
@Gloria Jeanne
Sorry 5 years after racing career has ended.
Here is link:
http://www.racingmuseum.org/hall-of-fame/eligibility-nomination-and-induction.asp
Anne from Paramount, CA
Hi Queen Z… many high hooves for letting us know how much Dottie enjoyed her bday greetings! I was eagerly looking forward to you letting us all know! (As were all of the Z-sters/Dumplings!
@Kari Busell, carrying on with birthdays, a happy one to you!
@ Chris H and Deborah Richman, I have read the Smarty Jones letters and somewhere I have the Seabiscuit letters book. I agree, that one is great for the history aspect. When that movie came out in 2003 I think I saw it five times–ha ha–it was even on a plane coming back from Italy. I sat there transfixed all over again. (Of course what else could I do, really? Just thrilled it was THAT movie.)
@Mary Copelin, enjoyed your down memory lane stories of John Henry. When I watch the Million this Sat (and from now on) I will have a better appreciation. I really like his statue at Santa Anita…was there the day they unveiled it. Nice. I, too am in favor of the name change!
@JAG, hey hey, or hay hay…great “coincidences.” Very riveting reading!
@Suan in TN, am very sorry to learn of your current family situation. Take care of yourself, please. I know, easy to say, but sending positive thoughts to you from So. Calif.
@Arlington goers (Easy Goers?): please give a first hand account later: I like “hearing” of what it’s like at tracks I have not been to (and there are many of those.)
@Terry Crow and Cynthia H: did you hear on Mike W’s show last Sunday that Jerry Antonnuci (sp?) will be making his comeback at Fairplex? That’s great news–that he is feeling so well after such an illness. (Sudden brain surgery.)And he has always liked Fairplex. He made an appearance at a Santa Anita seminar earlier this year–just an appearance, and I thought he looked good then. He was there with his wife and kids. (His wife reminded me of Paula Deen.) Anyway,good news! ( A sudden thought–do you think Paula Deen–the real one–would refer to us as the Dumplins?) (“honey”) ? :)
@ALL,there are two racing articles in today’s (11th) local papers. One by our friend Bill Dwyre on Breeders’ Cup 2012 in LA Times. The other is in Long Beach Press Telegram by Doug Krikorian on a former jockey agent Bill Barisoff who just passed away. I did not know of him and found it great reading. Two horse racing columns in one day in two different papers! Hoof ray!! (doug.krikorian@presstelegram.com) That’s the best I can do–don’t do links!
Oops–did not intend to go on for so long…good to exchange thoughts and such!
Horsey thanks to one and all! By now I wish you all a good Friday and hoof raising weekend!! We hope to be at Del Mar Saturday.
Anne from Paramount, CA
As Columbo would say, There’s just one more thing: @ Trina N. , congrats on the special mention of your poem!! Well deserved, Dumpling! :)
Roberta Joy
Happy Birthday Dottie!!! I agree with all Z fans these wonderful informative daily posts are great!.I can’t wait to read it each day. It’s part of my life. Thank you Thank you. We all just love Zenyatta thanks to you keeping us posted.Love to you all xoxox
judy berube
Dear DJ:
Beautiful Prayer. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Thank you for all the great posts and links today. Hugs, J.B.
Delrene
to Kari – happy birthday from a fellow Zenyatta fan – in Carlsbad, Ca. I enjoy your posts and links so much. Have a great day. Loved the grandson story from Karen. I have 3 of those precious grand babies myself – not really babies anymore. Happy Friday, everyone. Zenyatta, you are fast asleep I’m sure. Tomorrow my friend and I are going to early morning workout at Del Mar to watch the beautfiful horses and hopefully catch a glimpse of your John and all your friends that are running at Del Mar
Doreen
@ Marshall – thank you for your kind words on #316.
@judy berube, georgia harper, and Lisa g – you’re welcome. I’m sure that all Morning Line needs in a little time off. He’s the type of horse that runs his heart out and he’s had a long campaign.
@Trina – thank you also for your kind words.
@Sharon Call – you’re welcome. I too hope that other partnerships follow Sackatoga’s lead.
@Barbara Wood and judy berube – you’re welcome. If only all the owners and partnerships were like the Mosses and Sackatoga Stables.
@Kimberly Potter- you’re welcome. I too am glad that there are 150 stalls. It’s good to know that those stalls will be awaiting TBs that have retired from the track or from stud duty. It’s only fitting for them to have a good home for the rest of their life.
@eastcoastkid – sorry I made you jump!! If you haven’t visited Old Friends at Cabin Creek in Greenfield, NY it’s not that far from the Saratoga. It’s smaller than the one planned for Stillwater but I hear nothing but good things about it.
@signofthetimes – it’s great that Old Friends is expanding so they can help more horses live out their lives. They’ve worked hard for it and deserve a forever home.
@Terry Crow – I look forward to your jokes every day. They always crack me up.
@All – another standout joins the Kentucky Horse Park: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64492/go-for-gin-new-resident-of-ky-horse-park
Diana S
@All: Just to keep the record straight and credit where due – on BC 2012 planning, it will be a Team Dumpling effort. I’ve been coersing Terry Crow, JAG, Happy Harriet, and Cynthia H (our REAL insider) amongst others, to help – once I figure out how deep in it I’ve stepped. :-) I’m just playing the role of Ms. Bossypants. One of you out there coined that term and I love it. Gonna steal it. And I think it would make a great name for a feisty race filly should one ever follow me home!
GN, ST, DLTBBB – diastu in tempe
DMCQ
@DJ:Under the weather? Mint tea? I’ll make it for you! Even if you don’t drink it, the minty smell will hurry your recovery
@Kari B: Ahh my talented Zster, I hope you have a really fine memory making time on your special day. Happy Birthday to you! (Yes, I wrote it in my calendar and it was on the Right day. :)
@all: Sweet dreams. See you in the morning. Until then…
judy berube
Dear Doreen:
Yes, Morning Line does give his all. Hope he gets rested up and feels fine. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Signofthetimes:
Just found workout for Liberian Freighter on 8/10/11. He did 4 Furlongs in 0:5l.00 Handily. Can’t find anything else on him or Take Control right now. Will keep checking. Maybe this work means we will see Liberian Freighter racing at Del Mar soon. Hugs, J.B.
Holly Zemba
Luv you Zenyatta!!
Charlotte Farmer
@Gio Ponti – Love the name. It reminds me of Sophia Loren’s husband Carlo Ponti. I will be rooting for you in the Arlington Millions.
@Terry Crow – Thank you for the compliment about Omaha in Post 316. Love the joke about the blond. It made me smile.
@Susan in TN – I am so glad to see you back. You have been missed. I will keep you in my prayers.
@Ensign – Where are you?
@Dawn Conrad – My God what a long vacation you have been on.
@John Henry – One of his biggest fans is Kathy Kimber.
@Zenyatta – I am looking forward to another picture of you. Love you!
DJ
To JB: hugs always..
………………
To DMCQ: Thank you, the cup is in hand, and you prepared it pefectly..already working it’s prescription of Kindness. You were correct, the mint does wonders. Goodnight!
J Smith
Del Mar, anyone going on Saturday, they are showing a documentary about John Henry after the last race. Just read it on their website. They have a great website by the way. Some interesting info on there, someone did a lot of work on that one.
Delrene, I plan to go to work outs on Friday too. I’ll wear my Uncle Mo hat then your’ll know it’s me. I’m sooo tired though, so only 90% sure I’ll go.
Anyone at Del Mar on weekend, I will be there both days, helping Bonnie from Trott sell tix to the party on 8/28. We will have a table by the entrance to Clubhouse, near escalator. Stop by and say hi. But when Death Star, Jacito, & La Jolla Hcap are on, I will have snuck off to paddock, & by finish line to watch race. Welcome back Jaycito, remember he couldn’t run in Derby due to a bruised something! He was at the beginning end of all the 3 yr old injuries.
Terry Crow, thank goodness there’s racing at Del Mar, I’m at ‘that’ house again, where u need an engineering degree to turn the tv on. So at least there’s some outside entertainment. Best check Gary’s baby picks before I go.
Karen Gogue
Judy B.
Yes I did, thank you!
Karen Gogue
Kathy P.
Actually I was stunned at first, then the laughter and tears – stunned because my little guy remembered how much I cried when Zenny lost (not a loss really) her last race and I was so heart broken that she would soon be leaving California and retired…(of course he has seen all the photos I have of her and other racing greats, and knew that when I went to her races he would get a full accounting of it next time I saw him) but Zenny always was to him the one that “grandma loves the mostest of all, except for me”.
Karen Gogue
OOPS! That should have been “‘cept me!” Meaning he knew I really loved him more! Too cute every time he’d say that!
Olimpia Gancarczyk
Happy B-Day Dottie!!! Thanks for “putting” into writing Zenny’s thoughts, I really do enjoy them :-)