Happy Friday,
Today is a very memorable day in our industry. The CLASS of 2011 is being inducted into the Hall of Fame which is located at the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga Springs, New York.
The induction ceremonies will be shown this morning on HRTV. They are taking place at 10:30 Eastern Time in the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion. Bobby Flay is hosting the presentation along with broadcaster, Randy Moss. The festivities are open to the public.
Congratulations to all of the 2011 inductees:
Jerry Hollendorfer and Matthew Byrnes, Trainers
Shelby “Pike” Barnes, a Jockey who starred in the 1880’s
Duke of Magenta, Open Mind, Safely Kept, and Sky Beauty, Horses
Sarah was so sweet and took some other photos for us to share of the Museum. I hope you enjoy them.
I wanted to show you ROBERT FRANKEL’S plaque on the wall…as Dottie actually wrote the script for it for Bobby.
Have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy all of the fabulous racing taking place around the country during the next few days and HAVE FUN!
Perhaps we’ll see some future Hall of Famers in action and running this weekend! HOOVES CROSSED!
With Love,
Hugs to All~ (Congratulations to HOF Class of 2011)
Z
Signofthetimes
Dear Zenny
Hope you are having a wonderful relaxing day
Today. Thanks to Dottie for keeping this site
“alive” with all the great information and posts
About Zenny’s new life, LE, breeding and of
Course all the TB racing information. I have learned
And experienced more on this site about TB,
The most wonderful horse, than any where else.
With everything going on in your world since Z
left Barn 55, I am soooo very appreciative of
This site, The Mosses contributions and all of the
Staff at LE who are also contributing. Especially Sarah
And her wonderful photos. I come to this site
Every day for friendship, information and solace.
Thanks so much for all you hard work!!! You are
Truely both wonderful women. XXXXOOO
The Kennedys in San Diego
@signofthetimes — Could not have stated it better — many, many thanks to Dottie, Zenyatta and all the others who make this site the enriching, informative experience it is.
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear Any: Missed ‘a something’ back up there ^, and will scroll to where it went awry . .. Thinking now of indigenous peoples seeing mounted figures with the sun at their backs: they appeared to be creatures of a single body — neither horses nor riders, but something godly, unseen `til then. In some ways, that turned out badly for them, worshipping those unknown gods. ~ Astride a horse, a person does feel larger than life, and feels and senses life from a different perspective than on the ground. Maybe that is what Zenyatta provided others of us; she did that for me. Seeing the world she entered — the world she trained for & the world she conquered — did not make me want more of her, as some have stated. It made me make some new promises, and want to keep more of the old ones sloughed away, that can open paths for me at this time, because I saw how her people interact w/ one another, with their peers, and their sport, and their dreams for it, as it continues — sometimes disappointingly — to become an industry, perhaps even a greater one. ~ All of us brought worlds to this ‘green,’ and to this ‘township.’ My voice to honor ‘Z`s’ world and her principal connections, is to remind myself of the wonderful people and creatures already in my life, those yet to come and how the ‘dust’ [magical as it is] from Zenyatta`s life can best be celebrated as it sifts uniquely where I have choices and ‘promises to keep.’ Life sometimes calls us to lay down some participations in order to pick up others . .. ‘growing up’ into new potentials and possibilities. Letting go is a big part of that. While figuring it out, take care of all you love, for we ride on the backs of giants. ~ A weaving teacher once wrote: “I thought I came to teach weaving. Later, I realized I came to teach people.” [Unknown,but honored] Kc.
Brenda S..
@ All Y’Alls – Didn’t manage to get to the computer yesterday so I’ve just had to do a lot of catching up. I believe that the lack of up to date pics of Zenny is because Sarah is in Saratoga and providing us with some good shots of life at the Spa.
@ Trina – I think I’m the one who first used the P.L. label, I was so blown away by your poem to Dottie, and my UK upbringing came out. I got too big for my britches and in the excitement of the moment appointed you. My sincere apologies to all the other poets. I have total respect for all of you – I don’t have a single artistic bone in my body. The fact that I have been called Miss Bossy Boots in the past may also have something to do with it.
I loved the story from Mario about Zenny on race day. I read that Secretariat used to do the same thing and that Mr. Sweat had to get after him sometimes to get ready for the race.
Sunny Boyd
Good morning, Zenyatta
well, I sat the clock for 8 am, and it rang and I didn’t want to get up. Heehee
Ever not want to get up from your cozy straw? I am so not a morning person. I bet you are, you probably can’t wait for daylight, grunting & stomping, let-me-out-kinda-thing.
@Charlotte Farmer
you make very good points, I would like to read more of the personal accounts of Zenyatta’s life & her circle of people. I expect that’s a little more involved, time consuming.
Basically it’s all about loyalty & solid info.
Okay, now, we have two Aries’, one Gemini, one sign in Cancer, one Leo, and one Taurus.
What a lively group that must be at dinner.
Oh, I forgot little Sophie Shirreffs, oh, and the two Standards. And of course Zetty, doesn’t sit at the table, okay, that one you can’t count for dinner.
Have a great day :) :) :)
Abigail from Montreal
I just found out an interesting fact on DRF this morning. The only other trainer to win 2 Grade One races on the Arlington program, other than Aidan O’Brien yesterday, was Bobby Frankel. In 2002 he won the Million with BEAT HOLLOW and the Secretariat with CHISELLING.
J Smith
Del Mar, Sun 14th, selling tix for the big Trott fundraising party (28th). Anyone at Del Mar today, come by & say ‘Hi’ we will be by the escalator to the clubhouse. Need to get some tix sold, pls share with your friends. Mike Smith, Jack Van Berg, Luke Perry, & many more celebs will be at party. Golf cart polo! Wine tasting & best deal of all, u can park at the Polo Grounds and take our shuttle to the track, then shuttle back to party after races. NO Pacific Classic parking nightmare for out party goers! That alone is worth buying a ticket to the party. Anyone who thinks this has nothing to do with Zenyatta, pls refer to diary #309! Zenyatta herself has raised funds for Trott, thus saving the life of many an off the track TB by paying for the horses keep while the horse is retrained for a 2nd career.
Thank you Z, Dottie, & Sarah, for the photo’s & info on the Hall of Fame. I have not had the opportunity to visit, so enjoyed seeing the photo’s, and learning who was being inducted this year. I have learned a great deal about racing and all that goes on behind the scenes from your diary Zenyatta, and from other posters. You have a lot of fans who knew very little about the sport, but you have taken the time to educate us in such a way that I for one, am eager to learn more. You continue to bring new fans to the sport even in your retirement, as we learn more, we become interested in other horses and go to the track to see them, but of course, we will never forget who brought us into the fold. We even learn about the old time greats on this site, from posters who loved to watch them. Not many of us newbies would have heard of Noor if it weren’t for being able to post comments on your diary Zenyatta. Great race horses of the past will never be forgotten. Just last night I watched a wonderful documentary on John Henry, it was shown in the paddock at Del Mar after racing. Could not have picked a better person to watch it with – John Henry’s #1 fan, who is also in the movie! The 2 people who made the doc. were not ‘old guys’ who sit around reminiscing all day, but 2 guys in their 20’s. The grandfather of 1 had told them all about JH & they took it upon themselves to raise funds, go out & film hours of interviews with people connected to JH, and edit it into a documentary. Anyone interested in the documentary can go to johnhenrymovie.com Thanks also to Zenny for all my new friends, there was a mini meet of your fans at Del Mar yesterday. Always nice to know you can go somewhere and people u know will be there. Zenny, whatever you post, I’ll be happy to read it.
Suzanne G
Dear Zenyatta,
Thanks for Hall of Fame info and for the space for diverse people to look for support and inspiration. How could we presume to put limits on that? People draw on your strength and power and learn patience and sharing from your extraordinary team. We are indeed privileged to be able to post on this site and read some, all or none of the comments as we choose. Special thanks to Dottie for all her time, effort and superb communication skills.
Love and hugs, Suzanne G
@Kimberly Potter–lots of positive energy to you and your family.
@The Kennedys–what terrific visits you had with so many horses and people! Wonderful stories from Mario. Thanks so much for letting us hear them too.
The Kennedys in San Diego
By request, we have posted some photos from our 8/11/11 visit. Eblouissante and Take Control on Zenyatta’s Facebook site. Blind Luck on her Facebook site.
Cynthia H.
I went to bed thinking about the site, and all of the many opinons and comments of yesterday (and now today). I awoke mulling over the same. I would like to echo so many others in their heartfelt thanks and words of appreciation to Dottie for assuming the responsibility of maintaining this site. WIth all of her commitments, both personal and professional, she does not need anything more to do. Zenyatta’s Diary is truly a labor of love on her part.
Thank you, Charlotte Farmer, for the forthright expression of your deep concern regarding the longetivity of this website. I was thinking that there must be a way to help lighten Dottie’s load, and at the same time, clear a path to focussing on Zenyatta as the main topic of this site.
This is just an idea I throw as a bone, to be chewed by the masses. I take zero offense if others find it impractical, or of little interest. I am only hoping to add another iron to the fire of positive discourse.
How many of us are there who are regular contributors or readers of this site? Many! There must be quite a number of other “silent” participants, who, for lack of time or perhaps hesitancy, do not choose to contribute. One thing which we ALL have in comon, is a birthday. And each of us also has a unique memory (or memories, if we are fortunate) of Zenyatta, even if it was only watching her amazing races on television. Why not, as a small start, and on a voluntary basis, choose to step forward on your birthday, and share a special memory or feeling or anything which involved Zenyatta? It would be a day to give thanks not only that one is still alive to live another year, but an opportunity to give back to the extraordinary horse who gave so much to us. Perhaps there might be a way (this is all based on the premise that Dottie would be fine with this; it would defintely be her call) that a writer’s memory could be the featured entry in the Diary, especially if there is nothing major going as far as hard horse-racing news is concerned.
Southern California fans (Dumpling Divas), those of us who were so fortunate as to enjoy personal barn visits and the golden opportunity to view Zenyatta’s races in-person, must have a wealth of personal memories from which to draw and share.
Barn 55 has not moved, and there are still visits being made and memories along with them. Zenyatta’s old friends are still in place, living biographers of Zenyatta’s five years at the place she called home.
The thinking cap remains in-place. I would like to share in Abigail from Montreal’s praise for the civility of this discussion. You are all terrific people, and, like any other family, sometimes things just get stirred a bit. It doesn’t mean that we don’t love each other all the same.
Cynthia H.
@Charlotte Farmer: The name “Kip Hannon” rings a distant bell, but I cannot recall why. I, for one, would love to know what may be afoot, especially if it involves anything to do with Zenyatta! I apologize for missing any clues, as I am often not able to read through each and every day’s entries. Please share, if you can!
Max
@The Kennedys in San Diego. Thank you for the photos. The ones of E were very interesting. I liked your comments on her leg work.
judy berube
Dear Z,
Happy Sunday. Hope the weather there is comfy for you. Hope you are well. Love you and love to all of you, Judy and Russ
judy berube
Dear Kennedy’s is San Diego:
Thank you so much for posting the photos of Take Control (he is adorable) and Eblouissante (she is gorgeous). That leg move certainly reminds me of someone. Hugs, J.B.
Cynthia H.
Barn 55 entries today at Del Mar:
Race 2 MAESTRO
Race 5 GUEST STAR
TIZ GIANNI
RACE 9 HARMONIOUS
(The Moss’ COZI ROSIE also goes in race 9 for John Sadler)
judy berube
Dear Kathryn Cogswell:
Another lovely post from you. Thank you. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Cynthia H.:
Thanks for the info on John’s and the Moss’ entries today. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear J. Smith:
Thanks for sharing the info on the Documentary about JH. Sounds like you had a fun day. Hugs, J.B.
Anne from Paramount, CA
@Diana S and all, This site is also a form of “therapy” to me, although my time is limited, I do look forward to it,sometimes just reading and sometimes contributing. In my daily life, my co-workers and family know of my interest in racing. They ask questions and seem interested–up to a point–then I can see their eyes glaze over,so I stop talking. This is a site where that does NOT happen…we all like horse racing whether beginners or old timers asnd know our stories are welcome. (I myself go back to only 1996 and Cigar.) We know we can share share stories. I enjoy this “community” and look forward to it very much, as time permits. It was such fun on Gold Cup Day meeting some of you and chatting about what else–racing. I feel I now have new friends. Our sport is far from the front pages these days, and Queen Z may be also as time goes on, but if we can keep up what Dottie has started, well, here I am.
I will be more general later–BUT I really am going on vacation beginning Tuesday and will check back in when I return from Pittsburgh and visiting my great nephew!! (Caleb David.)
judy berube
Dear Signofthetimes:
Well said. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Signofthetimes:
Wouldn’t that be something! That is going to be an exciting race. All beautiful, talented girls. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Gary M. and Z Fans:
I played $10.00 Exacta Boxes (five races) In the seventh I had the $20.00 winner Tiz Sardonic Joe (Tiznow) with Actuarial 1 & 9. My 9 horse got boxed in; finished 5th. Played the Joe horse also $10.00 win and place. That’s the only reason I broke even for the day. I love to play long shots, but that last race was off the charts. I’m posting the link to the replay. Listen to Tom Durkin’s call; its pretty funny. (you have to click on Date 13 and then Race 11) Hugs, J.B.
http://www.nyra.com/Belmont/Broadcast/Video/Video.shtml
judy berube
Dear Anne from Paramount, CA.:
Always enjoy your posts. Enjoy your vacation. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Gary M.:
Forgot to say Good Luck to you today. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Kate Wheeler:
Lovely post. Thank you. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Shari Voltz:
You’re so welcome. Feel the same way about people on this site. Love our connection through our love for Z. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Barbara Wood:
You’re welcome. Yes, so very sad. Hugs, J.B.
Carole #42
To the Kennedys thanks for the info. on Mario and Zen…really enjoyed it. We sure all love an info. we can get on Zenyatta. We all LOVE her so. Get lots of rest Zen..We all love you.
judy berube
Dear Diana S.:
Enjoyed your post. Hugs, J.B.
Dear DMCQ:
You’re welcome. Hugs, J.B.
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Judy B, you see, you are a good handicapper also, I try, and yes, I do win, about Dawn time will tells us, hugs, Ingrid.