Happy ‘Beginning of the Week’ Everyone,
I hope you had a lovely weekend. I did. As you may know, for ME, everything is pretty quiet and quite relaxing at this time. I’m handling the weather perfectly…and am truly enjoying keeping up with all of YOU on the current racing and industry news!
The weekend’s races proved to be very exciting. The Arlington Million stakes races were very contentious and showcased some terrific European horses. Garrett Gomez rode there on Saturday and told Dottie yesterday that it was actually hailing a couple times during the races that day. Weather at this time of the year changes so rapidly at many locations around the country.
Then at DEL MAR yesterday, my dear MOSS PAL, COZI ROSIE, won the John Mabee G-2 on the turf. She had the perfect trip cutting to the inside and staying on the rail to earn her victory. YEAH, COZI! A great job by all!
She is a homebred for my owners. When you breed a horse who becomes a graded stakes winner, the achievement takes on a special significance. You have literally been involved with this horse from the first moments of planning the mating to every stage thereafter of the horse’s life and development. Black-type races are held in such high regard in our sport! Thus, winning one becomes a very rewarding achievement!
There are technically 2 ways one may acquire horses in our industry. Firstly: you may purchase them via public auctions, private purchases, or claiming races conducted at the race track. The second option is that you may breed your mare to a stallion of your choice and then you own the resulting foal.
I was purchased at public auction, the 2005 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. COZI ROSIE is a homebred…meaning she was bred by our owners. The Moss’ own her mom, FELIDIA…who by the way was a homebred herself, and bred her to PLEASANTLY PERFECT. He just happens to stand here at Lane’s End Farm and resides in our stallion division. It is all very special…and WE are all very proud of ‘our girl’!
The racing at Del Mar is dark today. This means they are closed. Saratoga and Delaware, however, are racing on Mondays during the summer.
If you have a moment, enjoy the fun!
With Love, Hugs to All~ Z
PS…I just heard Goldikova lost this morning. As usual, her effort was terrific….and as always, I wish her the very best!
Dawn Conrad
Dearest Zenyatta!! How wonderful it is to type those words! Mother and I have been back from our trip for about a week and I finally feel at least partially caught up. I did not have a computer with me on my journey, but I did get to check in a couple of times just to see how you were doing. I missed communicating with you, Dottie and my wonderful Z friends each day!!!! The well wishes, information, life experiences and love expressed for you on this site is amazing, Zenny! I have to say Happy Birthday to our most wonderful Dottie, the handsome (have you seen his calendar picture, MY, MY) and talented Mike and lovely Kari B!! Our adventure really began when we reached Kansas City and spent the night in the Plaza District of the city. It was like being in a European village with restaurants and entertainment galore. Then it was on to Warm Springs Farm in Missouri, this is home to the Budweiser Clydesdales. At 17 hands, Zenny, you would fit right in with these big boys. How gentle and sweet they were and the babies are precious beyond words. What a beautiful farm. Of course, then we arrived at the place my heart holds most dear, Kentucky! We stayed in our favorite B&B in Versailles and loved every minute of it. The most wonderful thing was dinner on the night of our arrival with beautiful Shari V. and her husband Larry. There is no doubt about it, Zenny, we were meant to be great friends and we owe it all to you for bringing us together. You touch our lives in so many positive ways. We had the best time ever!!!! We are already planning a trip to Kentucky for next year together. I visited a total of 9 farms in just three and ½ days. Some were old favorites and some were new favorites. There were gorgeous stallions at each stop, Pulpit, Blame, Arch, Giacomo, Einstein, Unbridled Song, Escanderya, Bellamy Road, Summer Bird, Indian Charlie, Proud Citizen, Tale of Ekati, Reprice, Curlin, Quality Road, Rock Hard Ten and the remarkable AP Indy, just to name a few! I also got to see broodmares and foals at two different farms, what a privilege that was!! I met many beautiful mothers and their lovely babies. Being able to kiss those soft little noses and take a gazillion pictures was TOO FUN!! I have to mention two in particular, the incomparable Serena’s Song who is a Hall of Fame inductee and currently carrying a Medaglia D’Oro foal and the terrific Evening Jewel who will be bred this coming season. Of course a trip to Kentucky would not be complete without a stop at Old Friends. I made sure to give my donation for Noor and then as it was a hot day and mom was with me, they gave me just a quick ride out to catch a couple of my favorites. We saw several heading for the back of the farm where Tinner’s Way was including fantastic Ogygian, what a horse. When we reached Tinner’s Way (he is Secretariat’s son and gorgeous) he appeared to be a little labored in his breathing, the worry was heat stroke. We went right back up and got the farm manager to take a look, they were so glad that I had asked to see him in particular as he is not on the normal tour and the problem may not have been caught soon. I really think God was taking care of one of his own creations in guiding me there, how beautiful! Finally Zenny, there was your majestic and awesome, Lanes End. What magnificent stallions they have there!! This was our final stop before heading to Richmond that afternoon. I know you felt the kiss I blew your way from across the farm. My love gave it wings. It is wonderful to know you are in such a good place, with people that care about you so much. I also got to meet Brenda and her family from Canada. What a very special women, she was sweet beyond words and it was a joy. She was kind enough to invite me along when they presented a bag of goodies for you Zenny, it looked yummy and we got to meet Sarah. She was amazing and so kind!!! Zenyatta friends are the best!!!! In Richmond we attended a showing of Faberge Eggs at the art museum, lovely!!!! The next day, I went somewhere I have always wanted to go, Secretariat’s home, the Meadow. To look out across the very place where Secretariat was born and raised, which is such a part of he and Penny Chenary’s story is beyond words. I visited several of the barns, the graves of the magnificent Hill Prince and the broodmare Hildene, the clocker’s tower next to the training track, the famous Cove and yes, the foaling barn where Big Red was born. I can’t begin to describe the feeling of standing in that stall. HOW AMAZING!!!! We left Virginia and headed for NY to see my niece and her family. It was the first time my mother got to spend time with her two great granddaughters. Very special! Then it was on to Saratoga Springs, where my sister-in-law met us. It has been several years since my brother’s death and it was so wonderful to spend a couple of days together. I have been really enjoying the pictures you have been posting, Zenny. It makes me feel like I am there again. From the moment I walked onto the grounds, it was like I was meant to be there. The statues, the fountains, the flowers, the red and white awnings, the old wooden floors and breezy ceiling fans, the breathtaking track, trainers, jockeys, exercise riders, lead ponies (I got to meet one very special lead pony face to face, don’t you just love the ponies, Zenny, they help so much and work so hard) and of course the racehorses, wonderful, wonderful racehorses. The old grand dame was embracing me with open arms and saying “welcome home, what took you so long.” It was the most marvelous experience ever!!!! We went to the track on two separate days, having breakfast and watching morning workouts (just missed Uncle Mo) and then the next morning it was a backside tour, prior to racing. I saw Graham Motion, Nick Zito, Linda Rice, Barclay Tagg and Dale Romans. So much to see, hear and take in, it took my breath away. I could have stayed forever. Of course we stopped at the Hall of Fame, such a very special place, especially for someone like me who loves to learn and enjoys the history of racing so much. We left Saratoga and headed for Washington DC, where I hired a Town Car and driver for the evening and took mom on a nighttime tour of our breathtaking nation’s capital. What a magnificent shared experience. Next I arranged for us to attend a Michael Feinstein concert in Asheville, NC. The voice, the piano, the full big band, the atmosphere and a tribute to Frank Sinatra. Wow!! Finally, we started the swing home and stopped in Nashville for the evening. The next morning, I had another priceless Zenyatta experience when I met Susan from TN and we spent half the day (not nearly long enough) at the River Edge Horse Rescue. There they all were, Rootbeer, Jasper, Pepsi, Chester, everyone. I was surrounded, all of them wanting the love they crave. Susan was wonderful, although she couldn’t quite help me figure out how to get them all into my car so that I could take them home. What’s up with that? I cry just thinking about it. They captured a part of my heart for sure!!! Well, there you have it, Zenny, a quick rundown of the highlights. What an adventure!!! These experiences with my beloved mother are priceless; we are building forever memories together. Wow, looks like I better stop now. Your site means so much to me, I just had to share. I love you so much; it is good to be back in touch!!!!! Sweet dreams, Zenny. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
DJ
Good morning Sweet “Z” thank you for taking the time to give us a new and interesting Hoofprint!
Dawn Conrad
@Shari V – Love you friend, thank you again for everything, including your wonderful gifts. I know you will have an absolutely outstanding school year, how could you miss!! Fantastic news about Tony’s surprise, don’t you just love Claiborne!
@Brenda – I can’t tell you how great it was to meet you and your wonderful family. What a lovely lady you are!!! I enjoyed spending the morning at Lane’s End with you. It was especially sweet to see you with Langfuhr!
@Susan in TN – What can I say? The time we spent together at the rescue was wonderful beyond words. You are one amazing lady and I admire what you are doing so much. I think you have truly found a calling and the relationship between you and your equine friends is so healing for you all. What a blessing!
@Charlotte Farmer – It made me feel so good to make my donation for Noor in person at Old Friends. I received a thank you letter from Michael. It was so special. The staff told me to let you know that if they are ever in trouble, they know who to call. They admire your unending commitment and outstanding drive to accomplish your goal, a fitting resting place for Noor. We walked out to the paddock area where the burial place is planned. It is so important to them to get it right and to honor Hall of Fame horses in the manner they deserve. When I was at the Hall of Fame itself, I looked up the wonderful information on Noor. Magnificent! Also, I wanted to let you know that Zenyatta is alive and well in the hearts and minds of many. Everywhere I went, her name came up. At Claiborne, her battle with Blame is remembered and she is admired, at Lane’s End she is honored and revered, at Saratoga her picture is everywhere with books and videos and paintings. When I walked into the HOF gift shop, the video of her races was playing on the TV. While on the backside, the guide and I began talking about her, at Warm Springs yet again, in a couple of the hotels when I was checking the site, the list goes on. As long as she is in our hearts and minds, as long as our love is strong and we continue to tell her amazing story she will never die, but hold her rightful place in history and live on through the passage of time. When I was at Secretariat’s Meadow, the tours were totally sold out, they said that had not expected such a response and that plans were underway to increase the tour schedule. The individuals present were people of all ages, grandparents, parents, children young and old who all remembered Secretariat, either because they had seen him while he was alive or they had heard his story long after his death. The expression of love was overwhelming. Along with Team Z, we are the guardians of Zenyatta’s flame. I agree that there must be so many stories out there that we have yet to hear and what an expression of love for Zenyatta if we share those on this site as well as with the people we meet along our life’s pathway!!
@The Kennedys – Your posts with memories of Mario for Zenyatta are wonderful. Thank you!
@Abigail – Had to let you know that I visited Darby Dan Farm and the grave of Roberto. What a historical and breathtaking farm. They asked me if there were a couple of stallions that I wanted to see in particular. I choose Tale of Ekati and then Repriced, one of the, if not the last son of Roberto himself. It was very special and I kept thinking of the marvelous article you wrote on Zenyatta’s pedigree. I hope the Hall of Fame is aware of the pieces you write; they would be magnificent additions to their archives!!
@Karen Gogue – Hi, lady. I did receive your e-mails. Everything sounds great, thank you for all of your efforts on our behalf!
Lou Ann Cingel – So glad you are feeling better!
@Kimberly Potter – I will certainly be praying for your little one!
Ida Lee
Hi Darling..I’m glad you’re doing so well. I’m very happy for Cozi…she’s a doll! Otherwise, I’m not too pleased that Cape Blanco beat my Gio Ponti yet again. This is very frustrating since I adore my beautiful and talented Gio. But being the fickle female I am, I may have to give the Cape a second look. By his next race, I may very well be in love with him too. Also, it seems Goldikova races every week. Doesn’t matter…win or lose, she is the Goodess of European Racing and second only to you my love here in the USA.
DJ
For “Z” Friends who would like to share a Morning Prayer/Hymn:
………………………………..
This day begins as the Lord’s true witness,
Whom thru the ages all have held in honor;
Now let us praise him and his deeds of glory
With exultation.
So now in chorus, giving God the glory,
We sing his praises and his mighty triumph,
That in his glory we may all be sharers
Here and hereafter.
Brenda in TX
It was so funny seeing the Z clan in the J Mabee, but spread out differently – Mikey on one horse – J Sadler w/ the Moss’ Cosie Rosie & Your John saddling Harmoniously – she looked so much like you from the cotton in her ears to being @ the back of the field – I have to look up Goldie’s race I hadn’t heard that yet – Gotta love that little racing machine – she always gives it her all – Good Monday everyone – gotta have Mondays so that we can finally have our Fridays ….
Brenda in TX
@ Dawn – printed your post so that I can read it tonite after work – can’t wait to hear about your trip
Lauren
Hello beautiful girl – I hope you and Baby Z are doing well this morning. Do you have any updated baby bump pictures that you would like to share? I would love to see how you are progressing. Have a blessed day beautiful girl. xoxoxo
darlene
love ya Zenny I was in Ky. not long ago and was at Lanes end I so wished I could of visited you I was so close but wasnt able to see you. I hope someday your fans can visit love ya always
Stella Bagwell
Dearest Zenyatta,
I tried to watch as many races as I could over the weekend–they were all so enjoyable! Cozi Rosie’s performance had me cheering out loud. She really ran gamely and I know you and the Moss’s must be very proud of her win.
I see the east coast tracks are wet today. If only they could send some of that rain back to Texas we’d be ever so grateful.
Glad to hear you had a quiet and relaxing weekend, dear girl. Take care of yourself and baby Z.
Love and hugs,
Stel
Lisa Smith
Goldikova remains the Queen of the Turf Mile! Sounds like she had a rough go the entire race–wide and on somewhat soft turf that isn’t her favorite. I’m sure she’ll return to the winner’s circle soon. I was THRILLED with Cozi Rosie’s effort. I think Garrett Gomez fit her perfectly and I really hope he’ll get to ride her back. Could be the start of a great partnership, kinda like you and Mike!
DJ
To Dawn C: It sounds like you had a life-changing trip full of memories! Thank you for always sharing them with us. Good to have you back with friends.
………………………………
To TC: Would love a joke today! Have missed them and your special way of telling them TOO!
……………………………….
To Kc: Hope you are doing well in your travels..keeping a candle for two burning. Ta!
………………………………..
To JB: Big Hugs were missed!
………………………………..
To Diastu in Temp: Where art thou?! Missing you here :)
………………………………..
To Barbara Wood and Lisa G: Thank you
………………………………..
To Charlotte F: Sojourning with you in spirit! One on a mission for the benefit of All. Take care and God Bless…
………………………………
To Trina N: I enjoyed your poems! Beautiful inspirations.
…………………………………
DMCQ, Lisa g: Thank you! Missed your sunshine too!
Margaret
Z, I’m sorry Goldi lost this morning. I remember her win at the BC’s last fall. Her groom went running up the track jumping for joy. It was such a tender moment. His joy came radiating thru my tv he was that excited. I hope she came out of the race ok. I hope she is able to come back this fall to the BC.
As always my best to you and Team Z.
Pam Zacek,
Hi, Zenny,glad you had a wonderful weekend, things are going fast at Saratoga, I guess, and Del Mar, hope all your friends, do have a great safe trip around that track, and glad for the winner, seems to me, Women Powers are taking over, good for us, huh, have a wonderful, day.. and keep those fans blowing, guess its still hot down that way,
Andrea from Germany
Zenny, I allways enjoy your notes. Later on I will search for an replay of cozi rosies race. Your filly will be homebred right? PLEASE tell us about your little belly. Love you Zenny.
eastcoastkid
@Dawn; thank you for your wonderful posting…you have brought such joy back to us from your lovely trip…we need it…thank you too for visiting Big Red’s “boyhood” home and giving us such a vivid description…I envy your time there…tears flow with happy memeories of him…how grand to be at LE and know that Zenyatta is well and loved…that is special for all of us…welcome back…you have been missed!
Lindsay
Love you Zenyatta!
Strange, I was at the Million and I didn’t see any hail. It was a freak storm though!!
Debbie G
Happy Monday, my sweet beautiful Zenny. I hope you weathered Saturday’s storms OK. I know a big portion of Lexington and Versailles was without power for quite some time. I always think of you and all the other horses out there when it storms. You mentioned Pleasantly Perfect. I visited Lane’s End a couple of weeks ago and Pleasantly Perfect was out in his paddock. The groom was trying so hard to catch him, but every time he’d get close “PP” would take off running. You could tell PP was enjoying it. It was TOO CUTE! I love you Zenny! :-)
@Dawn Conrad – I’m so glad that you are back! I’ve really missed your posts. It sounds like you had an awesome trip. I am so glad that you were there for Tinner’s Way. It truly sounds like it was God’s plan for you to be there to rescue him. And how incredible it is that you got to go to Secretariat’s birthplace! How exciting that must have been. I would love to go there, and to Saratoga too. Welcome back, Dawn!
Kimberly Potter
My Beautiful Zenyatta~ Thank you for yet another interesting and informative post. You (and Dottie) never cease to amaze me. I am so thankful for this never ending connection we have with you. I love you more than words can ever express!
@Dawn Conrad~ Thank you for sharing your wonderful adventure. The memories you’re creating with your Mom will never be forgotten. You described the trip beatifully. Also, thank you so much for your prayers! Welcome Back!
@ALL~ Have a GREAT week. I look forward to everyone’s posts. I love this place.
@Sharon in Seattle, DMCQ, Suzanne G, and Lil from KY~ I left you a post on #318.
Zenyatta’s #1 fan in Montana!
Rroberta Smith
Hello Pretty Girl!
Glad you are enjoying yourself and relaxing. I love you Zenyatta!
judy berube
Dear Z,
So good to know you are well and happy. Cozi Rosie is one of our favorites. Congrats to her on her win. Love Goldi. She always tries.
Dear Dottie, thank you so much for continuing this wonderful Diary and sharing Z’s life with us. Love you Z and love to all of you, Judy and Russ
JAG from California :-)
ZENNY! ZENNY! ZENNY! Happy Monday Morning Queen Z!
—-
High hoof for COZI! I love watching the Mosses’ colors in the winner’s circle! :-D A bit of “irony” to see Garrett Gomez in those colors (wink wink), I don’t think I have to explain it to YOU!
—-
It was great to see YOUR John, Dottie and Mikey on Saturday :-) Memories from last year’s Clement Hirsch came flooding back. I was also thinking of the first time I laid eyes on you; 2008 Clement Hirsch; post 8! Win #7. Hardly anyone was standing around the paddock that year – HA! I have great photos from that day :-)
—-
Sending lots of Kisses & Hugs, Queen Zenyatta and Baby z XOXOXOXOXOXO
Diane
Very exciting for the Moss team! I think the ground was soft—not to Goldikova’s liking….
judy berube
Dear Dawn Conrad:
Nice to hear from you and glad that you and your Mom had a wonderful trip. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Debbie G.:
Loved your story about Pleasantly Perfect. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear DJ:
Thank you for the Morning Prayer. Glad you’re back. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Terry Crow:
We’re waiting for today’s joke. Hugs, J.B.
Margaret
@Dawn Conrad
The meadow is now owned by Virginia State Fair. Not to be confuse with the State Fair. Names are VERY familiar and is easy to mix up. Secretariat’s coaling stall has actually been moved. I was there in 2007 when renovations were under way. If you place yourself at the big brick house (I know it’s ugly from the outside and doesn’t fit in– but inside you have wall to wall, floor to ceiling walnut wood covering. It is UNBELIEVABLY gorgeous)–at the front door and look to your left there was a field for the mares with foals. Out in that field was an old building–two stalls big. That was where Secretariat was born. When I saw it it had been over run by badgers (not an animal you want to contend with).
They moved the coaling stall across the street to try to keep all the horsie stuff together. It made perfect sense to me and I told the contractor my thoughts. He was very receptive and what was funny was my thoughts echoed everyone else’s but none of us had ever spoken!
I understand from others that they moved all the Secretariat stuff to the back of everything across the street.
I know that may sound like they somehow didn’t do justice to the Meadow and Secretariat but they were absolutely committed to doing all they could to honor Penny’s father, Penny and the big guy himself.
.
As for Serena’s Song–I met her poppa Rahy in 1996. What a total character. He came out of his stall and just as I was clicking the shutter on my camera he gave this HUGE yawn. I call it “When Animals Attack!” He looks like he’s about to go after the groom.
J Smith
Thank goodness David bought you, Zenyatta, at public auction for the Moss’es. Imagine everyone, if somebody else had bought Zenny, so many things would have been different. No diary for starters. Just imagine all the things that would not have happened in your life, if Zenyatta had not been as famous as she is and had not been owned my Mr & Mrs Moss. Well, even this past weekend would have been totally different for me.
@Dawn Conrad, welcome home. What a fabulous trip, I am going to read about it several times to savor every single bit.
Sue Fredrick
Hi big Mama Z, how are you and your baby bump doing? It sounds like you’re not only the Queen of Racing but also the Queen of Leisure too! Hope to see some pics of you when Sarah gets back, I know she’s been very busy.
@Kennedys from SD, thank you so much for your Z/Mario tidbits, just love to hear those things. Also thank you for the pics of Ebby, she’s so beautiful, and what a kind face she has. And also the pics of Take Control, he’s gorgeous, I love Indy kids and grandkids, and teamed up with Azeri WOW what a combo. I have him in my race watch so I don’t miss his return to the track. It sure looks like you had a GREAT time!
@Dawn thanks for the info on your vacation, you sure got to see a lot of great farms, horses(how is my man Indy doing, hope to see him in fall), historical sites, and isn’t Washington DC really fabulous to see. Welcome back.
@All hope everyting has quieted down and a good nites sleep has tempers cooled and things looking different in the light of day. We all have different opinions and likes and dislikes but thats what makes the world go round. How boring it would be if we were all the same – robots.
Congrats to the Mosses on Cozi Rosie’s win!
Luv you Zenny and kisses on your nose.