Good Morning, dear friends!
It is such a glorious day outside. As a result, I am able to just stand under the trees and graze for a bit. This is just like I would do at Barn 55! It reminds me so much of those moments in my California Home!
The weather has been rather lovely…and I am enjoying every single moment of my time outdoors. I must say, I have adjusted beautifully to my new life and my ‘new career’ as a MOM-TO-BE!
I am wearing my ‘sunglasses’ often these days…not just for the sun but to keep those ‘adorable…yet pesty flies’ off my face. These masks really work.
As you can see, I am ‘growing’ a bit…but in all of the right ways. While relaxing and grazing, I do use the time to think about so many things!
It is always interesting to reflect upon what one has achieved and the different paths one may experience in life. Last year at this time, I had just won #18 in a row and my 3rd Clement Hirsch-G1 stakes. I was enjoying a few weeks of RNR after the race with MY JOHN, Mario, and Steve at Del Mar. The cool ocean breezes were making it such a comfortable environment. I was also grazing on the grass and standing by trees…just like I am now.
Some things in life change and one’s life goes through various stages. Other things remain very much the same…and constant! I am such a BLESSED HORSE. I have been so fortunate to experience all of the different stages of being a very successful and world-class athlete in my sport…and yet have so many special and sweet things in my life stay happily the same.
Lucky ME!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Delrene
Thank to all for their wonderful posts and links. I have an old book entitled The Look of Eagles by John Taintor Foote. Beautiful little story and I love the dedication as follows:
“To those that come forth at the bugle and the bell”
I had not ever read the article “The Green Saddlecloth” and yes, I agree, certainly cleared out my tear ducts. I was privileged to see you race in person on a number of occasions and they always took my breath away. The love that poured from the crowd to you was so amazing. Thanking you again Dottie and Zenyatta for keeping you and all your activities within easy reach for all of us to enjoy. We miss you terribly, but know you are sublimely happy in your new role as a Mom-to-be.
And like your John , Jerry H did what he thought was best for his 3 year old too. I for one, am relieved. I really was concerned about her being in there with the big boys. Not that she couldn’t have beat the pants off them!
It will still be a wonderful day @ Del Mar, both Sat. and Sunday.
You have a great weekend Ms. Z. Good luck to your Bernie’s son!
Barbara Wood
@Denise from AZ–sending fervent prayers your way for the job. In this uncertain world, we need each other’s love and support.
Wishing Team Noor the best on the journey “home”.
@All East Coast Dumplings–batten down the hatches and take all precautions against the coming storm. Be safe. Please give reports that you’re ok afterward.
Barbara Grimaldi
KARI! Just was dazzled by another of your videos. How many have you made and how many have you posted on this site? These are all gifts you have given to us! Thank you, Kari–and remember that we all love you and are pulling for you…I’m with Diana–miracles happen, and we all want one for you.
Love
Barb G
Bob
You were on of the most overhyped horses of all time. Congrats on proving me right in the 10 BCC.
Barbara Grimaldi
DEAR ZENYATTA!!! I have always meant to ask you this question: which racing surface did you like best? You raced on many, and won on them, so that’s terrific, but I wondered if you had a favorite. Also, if you or Dottie can tell us–why do tracks use synthetic materials like Del Mar does? Dirt is not good enough for performance? You have turned me into one of the most curious horse lovers in the world–so I ask! I love you so much, dear Zenyatta. You are my inspiration.
Debbie G
@Abigail in Montreal – Well, I’ve got some good news and some bad news regarding Will Harbut’s great-granddaughter, Kisha. The bad news is that I talked to her today and she is not a “horse” person. I can’t believe that I’m actually writing this, but she didn’t even know who Zenyatta was! She said she does remember her grandmother telling stories about Mr. Harbut, but she has since passed. The good news is that there is an old man that she used to deliver mail to that knew her grandfather well and she thinks that he would have some info about Mr. Harbut. She was going to try to contact him today, so hopefully I’ll know something in the next day or two. Keep your fingers crossed!
Dawn Conrad
@To My Z Friends – My thoughts and prayers are with all of you along the east coast as Irene approaches. My you stay safe!!
@Kathy Kimber – Thank you for the information. God’s speed in your journey. I wish I could be at the ceremony in person, but I will be there in spirit.
@Ambigail in Montreal – I am serious about you writing for the Racing Hall of Fame, your work is truly inspiring. The piece on Will and Man’O War, beautiful!!
@Denise in AZ – Prayers coming your way!
@Doreen – The poem was marvelous
@Judy Berube – You are right, the story you linked us to said it all!!!!!!!!
@Shari – Hope you had a good day. GO MO GO!!!
@Susan in TN – Hello, my friend!
Sue Noel
wow! Lucky,lucky Sarah to spend so much time with you that she can take all the WONDERFUL pictures you have been sharing with us the past several days. Sarah,you must have one of the best jobs in the world!!!!!
Zenny,it is just TOO CUTE that you know just what to do when a camera is pointed at you-I love it!!
@ Denise in AZ-Hope all went well today–hooves crossed!!
@ Michelle–for years I have loved the reference of horses having ” the look of eagles”. The quote by Foote must be where that all started!!I have copied it exactly so that I can carry it with me. Thank you!!
RIP Kensei. I have loved racing all of my long life but when the horses are hurt–or worse—it just breaks my heart!! I have probably shed more tears over horses than anything in my life.They are such magical creatures!More and more I realize what a miracle it was that David recognized you for who you really were and made sure that you would have the best of everything to realize your full potential. That YOUR JOHN and the rest of the team brought you safely through everything is such a blessing!! YOU are a blessing to the whole world!!!! AND,the blessings just keep on going as you and your team keep on giving to so many.
Susan in TN-Hope you are feeling better these days! It was wonderful reading about Dawn’s visit there!! I hope to make it myself one day!Am trying to get caught up on some bills so that I can send another donation.Just love hearing about all there.
Dawn __I’m so glad to be able to read your posts again!! I’m behind on some,but am trying to catch up. Sometimes I only get to read what Zen/Dottie writes (and ,of course,marvel at the marvelous photos)>. I still continue to think about your fabulous trip and how you made us all feel as though we were right there with you—-Thanks!!!!
Zenny Girl,it is twilight now where you are and I hope you’ve had a wonderful day. May your dreams be sweet ones tonight and may tomorrow find you with the sun on your back and a soft breeze (with NO edges of the hurricane!)to ruffle your mane—-LOVE YOU!!!!
Deborah Richman
Z friends on the east coast…thinking of you and hoping you all stay safe as Irene approaches.
Denise in AZ…prayers for you and your husband and lots of positive energy coming your way.
Doreen…what a beautiful poem!
Judy B…loved the Green Saddle Cloth!
tony and sue
Zenny, we have yet another great photo of you today! Thanks, Sarah, for continuing to indulge us! Zenny, that #18 win still brings tears to our eyes…you were spectacular throughout your career but that one was very special to us. Stay happy and healthy. We are so anxious to see pictures of that baby of yours early next year. To all “dumplings” in the path of Irene…we pray for your safety.
Brenda S..
@ Judy B – Loved The Green Saddle Cloths but I was upset to read that Seth Hancock had not been very gracious. It seemed out of character. The mention of the weather made me consider that it may have been a bit too chilly for a California Girl and it took a bit longer than usual for her to “fire up”. Perhaps good reason to have the 2012 BC in more agreeable temps.
@ Barbara Wood – It seems as if Irene is going to deliver a hard hit to the East coast. Too bad that Texas couldn’t get some of the rain, without the hurricane damage. I hope the effects don’t make inland as far as Saratoga.
LauraJ
@Barbara Grimalsi, there are three types of racing surface: turf, dirt, and synthetic. Synthetic tracks are mixtures of sand, shredded fiber, shredded or granulated rubber, and wax. The surface material is installed over a base that includes a drainage system. The five name brands, each with its proprietary synthetic mixture and drainage system, are Polytrack–the most widely used, Tapeta Footings, Cushion Track, Pro-Ride, and Fibresand. Del Mar has Polytrack, Hollywood Park has Cushion Track, and Santa Anita had Pro-Ride until it was replaced late last year.
–
The primary reason for installing a synthetic track is that it is all-weather (when properly installed and maintained). A synthetic track is always “fast” even in wet or icy conditions. There is some indication that synthetic surfaces produces fewer catastrophic breakdowns. Some trainers, including John Shirrefs, believe that soft tissue injuries are more common, however.
–
Synthetic surfaces are not loved by many racing people, for various reasons. The first is that all-weather surfaces may look like dirt, but they don’t necessarily behave like dirt. In many ways they are more similar to turf, which is why horses with “turfy” pedigrees and turf experience often do well on poly. Bettors dislike poly because it is harder to handicap than dirt. Some people simply dislike it because it is not “real” and is somehow un-American.
–
There is variation in dirt tracks too. Belmont, aka The Big Sandy, has a deep, sandy composition. The new Santa Anita surface was lightning fast, with track records being broken right and left, but produced a spate of breakdowns.
–
Zenyatta’s best races were at Santa Anita on the Pro-Ride and on the dirt at Oaklawn Park. She was not fond of the surface at Del Mar.
–
Synthetics are also used as arena surfaces for other equestrian sports.
Nancy Colley
It is such a joy to watch you enjoying your new life; you have brought so much joy to a lot of peoples lives and continue to do so. Please thank Dottie for all she does to keep us informed about your new life and all the inside info she also provides for us.What a girl; keep up the good work. You truly are the QUEEN!!!!!!!
Abigail from Montreal
@ Brenda S. GLAD IT ARRIVED SAFE & SOUND!!!
@ Dawn Conrad: THANK YOU for the amazing response to my writing! I will treasure your comment.
@ Karen Gogue: Thanks for writing me with news about Post #325 — I had NOT seen this message but will attempt a follow-up.
@ Debbie G. What a sweetheart you are! I look forward to hearing more…..But how thoughtful of you. Many, many thanks!
@ Linda in FLA: Thanks to Karen, I read your message. THANK YOU! I will try to see if I can contact this gentleman through the Kentucky Horse Park.
TO ALL: How wonderful to know all of you! Thanks to Zenny & Dottie, my life is SO MUCH RICHER because all of you are in it!!!
DJ
To JB: It’s all here in cyber happy hour! No need to get in the car :)
Lisa g
@Denise in AZ, I visited Pepper, Peyton and Eli. My friend, Aanie, could not find you, I was going to tag and unable to. Her first love is donkeys, goats, cats, and then horses. She loves Zenyatta, but her fav is Winning Colors. Her sister lived in KY and she will not let me forget that she has been to Church Hill, saw John Henry race in person, and saw Zenyatta race in person. We are truly the best of friends. I know she would be so tickled to see Peyton and Eli. You have more cute pics of Pepper, they are just adorable, left comments. I am in constant prayer for your husband and his job…Sleep good, thinking of you…Faith…Lisa g.
Lisa g
@LauraJ, Wow your are amazing. How do you know all these things. First your answer to Patricia and now this for Barbara. I am in awe. Lisa g.
Barbara Wood
Who was that Bob person above who insulted Zenyatta? He must not have seen the race that we saw and what she did on that track.
@Brenda S– Yes, I would love the rain without hurricane damage.
@Debbie G–well done! Glad you can get us some info. We won’t give up on Kisha just yet. She just hasn’t learned about Z….yet!
@Laura J–thank you so much for explaining about Tapeta tracks. In this month’s Bloodhorse magazine, there is a farm listed for sale with a Tapeta track. I was clueless about what that meant. We learn something every day here!
I have to say good night a little early tonight, Miss Z. Have to call our daughter and check on the rescue kitty.
Lisa g
@JB, your computer skills amaze me, how can you get part of Uncle Mo’s website on Zenyatta’s website. You really need to come over and show me a few things. However, I did take your advise and did a search and came up with the correct results the FIRST time…Yeah, blush, blush..Lisa g.
Lisa g
@KariB and Sharon in S: Good night, sweet Dumplingz, my prayers and love for the both of you. See you tomorrow…..Lisa g.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, Rest comfy and cozy with that Baby Bump, you look just beautiful..of course, you would do this perfectly, just as you do everything. Good night, Queen, and her baby…I love you, I love you, I just love you..Lisa g
Paula Higgins
Yes Zenny, you were blessed and so were we. As Mike said about you, you are GOD’S horse. So sorry to hear about Kensei. It is the side of this sport hat is hard to bear. I hope he is with Jesse Jackson.
Linda/Maryland
Oh Ms. Lovely, I see your tummy~! How beautiful it makes you! YOU are glowing~!!
I love you Zenny~!!!
Sally (B)
I am thankful you were a blessed horse Z.
For all you are, for what you still do, this remains constant. Your greatness remains constant and my love for you does too. Memories are important as time brings change. love with 2 kisses on your soft nose
@Dawn Conrad; Wow, your yesterdays post was a work of written art. How can you do that!? I believe in miracles, I believe there is a power greater than myself, for me it is God. Years ago when being wheeled into surgery, so fearful I may not return; I placed myself into his hands, and I began to relax & lose the fear. I was okay. God Bless you and all on this post. I have not read this post yet.
judy berube
Dear Lisa g.:
Thanks, you are TOO CUTE. See, you did it.
Good for you. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear DJ:
That’s right. How convenient. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Laura J.
Thank you once again for a very informative, interesting post. Hugs, J.B.
Tairaterces
My, my young lady your baby bump looks wonderful on you . . . . :)
xoxox
Sally (B)
Goodnight sweet Z. many kisses
@the Kennedy’s; you have been so lucky to be so close to Z, to hear her grazing. Bet you’d like to hear her now in Kentucky too with the luscious green grass,as I would.
judy berube
Dear Abigail from Montreal:
You have enriched us with you beautiful articles from The Vault. Thank you. Hugs, J.B.