Happy Monday Everyone!
It was such a fabulous weekend of racing with so many Breeders’ Cup ramifications! Tasty and I reviewed several of the results with our pals here at Lane’s End. You have to LOVE a filly, DANEDREAM, beating the field very impressively in the ARC. As a matter of fact, the first 3 finishers in that prestigious race this year were FILLIES! This is very special and quite unique. GOLDIKOVA gave it her all in her race and just lost by inches in a photo. A great effort on her behalf for sure!
As for the American results, I must send a HIGH HOOF to my Moss pal, ZAZU, for her fabulous finish in the Lady’s Secret-G1. What a terrific victory! Dottie and I were commenting that this is the 4th year in a row the Moss’ have won the Lady’s Secret…and each year the winner’s name began with a Z…..3 for ME and now 1 for Zazu. This is rather remarkable!
Then in other races, Havre de Grace, Uncle Mo, Plum Pretty, Flat Out, Game on Dude and all of the other winners performed beautifully. What a very special weekend..with so many of these horses now making their plans to go to the Breeders’ Cup. The two year olds stakes action is also heating up…and it will be fabulous to watch horses like Creative Cause, Wemissfrankie and others continue to develop!
Let the FUN BEGIN!
Dottie also commented that all of MY PARTY PLANS are making great progress. As of Saturday afternoon, people from 12 different states have already ordered tickets. Several people stopped Dottie at the races and said THEY ARE COMING! This is getting to be very exciting. I can’t wait!
I’ll keep you posted on all of these fun things to come!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Click here for party details!
Kendra
Dottie, saw you on ESPN Classics after the Zazu race. You are sure one busy lady. Worried a bit about Blind Luck. Hope it was just an off day. Zenyatta, you and Tasty make a great team. Thank you for this fun website.
DJ
Dearest Sweet “Z” and little “z,”
Don’t you look precious out there grazing with Tasty! I love seeing the two of you together enjoying each other’s company. Congratulations to Zazu and to Cozi Rozi! We were there and it was a beautiful day! Blessings to you and your wonderful “Z Team!”
Cheryl Smith
Love you Z and your special friend Tasty. So great to see BFF’s enjoying each others company
LouAnn Cingel
Really enjoyed the races this past weekend and especially Zazu taking the win for the Lady’s Secret at Santa Anita. But have to admit though, that the races just aren’t the same Zenyatta with you not running anymore. You always seemed to put that special electricity in the air. You may not be physically at the races but I know that you are there in spirit.
The pic of you and Tasty there grazing is a beautiful one of two friends just enjoying the simplicity of life.
I love you lots and always will Zenyatta! Love and Blessings
Jeanie
Dear Great One,
Okay, I’m trying this again and hopefully I will be able to send you a complete message w/o screwing it up! As I mentioned earlier, you and TT look so beautiful snacking on Blue Grass and swishing your tails in the Kentucky sunshine. I did correctly predict ZAZU would win the Lady’s Secret, except I thought she would charge through on the inside, but instead she did it Zenyatta-esque, coming right up the center of the track with her ears pricked and mowing them all down. I also felt ZAZU would win for a couple of reasons: first, her name starts with a Z; second, she is owned by Jerry and Ann; third, she has been doing super for quite some time; fourth, she is a gray just like the great Lady’s Secret; and finally, ZAZU is also a descendent of Secretariat on her dam’s side. I think it is FABULOUS that she won and followed in YOUR hoof-steps in this historic race. Best to you and TT as you both wind down after an exciting weekend and enjoy the warm Kentucky sun.
Your humble J
sue
You look great Z and it’s so nice to have your friend Tasty with you…..Stay healthy and happy…
Max
Zazu did so well in her race and seemed to be following in your hoof steps with your famous come from behind running style. I certainly will be cheering for her at the BC. Keep enjoying your new life. You and TT look very well snacking together in that photo.
melinda kaczur
Great racing this weekend! Way to go ZAZU!!! I’m so excited,I bought my ticket for Zenyattas luncheon,To all of the people who responded to me and made me feel welcome I hope to get to meet you all in person. Everybody here has a common cause, WE ALL LOVE ZENYATTA. Thank you Dawn Conrad, Charlie from Delran NJ,Kimberly Potter,Trina Nagele,Diana Stuart, Barbara Wood,Shari Voltz,Judy Berube,Brenda S.Marshall (girls name)Margie. Your all the greatest!
Jodi
Look how cute you and Tasty are!
Susan
My party of 4 that bought 4 luncheon tickets come from 4 different states California/Oregon to Florida-we’re very excited. Loved this weekends races-Zazu, Mo, Havre de Grace, Wemissfrankie and others. But there were some great runs from horses that did’nt win-GOLDIKOVA, Awesome Gem, Cozi Rozi and Stay Thirsty all were closing hard.
You look great Z-What a great life in Kentucky
Joyce Groth
You look great! I look forward to your news each day Thanks for the picture.Love to you and the baby
Brigid Matthews
Again, thanks for sharing; can’t tell you how much I enjoy Zenyatta.
Debbie
hi Z! I love the photo of YOU and Tasty!!!
YOU BOTH look gorgeous and very content grazing;) The races were exciting and now my 2 favorites will probably be running in the Classic- Mo and Havre de Grace! Love YOU (my all time favorite) beautiful mama xoxoxo
Pam
What a beautiful picture. Two Moms-to-be, enjoying a little grazing in a lush pasture under sunny skies. Both of you are glowing.
Zazu nearly made our hearts stop with her come from behind victory. Reminds me of another mare who used to do the same thing! Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Moss on 4 consecutive wins in the Lady’s Secret!
Hope you and Tasty have a great week ahead of you!
Thank you, Mr. Shireffs for the great picture of two of our favorite girls.
Brenda S..
Zenny, the picture of you and Tasty together is beautiful, so relaxed enjoying the bluegrass. I feel so happy to know that your friend is Canadian, makes me feel an even stronger connection to you. Would you ask Dottie to please let us know how big Tasty is and when is her due date.
You both must have been thrilled with the results from this weekend’s racing, and what about all the girls, several of them doing a Zenyatta. You sure started a new fashion, winning with that come from behind run.
Your party is on track to become the social event of the year and I’m so sad that Vic and I can’t be there. You and Tasty will have to ask Matt for some extra carrots and pears to celebrate your success in your new position as Hostess with the Mostest.
Gloria Jeanne
Sounds like an amazing time to be had by all. I wish I could attend such a wonderful event – But I just can’t afford airline tickets or a hotel…and I take care of my mom so getting away for 2-3 days isn’t something I can do. Please know I will be there in Spirt and in my heart. Maybe next year when the Breeder’s Cup returns to California Zenyatta can have a special party in her honor – being that she won the Ladies Classic and The Classic here at Santa Anita – it would be fitting.
Anyway – Thanks to Dottie and the Mosss’ for putting on such a great event for the Greatest Racehorse to ever grace the racetrack!!!!
Love and Hugs!!
Mary
Love the photo. You two look like you are truly enjoying your time in the blue grass, Zenyatta!
Wish your party had been announced in time for some of us fans to have been able to come. 1 month is not enough:(
Hugs and Prayers
Fran Doos
Hi Z! A beautiful picture of you and your best friend-just grazing! Yes, it was a wonderful weekend of racing. And, a big YIPPEE to your family and to ZaZu! She is another great horse! Have a wonderful day!!
xxoo
Dawn Conrad
Dear Zenyatta. Aren’t you and TT just too beautiful for word’s. What a wonderful picture from our John!! You did look lovely in your fall coat also. I am so happy that you are staying cozy and warm as the seasons change. Many thanks to Lanes End for taking such good care of you, they are great. I believe that color of brown is definitely in for the season. You are gorgeous beyond words!! I have always loved the fall, Zenny, with just a little chill in the air, mixed with warm afternoon sun. The hues are amazing, bright gold’s, reds, yellows; browns mixed with vibrate greens pop against the bluest of skies. The breezes bring a kaleidoscope of color as leaves swirl in soft circles to the ground. There are a lot of apple orchards where I live and you can catch their sweet fragrance in the air. You would love it Zenny! The party sounds absolutely wonderful with such fun plans for the day. Thank you Zenny and please thank Team Z from the bottom of my heart. You will make an amazing hostess, of course you will have the very talented Dottie assisting I am sure. What a special way for your fans to come together from near and far, meeting each other face to face and spending time with the amazing Team Z all in celebration of our beautiful Zenyatta. Of course raising money for the V Foundation and being a part of the Breeder’s Cup makes it even more special. How I wish I could attend, but you know I will be there in spirit!!! I know everyone who is lucky enough to make it will have memories for a lifetime. As this is the “inaugural” event, I will be looking forward to hearing more plans for the future! This weekend has been a great racing weekend. I spent all day Saturday glued to TVG and then read the results of some of the European racing on Sunday morning. I have to say FILLIES RULE!! Zazu (Congrats to Ann and Jerry) and Uncle Mo were fantastic, so many of my favorites did well! I am very concerned for Blind Luck and understand that she is out of the Ladies Classic, how very sad. Also sad to hear about Cape Blanco being injured. I agree with you, Goldikova certainly tried her best and just missed. The fall racing season had a terrific kick off and will be so exciting!!! I love you so much Zenny. Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
Mary
Hi Z….You and Tasty look so happy grazing together…it is nice to have a good friend to share your day with. Yes the races were good…I was so glad Uncle Mo won. I felt bad for Stay Thirsty coming in third but he was up against older horses and third is not too bad. Both Mo and Thirsty have a great owner, Uncle Mike….just like you have great owners, Jerry and Ann. You three are very blessed horses. Us fans feel blessed to know all about you Z….it is fun to keep up with you and your day. Just seeing you graze is special…I am smiling. Hugs to you Z….
Diane Radu
Dearest Z,
I went to Santa Anita from San Diego in your honor and was SO HAPPY Princess Zazu won!!!! She did a famous Z move and truly made the race thrilling. I was also elated that Creative Cause won also by several lengths – he’s really a promising colt. Joel Rosario had his best day ever winning on both Zazu and Creative Cause AND Dubawi Heights – three Grade 1 stakes in one day! Congrats to Joel!
As thrilling as all the races were, Z, my friend and I missed our one and only Queen but were so happy that another great “Z” won the Lady’s Secret after you. Love you and miss you Zenny.
Lauren
Dear Zenny – You and TT look so lovely. Impending motherhood agrees with both of you. I am so happy for Zazu. She really is a cute girl. Love and kisses to you and Baby Z and TT.
Dawn Conrad
@Abigail in Montreal – I like so many others left you a message in an earlier post after reading that you had lost Jericho. I know it will take time, but I hope you are doing well. I read your beautiful tribute with tears and a smile. Sorry I cannot be there to give you a hug in person, hope you can feel them coming from my heart. For your spirit dog: The soul would have no rainbow, if the eyes had no tears. (Minquass)
@Susan in TN – Hello my friend. Have you been wearing your Chester hat? Too Cute!! What a wonderful way for DMCQ to bring a smile to your face when you really needed one.
@D Stuart and Everyone Else Planning on Attending BC 2012 – I agree!!! A Dumpling get together would be fantastic. Count me in!!!!
@Julie Anderson – Congratulations on expecting your first child, a wonderful baby boy!! My own birthday is December 7th. Too fun!
@Terry Crow – Thank you so much for your comment concerning my father and I.
@Kari Bussell – Dear Kari, I have known that you and I are kindred spirits, but now we have something else in common. My father’s mother is Cherokee and my mother’s is Irish, do you believe it! Keep shining those bells. I just know you will be the” bell” of the ball in more ways than one. From the beautiful videos you create and words you have written, I am sure Team Z knows how very much you care and how very much we all care for you. That you will be able to express it in person as you wish is my greatest hope. An Omaha Native American proverb says: “Ask questions from the heart and you will be answered from the heart.” My love, thoughts and prayers remain with you always.
@Kim S – Great to hear about some of the rescue horses, so sad however about the loss of Angel and poor Victor, I hope he finds a friend like Chester and Chopper did. You and your daughter are so wonderful to be helping as you do!!
@Melinda Kaczur – How fantastic that you have plans to attend Zenyatta’s fantastic party. I am sure you will an absolutely terrific time and will be surrounded by all things Z including Z friendship and love from all in attendance. What could be better than that?
@DJ – Hi, sweet DJ!! I am so glad you had a fantastic day at the races. Love, ya!
@Debbie S – Bundle up your shyness, pack it away and go for it girl!!! You will certainly not be alone, even in a room full of strangers the common bond will be the great Zenyatta, Team Z and the spirit of kindred souls. Have fun!!!!!
@Vicki B – Oh My, the tribute to Oreo you shared was so very beautiful! I was sobbing while “Goodbye My Friend” was playing.
@Kimberly Potter – Thank you for sharing the link to the story of Tonk, I missed it the first time. What an amazing story! Scary, but so glad it turned out alright.
@Happy Birthday – Trina Nagele your poems were wonderful as always. Happy Birthday, Marilu V, Signofthetimes and Anne of Paramount and Sue Noel!!!!
@Shari Voltz – My dear friend, as always, it was wonderful to hear about the Mistletoe party. How fun!! It was so great that Jennifer called she and Tim are remarkably kind. Love seeing all of the children responding in such a positive manner. You efforts on their behalf continue to amaze me every day!
@Doreen – How fantastic that you got to spend such an amazing day at Belmont!! Uncle Mo looked wonderful on the TV, cannot imagine how gorgeous he, HDG and Stay Thirsty are in person.
@RIP Banned and Fleet Indian, my condolences to all the connections.
@Too all of my fantastic Z friends, my prayers are that you all remain healthy, happy and enjoy living life to the fullest. We all share so much joy together with our amazing Zenyatta and Team Z!!!! Love and blessings to everyone!!!
Ida
Zazu and Havre are beautiful and incredibly talented girls. Their races were spectacular. I am worried about another of our girls, Blind Luck. I’m hoping she’s alright. Maybe she just wants to be in your position Little Girl…munching on grass and exhibiting a cute baby bump. By the way, the picture of you and Tasty is one of the cutest ever.
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
You look so very beautiful mowing the grass with TT. YOUR JOHN
took a beautiful photo as usual. The races were so exciting this weekend. Hope you have a beautiful day relaxing, grazing and keeping up with you business endeavors. So glad you are raising money for your less fortunate equine friends. XXXXOOOO
Dawn Conrad
@Bookmark #3: Hello all of you Z readers. Here is another book recommendation. The book is called, “Grit and Valor: The Story of Swale by Timothy J. Thompson. From my past post descriptions, you know how much I love Claiborne Farm. It is a place where the history of the past and the promise of today live together. It is the home and final resting place of the immortal Secretariat among many other greats. In the Claiborne cemetery, you will find the names of champions whose accomplishments echo down through the ages. One of these champions is a star that burned across the heavens and ended much too soon. His name is Swale. A beautiful, talented son of Seattle Slew and the most beloved Claiborne home bred. Swale was born on April 21, 1981 and was a definite chip off the old block, both in looks and ability. Under the guidance of Woody Stephens he came very close to following in Seattle Slew’s hoof prints by nearly winning the Triple Crown, missing by a loss at the Preakness. His early years on the farm are described, as well as all fourteen of his races, his untimely death and the circumstances surrounding it. You will feel the heartache of his loss and the unfilled promise of what might have been.
Toward the end of the book, the author also related some of the story of the great Seattle Slew’s daughter Landaluce. Many of you may have heard of her, but it was the first time I had read anything. I wanted to share a little, as I found it so touching. She was a brilliant 2 year old filly, beautiful and dark looking much like her sire and Swale. In 1982, she set a world record for six furlongs at 1:08 flat. She was trained by D. Wayne Lucus, who described her at the time as the best two year old he had ever trained. She was undefeated and a star in the making when she became ill with colitis. Six days later, she died with her head resting in her trainers arms. In his autobiography “Lucas in Action” he wrote a wonderful tribute to her, which appears in this book. She is buried in the infield at Hollywood Park.
There are so many stories about the fabulous female race horses that are not always heard . Our wonderful Abigail has written many and I have loved every one of them. They hold such a special place in history. Trainers like D. Wayne Lucas and Larry Jones among others have been blessed to train some of the greatest female race horses ever. Our John has been blessed with the greatest of them all!!!
Both the story of Swale and Landaluce show the remarkable connection between horsemen and women and the animals they raise, care for, dream about, respect, love and miss. Be sure to check out You Tube as I do each time I am reading a racing book and watch these magnificent horses both in play and on the track for yourself. Breathtaking!!
Marilu V.
Dear Zeny: Thank you for all the information on the races this weekend. I was not able to watch the races nor go to your website. I am so happy Zazu won. How great to hear Uncle Mo won. Please keep us informed about Blind Luck. I hope she is OK. Hugs and Kisses, Marilu
Dawn Conrad
@Debbie G – So sorry, the message titled Debbie S was for you. :):)
Marilu V.
Dear Zenyatta! Forgot to tell you how fabulous and peaceful you and Tasty look grazing in the grass! Love and prayers to both of you for a continued safe and healthy pregnancy. Hugs, Marilu
Georgia Harper
My goodness you and TastyT look so happy and relaxed. Congrats to Zazu she certianly won in grand style. It was a wonderful weekend of racing but my heart goes out to the connections of Banned, I thought he might make it what a beautiful guy he was. Happy Monday to all and thank you John and Dottie for the fabulous pictures and wonderful posts.