Good Morning to EVERYONE!!!!!
I hope all is well with all of you! I’m doing GREAT! I just had to share this photo with you this morning. Maggie Yount took it and sent it to Dottie. John and I have this game we play. As many of you know, John ALWAYS wears a baseball type cap! I have truthfully NEVER seen him without one. (Dottie even teased him that he needed to wear one when they got married. IT IS JUST SO MUCH A PART OF HIM…and HIS PERSONALITY.)
The object of our game is that I would try to take the CAP OFF OF HIS HEAD! Well, on this afternoon, this is the first photo…me sniffing around his head and nuzzling his head/cap. Then guess what happens next????????? I WIN! I grab the cap…and start playing with it. John just laughs. After a bit, I do let him take it back. John and I would do this often at the barn. THIS IS OUR SPECIAL GAME!
The other cute thing of this photo is that this cap is an AFTER MARKET CAP from Lane’s End. Well, AFTER MARKET was trained by John and was at the barn while I was there. He and I used to graze together in the afternoons. He would be grazing by one tree…and me by the other. AFTER MARKET is now a stallion here at Lane’s End. I hear his foals are lovely! In our industry, they refer to a group of horses born in a particular calendar year as ‘A CROP’. After Market’s first crop…they are currently yearlings. They will turn 2 on January 1st. As you know, that is the official birthday of race horses.
Breeding farms have a stallion area and a broodmare area. AFTER MARKET is in the stallion division in another part of the farm from where I am. When John is here, he also loves to visit his friend, AFTER MARKET. He was a terrific race horse and won some fabulous GRADE 1 races on the turf while he was with us. John is very proud of him and his accomplishments.
We have had such fun…and so many terrific memories!
Oh…the delivery truck is arriving at the main office. I’m hearing that LOTS of people are sending me Holiday Goodies! I guess I have been ONE VERY GOOD GIRL!
Thank you so, so much for thinking of me! Happy Saturday!
With Love,
HUGS TO ALL~
Z
Kim Curtsinger
Zenny-I saw you knock John’s hat off when you paraded at Keeneland. I thought that was so cute, didn’t know it was a game for you two. I love your posts. Please keep them coming. I am so sorry the weather here is so bad. I hate snow and ice. Don’t mind the cold though. Hang in, you’ll love springtime in Kentucky.
Have a wonderful evening.
Mrs. C
I come each afternoon to seeing the posting of your day. Great kudo’s to staff to keep folks learning about an very old
industry, keep the information coming.
Mrs. C
Maureen
Just tickled to hear about your mail. thats what happens when you touch people hearts!!! one word Zenyatta…. Scrimshaw!!! tell john you want to meet him…!!! girl he is a ahndome prospect! his grandsire was Sham. can you imagine the royalty line ?
Suzanne G
Dear Zenyatta,
You are an inspiration to so many people and have so many of us interested in what you do and what you ‘say’ I’m hoping your family will find a way for you to be an even greater positive influence–even greater than having a foal every season. Hope you’re finding wonderful new games to play! Special thanks to your teams for keeping you so happy, healthy and safe and for sharing you with all of us.
Cathleen
If my memory serves me right, that game was featured in your 60 minutes piece. You got it off. It looked like such fun. I had never seen John without his hat. I thought it was glued to his head and never came off! LOL! Glad you are getting lots of treats you so deserve. You’ve been such a good girl I’m sure Santa will be bringing you something special. XOXO
victoria
My friend reads me your posts nearly every day — she always makes it sound as tho’ you’re right in the room — I mean BARN! with me.
i think i sense an AFTER MARKET date!! Sounds good to me — especially since you both have already been around each other and seem to graze well together — this will be a very important first for you — and it’s got to be the right one — not just about having a wonderful foal but having the best experience.
think of you when ever I’m in need of cheer. Thank God you were born and your team came along.
Shannon
Lane’s End must be lit up like a beacon every night from all the love that is sent there for Zenyatta. Queen Z, my office walls are filling up with photos of you. You are very inspirational.
Robyn Mullhausen
Thanks for sharing this cute story, Z. You and Dottie are probably the only ones allowed to remove John’s hat. ;) Your game is cute, but glad you gave John his hat back. lol I’m sure Santa will be VERY good to you. We appreciate you taking the time to keep us “posted”.
Lynette Lucas
Queen Z – I love your game, I hope you have been able to play your game with your new friends there at Lands End.
I hope the delivery trk has some great stuff for a great lady like you!! Your are the Best!!
Love you!!!
Suzanne G
Hi,
Saw this site referenced on a previous post. Adding it again in case someone missed the entry. It’s a way to influence an actual vote for HOY. Just go to the article–2nd green button to the left when you get to the site. Mr. Davidowitz thinks the fans should have a voice in the selection and also thinks there should be a new ‘Lifetime’ – type award.
http://www.gradeoneracing.com/davidowitz.htm
RDV
Reading this diary just reinforces the love for all things Zenyatta…and sbows the world what ‘doing thigs right’ is all about.
Katie Clawson
You are ALWAYS a good girl Zenny!! I hope you get some very delicious treats :D I send my best to you and all of your staff in KY and CA.
Shanna
That’s a great picture! Thanks for sharing it :) Happy Holidays to you Zenyatta :)Love Ya!
Sue Fredrick
Oh I can see it now. Zenyatta HOTY, John trainer of the year, the Mosses owners of the year, Dottie writer of the year. Mike jockey of the year, Mario groom of the year. That’s the way it should be. I think you should train Charles to play your little game, I’m sure he’d love it too. When will the decision be made on who your date will be? I vote for AP Indy if you look at his younger pictures he was one handsome dude. Sleep warm. Kisses on your nose.
Trish & Mike in Colorado
LOVED THIS PHOTO !!! Hollywood Park just seems empty without you, Zenyatta. We didn’t even go for the last weekend of racing there because we thought we’d miss you too much. We’d better buck up, because you seem awful happy in KY.
You know, AFTER MARKET really is a beautiful horse–he had such presence on the track, too . . . .
Dawn Conrad
Dear Zenyatta, Hello from snowy Colorado. I certainly enjoyed both of your posts today. It appears that winter weather is touching many places. Christmas is right around the corner and when it comes to being naughty or nice, you are hands down the nicest. Isn’t it amazing how your generous and playful spirit touches all of those who spend time with you in very individual ways. From giving fans hugs and kisses, to looking at John with an understanding and soulful gaze as he talks with you one minute then stealing his hat the next, to making Charles a superstar and the list is never ending on how you relate to everyone. How special is that!! Thank you for all of the information you have been sharing with us. I have been interested in the history and workings of the thoroughbred industry most of my life. I have asked alot of questions and read alot of books, so it is wonderful to have an inside source like you. Hope plans are being finalized so that we can come and visit in 2011. We will certainly say hello to After Market also. I love checking in on Giacomo when at Adena Springs. Keep that stocking hanging, I am sure it will continue to be filled to overflowing as are our hearts are whenever we think of you.
Robin
Hi Z!! What a fun game you play with John..Doesn’t surprise me, because you have such a great and funny personality! Hope all is well Z!! Missing you in Cali! Stay warm gorgeous girl!! MUAH!!! XOXO
Linda Henderson
Thanks so much for sharing the picture and memories of your special game with John I love each Diary entry.
Ingrid in MA
Hi Zenny! Saw the picture of your mom,Vertigineux,on your Facebook page. I thought such a pretty horse couldn’t be a mom,it had to be your twin sister! I can see where you get your beauty. And your height. And your pricked up ears. Except for her having a star on her forehead rather than a blaze,I would have thought I was seeing another picture of you! Two beautiful horses – now there’s no doubt in my mind that a foal of yours (especially a filly!) is going to be absolutely GORGEOUS!!
Elaine
I was there that day, too. I also have a cute picture of you playing with John’s cap. You are a character!
Elaine
Is there an email address where I can send you the picture?
NDfilly
What makes someone like your Queen Mom the Broodmare of the Year and is there a Stallion of the Year? Do you ever see the stallions in their area or does it everyones hormones to out of control?
Elena Erdman
Dearest Zenyatta. What a fun game you play with John, you both look so happy. I like games like that they make me happy and this story sure made me smile. I love the picture. Thanks for the information about a crop. Didn’t know this either. I am learning and I thank you for telling us useful information. So what was in the delivery truck? Lots of goodies for you. There is a stallion there called Rock Hard Ten and he is tall like you and I saw him there when I visited Lane’s End about two years ago. Have you seen him. He raced in Cali and was fantastic, has anyone checked him out for you as a date? Thank you precious for your wonderful update, two today, I love it and love reading all the comments. Take care. We are shivering with rain here in Cali and it is going to last several days. Stay warm my good good girl. The best!
Mary McQuire
Thanks for the update.
Judy Sims
I got both yesterday’s (Friday’s) and today’s diary post today. The weather here in southwest Florida is cold and rainy and miserable but no snow! No sympathy for us Floridians when I see pictures of the weather disasters up North.
Having grown up with horses I understand all the stuff that some of your fans are freaking out about (ie lip chain, no blanket outside and not being ridden again). Once you get loose in the fields of Lane’s End you will get lots of exercise of your own choosing. Galloping around and rolling and just being a horse (a very special horse though). Thanks to you and Dottie and I suppose Sarah too for all the daily news. It’s my daily soul food.
Hugs & nose kisses.
Bridge
Too cute with the hat Z!!!!
I am a new racing fan because of you. I’m keeping my eye on your old running pal El Vino! He’s a cutie!
Sandy Twigg
Hmmm~is there a possible date with After Market in your near future. I am dying to find out who the lucky fella is going to be.
Enjoy hearing how you are doing along with all of your human companions as well.
Thank You Very Much!
Linda
Dearest Zennie, I bet you want John to take his hat off and take a bow. He is amazing as a trainer! Winning the Kentucky Derby with Giacomo and Two Breeder’s Cup wins in one season with Life is Sweet and you. And now I heard that your sister, Eblouissante, will be sent to John. Is that true? Maybe you could send her some pointers on how to win dramatically, dance with style and pose for pictures. I also see your brother, Souper Spectacular, loves running on grass and has 3 wins in a row. Your mother, Vertigineux 2008 broodmare of the year, is something special just like you. Maybe you can follow in her hoofprints and deliver us the next big superstar.
Sally
Everything I read is just awesome. Playing games with John had to be fun. I saw After Market when I had the privilege to come to Lane’s End open house the next day after the Breeders Cup, where I came to see you Z. My heart was broken that you lost by a large nose; not for me, but for you. You are compared to Secretariat and he was a boy; so look what that says about you!!! My Miss personality, I love you!!
Jeanie langford
Glad you are well. Missed yesterdays post. When are we going to see some video. Pictures are great, but video is better. Maybe they will set you free for Christmas. Love you lots big girl.