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
Fran
Hi Z! You are right-california is getting lots of rain. Not so much here in Fresno, but LA is really getting it. You are going to have to tell your Kentucky friends to wear baseball caps too so you can continue the game. I am getting things for Doozey’s Christmas stocking; cookies, carrots, peppermints, sweet potatoes and maybe some ale. Can you think of anything else she would like to eat? Have a wonderful Sunday Z!
Sharon
All I want for Christmas – and the new year – is to know that Zenyatta has been voted HOTY!!! which she already is in the hearts of millions of us. Stay warm and happy beautiful Z. Send videos when you can enjoy your treats!! Thanks Team Zenyatta – have a happy holiday season, even though Zenya is not there.
Sunny Boyd
Yeehaa Zetty,
I knew it!! You are a born entertainer!! Pullin’ the cap of John’s head all by yourself, that shows you have showbiz in your blood!! Now, take a cap with eatable flowers on, put it on Charles and see what you can do. I bet you can also figure out how to pick up a large plastic chugga-lug kinda cup containing Guinness and stealing it off a table and lifting it up & drinking it. You’re a real sharpie.
Valerie Chase
Evening Z! We look forward to your posts so much because it makes our hearts warm that you are happy and doing so well. Please share our appreciation with your “family” and give them big muzzlie kisses! Love you Zenny! xxoo
Valerie Chase
Forgot to mention Z, we are adopting two of your racetrack buddies. Don’t worry, they will be so spoiled! Night Z! :)
nancy
what a great photo. Yes most of us knew that this was a fun game with John and yourself, you silly girl so full of life. I agree that Charles needs to be played with as well. And I have been hearing as well that your sister Eblouissante might be heading to Johns barn? we need details Z if you can find out any. What a treat this would be for all of us as well. Glad you are getting loads of goodies, and knowing how special you are, I’m sure you are sharing with all your new friends :) I think AP Indy would be perfect fit for you, we are all hopeful, but we know AP is getting up there, but who ever it is will be a match made in heaven. We are all on pins and needles as to who it will be. Thanks to Dottie and everone else that helps keep your post going. I check it ever day. We love you Z
Alene
Hi Zenny. You are a very SMART and funny girl.. Enjoy beautiful! Cute games you played with John. Very gentle and loving. Its treat time and well deserved!!! Enjoy! Lots ao love always, Alene….Love you too, Dottie
Dani
Hey Z! Glad to hear you loved your pedicure. I know my own ‘hooves’ feel and look much better after I have mine done as well.
The picture of you and one of,
if not your best friend, John, is priceless. It must have been so much fun to play that game. Who knew you were such a prankster? But life goes on and now you will have to find someone else to pick on!
Enjoy your Sunday. Hope the weather cooperates and you can get out and kick up some snow while you get in some serious dance time.
Peggy
Again,love you Zen and I can’t believe I forgot about After Market. I visited with him at Lane’s End. I thought at the time that I liked him very much He had a good personality too. I absolutely wanted you to have a date with Indy, (still do, but I liked after market very well too., The moss’s do have a big decision to make and i’m sure they’ll make the right one. As for you not being ridden you’ll be fine, and probably a whole lot healthier. And your health is most important. And, I wanted to say that yes we do need Ivory Liquid for the girl with the dirty mouth, please take these hints from us. Have a good night Zen, and I so hope to come visit you there one day. I’m about 10 hours from there (about on the Ga/fla) line, Please tell them there a Lane’s end that you want your fans to visit. I have visited there twice already and so much want to go back to visit, they were very, very nice there on my visits. Love,Peggy
Anita
You are one very loved girl, Zenny!!
Bridget
You are a very good girl! Any thoughts on After Market??
Jackie
Qood Evening Queen “Z” what terrible weather we are having in CA. However, just reading your updates brighten my day! Hope you had lots of goodies. I am sure your Christmas Stocking will be filled with lots of goodies and much love!
Stay warm and dry.
Hugs and kisses.
Anna
Aww. That sounds like such a fun game, Zenny. I sent you a Christmas card. I just mailed it yesterday, and I hope it gets to you in time for Christmas! I also ordered your collector’s issue of The Blood Horse yesterday. I can’t wait until it arrives in the mail. I will treasure it for years to come. I bought the Barbaro collector’s issue at Old Friends in KY. When your issue arrives, I will have collector’s editions of two of my all time favorite horses! Love you, Zenny!
Leslie
Hi Zen, that picture of you and John is just darling. Your game sounds like it was a lot of fun. I’m glad you and John have so many good memories.
I remember After Market. He was a terrific racehorse and nice looking too.
Enjoy all the goodies!! You deserve them, sweet girl.
Love you,
Leslie
Connie
Yes Zenny, you have been a VERY GOOD GIRL!
Bob Rose
Only since I met you and the Z Team have I come to appreciate how wonderful tears of joy can make one feel! (and i’m 72, but don’t tell anyone darlin). Each day as I read th effect you have had on so may of us that recognize what you mean to our lives, I think of the same tough task Seabiscuit gave us way back when. You are one of the greatest gifts God ever created, yet you are so compassionate and humble, much like the entire Z Team I must add. Ok, tears of joy are flowing again, and Ca, doesn’t need any more water right now. Aw, heck with it, gonna go watch Liza G. Fly’s tribute to you and go for broke (in the tears of joy department). Thank you Dottie, where would we be without you! Merry Christmas to the classiest mare and team the earth has ever witnessed <3
madison
hey zenyatta how you doing and MERRY CHRISTMAS all i want for christmas is you to have a wonderful time in kentucky. maybe your christmas present will be your baby and be a mom you will be a wonderful mom have you been think of a name cause i have some ideas like born legend that name like the baby will be born legend and when i see a googd baby has long legs but zenyatta your aby will be perfect ill write back love you
madison
:)
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, You are truly the gift that keeps on giving! This post has me smiling at your antics with John and the happy comments throughout. I’m assuming you have a cell phone to speak to Dottie throughout the day. She is incredible to put up with those of us addicted to you. And then I see you are on the AP list of top female athletes for 2010, what more are we going to see you accomplish? This evening I voted for you as HOY on Steve Davidowitz website, it’s nice that we fans are given a voice in that matter and hope it has some impact. I also suggested that Team Z should be given awards for their love and care in the making of your fabulous career. Talk to you tomorrow sweet girl. MUCH LOVE FROM ME TO YOU.
Catherine Uher
I think you’re going to need more than one stocking beautiful girl! Sounds like you’re going to be getting several truckloads of goodies, not to mention what Santa will bring in his sleigh! I love those pictures of you and John playing your special game… I had seen them before and they made me smile! I hope you and your new girlfriends are staying quite warm in your barn and that you’re making wonderful new friends with all of them! Are there any in your barn that your fans might know? I hope to be able to meet you in person one day! That would absolutely make my life complete if I got to give you a kiss and hug! Sweet dreams sweet girl! Can’t wait to hear about your day tomorrow! xoxo!!!
Sheri Osborne
Haha Z! That must be fun! And as we all know, you love to win! haha! Thats so sweet that sp many of your old pasture friends are there… even if you cant see them yet! haha! love you Zenyatta and I’m glad to hear that everything is great! 6 days till Christmas! :D
Joan H
First off John and Dottie are the cream of the crop, the best.And you are so missed here on the West Coast, I wish you a success at the breeding shed,thanks so much for the great memories.You are my Horse Of The Year.
Kathryn Cogswell
To Valerie Chase: It is a Christmas present for me just knowing about the two wonderful TB`s off the track coming to you. On the site for ‘Old Friends Equine,’ there is an opportunity to make an agreement for the partial or full monthly support of one or more of the retirees there. Each of them is beautiful, and their stories are wonderful; the work in their behalf touching. ~ As soon as possible, it is my wish to do this; it make me smile every time I think such a connection is possible, as keeping my own horses years ago was a lifetime highlight. Happy Trails to Zenyatta, her loving family at Hollywood Park, and anyone taking sincere good care of her at Lane`s End Farm. Khc.
Naomi
Hi Zenya (as John likes to call her)…I was just reading up on a California racehorse from the mid fifties named Silky Sullivan who was nicknamed “Mr. Heart Attack” since he had a similar style of coming from behind 22 or more lengths and closing in for the win. When they retired him, he also received lots of cards and letters and had his own secretary. A very popular and beautiful horse who also had a flair for entertaining the public as well as being a real “gentleman” to his fans. He reminded me of you in a way except for the fact that he wasn’t always consistent in his wins and he didn’t dance like you, but nevertheless he was a colorful part of racing history! Hugs and nose kisses to you!
sue
Couldn’t think of a better girl than you to give presents to this xmas….sweet dreams, zenny!
Darlene Johnson
Zenyatta…You are my Horse of the Year. who can we write to or email to express our feelings about you winning the Horse of the Year this year. The vote is Jan 17th but we need to campaign you!!!
Irene Caty
Hi Zenny, Really enjoyed seeing the picture of you and John and knowing the game you two played. He does love you so much. I hope the delivery truck brought you many of your favorites. I think you deserve the best. I bet it is fun to share with your barn mates. It is good to know that all is well with you. I think about you day and nite and wonder just how happy you are. I know for sure that we sure miss you plenty here in California and barn 55 for sure. I cant go to the races since you are not here. I cant explain it but now that you are gone I feel a big void. You are a good girl and deserve the best. Enjoy your life and I will follow every moment of it that I can because I love you Zenyatta. You are the Greatest and you have taken my heart.
Leslie
You HAVE been one very good girl! I’d say Santa has you at the top of his list! I love your stories Z (and helpers!) You’re so cute! Thanks for all the information too! You make me smile Z and it gives my day a lift to hear of your doings. I would miss you so much but for your diary, photos, facebook, etc. Thanks so much Z and team!
Vickie
Oh my..After Market? He is a lovely horse but give him a chance to prove his worthiness Zen…YOU deserve the BEST
OraJean Stevenson
Dear Queen-Z and Dottie, Thanks for telling us about your special game, you use to play with John. That is so precious !! I love hearing all about your fun times…it’s another piece of your fabulous personality, that you are so willing to share with your fans. This is one reason, you are so LOVED !! Keep us posted. Fondly, OraJean