To my Dear, Dear Friends,
HAPPY FAN APPRECIATION DAY!
I wanted to take a day and truly THANK ALL OF YOU for being such wonderful fans and friends…not just to ME….but to MY TEAM AND MY SPORT! In reading the comments so many of you post, it is all quite touching!
I absolutely LOVE the way you rally around all of the Z FANS. You have become such friends and are so supportive of each other! I do hope in some way, I have encouraged this to happen and helped to make your day a bit more FUN! One thing for sure, by reading these comments, I do feel many of you have made some very special friendships….and for this I am quite pleased and proud!
So many of YOU are excited about MY LIFE SIZE PAINTING! So am I. As you may have realized, I have not seen it yet…but when MY JOHN says it is MAGNIFICENT….I couldn’t be more proud! Susan, Harold, Sharyn and Linda to name a few….your comments about seeing the painting at MY PARTY are TOO CUTE! I especially laughed when Linda commented that she would ‘swing by’ from North Carolina to come to the party!
As for where the painting will be displayed next, that has yet to be determined. Please offer some suggestions after it is unveiled at the party… and I’m sure MY TEAM will take them into consideration. They are just as excited to see YOUR FACES when it is unveiled…as they were to hear MY JOHN’S reactions to it. Jaime…we are really getting excited about this!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY….Deborah Richman and Charlotte Farmer! May you both (and all others celebrating an October Birthday) have a wonderful year filled with great health, happiness, and many special moments!
I’m still laughing at the comment Joy Bruce made when seeing the photo of MY JOHN laughing as he was standing next to Tiger….”HONEY, I SHRUNK ZENYATTA”. Joy, this is absolutely TOO CUTE!
To Erin, Kari, Alene and Doris McQ…..ALL BLESSINGS to each of you as you are dealing with your health issues! I’m sending each of you a HIGH HOOF and wishing you ALLTHE BEST during these very difficult times in your lives! I’ll be thinking about YOU!
How special of all of you to note that MY MIKIE is helping with saving Scrumpy! You are so aware and so helpful to others. Thank you!
My tail is fine. I know Karla asked about this. I never had a full-full tail. My Mario always had to be very careful when brushing it. It is really pretty much the same now…just a bit lighter due to the sun ‘highlighting’ it now. (The sun did it for free…LUCKY ME!)
MY TEAM’S DEAR GIACOMO…yes, he is in California now. I want to thank JAG/CALIFORNIA for all of the wonderful links she provided to all of the fans about his new home. He is such a beautiful gray horse…and so accomplished having won the KENTUCKY DERBY. What a thrill! I do hope you get to visit him when traveling in the Santa Ynez Valley. I’ve heard it is quite pretty there.
The Chris Antley ESPN piece…I’ve not seen it yet. I hope you get to enjoy it when aired. An interesting fact about Chris I know is that he rode SET THEM FREE when she won a stakes race at Hollywood Park. SET THEM FREE is GIACOMO and TIAGO’S mother. Their 2 year old little sister by Empire Maker is named STANWYCK. She is settled in nicely now at BARN 55. From all reports, she is a very pretty filly!
Delrene…thank you for the link to the L.A. Zoo Article and information on THE TOM MANKIEWICZ CONSERVATION CAROUSEL. The LA ZOO is very dear to my owners. I know they were more than happy to assist with this project for the zoo and its’ many inhabitants. I also did some fund raising for the LA ZOO when I was at Barn 55. I hosted 2 breakfasts at the BARN…to help out! I know they were very appreciative of my contribution…as well as that of my owners and their dear friend, Tom. (Oh Tom, we so miss you!)
And YES, Trina….that is ME on the right side of the carousel photo! I love it! I look rather good from behind if I say so myself! (Blush, Blush)
In my own special way, I wanted to take a moment this morning and THANK ALL OF YOU FOR BEING SUCH WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL…FANS, FRIENDS, AND SPORTS! I know I could not mention all of your names and the special things that you bring to this site…but please know in my heart, I know you are there. I truly appreciate the comments, the love, the support, and the kindness you exhibit each day on Zenyatta.com! It takes people working together to make special things happen…and each day, I take great pride in the fact that each of you are part of MY BELOVED TEAM OF FANS AND FRIENDS!
I am so, so deeply touched!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
P.S. Dottie just checked. At this very moment, I have 92,009 Facebook Friends and the number is growing! THANK YOU!
Dawn Conrad
@Susan in TN – So happy that you are still going to Zenny’s party. It is so tempting to try to go with you. Geez! Great to hear about Cheyenne and little Sass. All of the sweeties deserve to have happy homes. The news on Chester and Chopper is just too cute. I can picture them with the boys getting groomed. Horse heaven. Love to you.
@JAG – Thank you for the information on Giacomo. I will miss seeing him at Adena Springs, he is so kind (of course what else would you expect from a horse of Team Z’s) and loves his peppermints. I am sure he will have fun in sunny California and a whole new group of fans will be on the spot to feed him treats and give him love pats.
@Charlotte Farmer – Happy Birthday my friend!!!
@Karen Gogue – So nice to see your post. I will have to give you a call soon and check on how life is treating you.
@Barbara Wood – Hope everything is great with you, thanks for letting us know about Doris McQuiddy (DMCQ). I will be sending prayers her way for a speedy recovery.
@Alene – Hope for smooth sailing in your future. Things just have to get better.
@Jan – Thank you.
@The Kennedys – I am so happy for you that you were able to spend time with your girl, Blind Luck and give her your own goodbyes. It was bitter sweet, I am sure. Thank you for sharing the pictures as well. I hope her future is bright.
@Delrene and Paula Higgins – Glad you enjoyed the interview.
@Debbie G – Look at you, already practicing for Zenny’s party. How fun. Glad you were at Skip Away’s ceremony. How was it? He was so special.
@Abigail in Montreal – Hello friend, hope you are doing well. I enjoyed the video of Z’s dance and I remember the story of your wonderful friend and her love of Zenny. Thank you for the link to War Horse on stage. Unbelievable!
@Shari – Hi, sweetie!! Your words were so kind, thank you! Looks like we are going to miss seeing Giacomo, but we can still go to Adena Springs, I know you will love it. Talk to you soon. Many hugs!!
@Especially Horses – I know what you mean about watching War Horse, we will have to have plenty of Kleenex.
@Peggy (N) – Thank you. Would love to spend time with you at the OBS. I have heard of the resturant you mentioned in Lexington, sounds yummy. I do like southern dishes!
@Signofthetimes – I too had read that Frankel’s trainer said they would be passing on the Breeder’s Cup. Interesting that the owner and racing manager may have a change of heart.
@Terri Z – Glad you enjoyed it.
@Sharon Call – Your description of the feelings invoked by Zenyatta’s 2010 Classic run brought tears to the eye. She transcended to another level on that dark evening under the lights at Churchill.
@Kathy Wilson – Congrats on your lovely Morgan. What a treasure you have found!
@Dumplings – Thank you for your get well wishes. Love to you all!!
Catriana
Zenny, so sorry to hear about Zazu’s sore shoulder. Glad her trainer and the Mosses are giving her a rest and that the outlook is very good. John Shirreffs did a fantabulous job of keeping you, Zenyatta, such a big filly, so healthy throughout her career. Of course, Mike Smith, gets a lot of credit as well, for weaving you around all that equine traffic on the track. Good to see from John’s photos that you still have that commanding presence. What an athlete!
Jean Nolan
The thanks, dear Zenyatta, go to you. You and your team have created a wonderful, informative, loving space in which it is a pleasure and a privilege and an honor to visit each day. Much love to you and all your team, and to the gentle souls who stop by this lovely, “virtual” barn. – Jean in California
Ellen from Mariposa
What can a fan of Queen Z say to you beyond, “Thank you, too!” and “You’re very welcome!”.
Zenny, Dottie, all of Team Z; The time and consideration you take to keep us informed and connected is priceless.
And a big “Thank You!” to all the other fans here who also provide information on various issues and show genuine concern and friendship for each other.
I love belonging to this family!
As for the painting, I really look forward to seeing it (though I won’t be able to attend this year’s party). I am hoping (smaller ;)) prints will become available for those of us who would like copies of the portrait to admire in our own homes and offices…
Here’s a big hug for Zazu: Feel better soon, prety girl!
Much Love and a big kiss on the nose for everyone!
eveline
Hi Zenny. thank you for the lovely post. I absolutely love the carrousel , Thanks JAG for posting that link. For all that think the painting should be in the Smithsonian, that would be right next door for me, but I would have to say Santa Anita.
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
Dearest Zenyatta-you and your team are absolutely fantastic. You all have given so much to this sport and continue to do so. You all continue to amaze me and there are so many organizations and etc. that are so fortunate to have had your help and support. It is fantastic and exciting to see and experience what you are doing and what is coming up next. Love you all lots Zenyatta and will continue to follow and support the things that you do. Love & Blessings with lots of hugs!
Lisa
I am in the top picture. That Sunday was so special. You have always been a bright spot in my day. I have always been a big supporter of the TB breed and have rehomed many OTTB. You have been an inspiration for this. Your Team has always been so giving of their time to make you accessible to your adoring public. I hate that I did not get to see Giscomo before he left Kentucky. He is a beautiful stallion. Just want to say thanks again to your team for making this possible. Wish I could be there Nov. 4 but money is tight this year. To all who are going ENJOY to the max. They are wonderful people.
JAG / California :-)
@ ALL
I have a suggestion ~ would you please post your State next to your “posted name” so that we can see how world wide the LOVE is for Zenyatta! I see some peeps already indicate their City/State :-) THANK YOU!
Judy G
PerkyGreen
What can one possibly say when you are addressing simply the BEST. That is what you are,all the amazing things you do and contribute to.I thinkyou have been given every accalaid in the english language as well as many other languages. I find all of the accalaids so appropiate.When I say you,I’am of course referring to all of TEAM Z.As long as I can draw a breath I shall follow your adventures and your foals.You & Yours are so inspiring.LOTS’O’LOVE WARM HUGS &KISSES ON YOUR NOSE
Sharyn Priester
What a beautiful carousel that is – and it doesn’t matter what angle you are photographed from you are stunning!
What a heart warming post – you and your team always bring out the best in people!!
92,000 fans on facebook – just think of how many more there are that don’t to facebook!! Too many to count for sure.
Have a wonderful day!
Jo
Z and Team Zenyatta are the Great Ambassadors for racing and horses! Thank you and thank you for these wonderful diary entries. They are a joy to read. Loved the nod to Giacomo and so glad he’s back in CA for awhile. Maybe his son Tiz Gianni can visit him every now and then (so thrilled Tiz broke his maiden last week!).
maryp
The love that shines through all of the posts and from Zenyatta/Dottie and all of team Z can’t be brighter. So much happiness can produce such emotions. This site provides love, laughter, tears, inspiration and the list goes on! Blessings and thank you to ALL.
Fran Doos
Hi Z! You are such a kind and sweet and extremely thoughtful young lady. I am so proud to be your friend and your fan! Kate is doing well with Doozey (Doozey was sidelines for three months with “side bone”). Doozey was a little off for a total of three weeks but she had an ultra sound. She is doing wonderful and just started back with low jumps a week ago. Kate has not jumped Doz for three months. Kate just worked her on her dressage for a full three months. Soon they will be back eventing but not for a few more months. We are thinking January. We are so happy Doozey is doing so great because we adore her. Coming back from riding two weeks ago, Kate found a stray puppy (maybe 9 weeks old) on the side of a busy highway. Yep, we have adopted the little guy. We call him Jack, and he gets along well with our lab and yorkie. I feel fortunate that we have little Jack in our lives, and he makes us smile! I sure wish I could come to Kentucky to see you one day-it would be so great to get to say hi and to give you some treats! Have a wonderful day Z! xxoo
Sue Noel
Dearest Zenny and Dottie–What a wonderful post!!!! We DO love you so much—and–through our mutual love of you we have leaned to love each other!! The world of Zenyatta is filled with magic of many kinds!!! Always know how very much we appreciate our connection with you and yours–it is a rare privilege we all cherish!!
I can’t wait to see your life-size painting!! Hope some prints of it will be available (in slightly smaller sizes!!). As far as where it should be hung–how about considering a Zenyatta Museum???? Wouldn’t THAT be a great idea??? Hey Dumplings—what do YOU think???
Everyone have a wonderful day! Queen Z.–have a lovely day (maybe in your cute sweater) and hope you have some sun on your back and a soft breeze to ruffle your mane—LOVE YOU!!!!!
Kimberly Potter
Oh My Beautiful Zenyatta~ Your post today has touched me deeply. Thanks to you and Dottie, I have made some wonderful and life long friends. Although we have never met in person, it doesn’t matter. But I hope to meet many of my Z’sters at the Breeders Cup 2012 at SA. I pray there will also be the 2nd Annual Zenyatta Party!
@ALL~ Baby News! Evyn Bell Potter was born yesterday at 12:14 pm, 5 lbs 10 oz, 19 in long. She is so precious and totally perfect in every way. Momma had a real tough time, but is so relieved and happy to be holding her baby girl. Daddy is grinning from ear to ear and handles her like a pro….Thanks all my Z friends from the bottom of my heart for all your thoughts and prayers the last couple of months….you are all so special to me.
@Trina Nagele~ Your poem brought me to tears…I will print it out and and give Momma a copy to put in Evyn’s baby book. Thank you…thank you….thank you
Zenyatta’s #1 fan in Montana!
Katie Clawson
Zenny, you are so good to you’re fans! WE appreciate how much time, love, thoughts & prays YOU and Dottie have put into you’re AMAZING website and all of the Zenyatta activities that have happened in the past and are still to come! (Possibly a ZENYATTA DAY/s at Lane’s End so that we can see you?)
You always make my day a little more FUN and HAPPY my wonderful girl!
I am so looking forward to seeing pictures of the LIFE SIZED Z PAINTING. It sounds like it will be amazing!
I wish Giacomo all the best in California and I always root for his foals!
Could you please let us know when the Chris Antley ESPN piece is going to be aired? :)
I love you my dearest Zenyatta,
Katie(future jockey)
Heidi
Zenny/Dottie, you made this possible for your fans. Speaking for myself and I’m sure others would agree but, I’ve made some very special friends because of you, Queen Z! For that, I must thank you!
Now, the painting, hmmmm, first, I can’t wait to see it and will have to wait for the pics but, where to put it after the unvailing, not sure. I’m sure it will be perfect where ever you decide to put it.
Have a lovely day,and I love you, Z!
JAG / California :-)
ALL – this may have already been shared!
John Lennon letter auctioned to save foals from slaughter:
http://www.connecticutplus.com/cplus/information/news/pets/John-Lennon-letter-auctioned-to-save-foals-from-slaughter1490514905.shtml
Judy G
Gloria Jeanne
What a special day this is – Thank you Dottie and Zenyatta
KikiSim
Aw, Zenny! :) YOU and DOTTIE and everybody else on Team ‘Z’ are TOO SWEET! :) I’m starting to write like you… even in my school papers haha! (Luckily the teachers dont mind, I just tell them I’m obsessed!)
I think it’s so cool that once in a while you mention your fans in the posts! Even though I don’t always comment, I am always listening and reading! Even though I learned I can’t come to YOUR special party, I will be watching the BCC!! I hope you have a very nice day Zenyatta!
And Dottie- I honestly can’t thank you enough for typing The Queen’s thoughts for us!
This sounds quite cheesy, but I have many pictures of ZENYATTA on my phone XD!
Heidi
Oh, about the Charasmatic documentary, it was great and a tear jerker. I had my kleenex right next to me.
Katie Clawson, it aired yesterday. Maybe they’ll air it again or maybe it’s available on “On Demand,” if you get that.
Christine in Michigan
For those of you who missed it, the Charismatic Documentary on ESPN will air again tonight at 9:00 p.m EST and on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 10:00 p.m EST. Watched it last night and it is well worth seeing. Tragic story of Chris Antley, but I know he is in heaven riding God’s best.
stephanie palker
Thank you to Team Zenyatta for everything
that you do for us the Z team fans !!!
Cathleen
Hi Z, here is my suggestion about where your Life Size Portrait should be displayed after the party. I haven’t read the 74 posts above mine yet so if this has already been suggested, please forgive me.
I think your life size portrait in the first year should “go on tour” much like museum exhibits do (then after that it could be permanently housed somewhere — like Santa Anita for instance). It could be displayed at various tracks around the country. Zenyatta, you have fans far and wide who would love to see it. I can’t make it to KY for your party but I live in South Florida and if it were displayed at Gulfstream Park I could drive down and see it! I know your many fans who aren’t able to travel but live near a track would appreciate this. I know it’s rather large and I’m not sure of the logistics but I’m sure there is a way to make it happen. I hope your team considers this suggstion a viable option. I would so love to see it Zenyatta. I’m sure it’s breathtaking just like you are! Hugs big Z. Cathleen XOXXO
Cathleen
And THANK YOU DOTTIE AND TEAM Z FOR ALL YOU DO!! And keeping Zenyatta in our lives everyday!!!
The Kennedys in San Diego
@ENSIGN
JAG / California :-)
Moss’ return:
SIZZLING SISTER MOON RETURNS TO ACTION IN SATURDAY’S $65,000 ANOAKIA
http://www.santaanita.com/press/pressrelease/2011/10/sizzling-sister-moon-returns-action-saturday%E2%80%99s-65000-anoakia
Judy G
The Kennedys in San Diego
@ENSIGN — Thank you for the update on Zazu. So sorry that our two favorites — Blind Luck and Zazu are out of the Ladies Classic. But always great to see your posts.
Molly
Dottie, could we see a closeup of the Zenyatta horse on the Los Angeles carousel? Ann Moss has the most creative ideas. Think I read somewhere that she is an artist. Zenyatta, you are so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people.
#1 New England fan
Madame Queen,
I don’t know whether to say thank you or you’re welcome, so I’ll just say both for appreciating your fans’ appreciation!
Today I confess that I am completely addicted to this site, can’t help checking it several times a day, early and late, to be sure I don’t miss anything.
News and photos from Team Z are the best, but I also love the links and helpful info provided by all the wonderful fans who live in Zenyattaland.
THANK YOU Zenyatta, Dottie, John, Mikey, Mario, Steve, and the Mosses for all you have done and continue to do.
It’s killing me that I can’t attend your BC party but am counting on lots of photos and details on this site. And maybe some TV coverage as well if we’re lucky!
Love and hugs to all,
Annie B in MA