Happy Wednesday!
This morning, the fields will be announced for the 2011 World Championships. I’ve just heard that 193 horses did pre-enter for this year’s events! 29 of them will be coming from overseas!
In our sport, so many wonderful horses…so accomplished, so talented, so dedicated…have paved the way for ALL OF US who followed. MY JOHN saw this collage and couldn’t resist taking the photo. He absolutely loves and respects the history of our sport. It is so important to take the time and honor horses who have done so much for our industry.
When you trace pedigree lines so many of these names appear. These horses and their accomplishments truly did impact our sport….not just on a racing level…but to the breeding sheds for decades and decades.
I wonder…as they announce the fields this morning….which horses will be etching his / her names into the historical journals for our sport in the generations to come?
Goldikova has already made such an impressive mark as she returns to defend her title for the 4th year in a row. This is truly something to be honored. My pal, Gio Ponti, is cross-entered in both the MILE and the CLASSIC. Hmmm…I wonder which race his connections will select? This will be his third straight year of Breeders’ Cup participation…on a such a high level. What an outstanding achievement this is!
Several other very talented horses as Switch, Courageous Cat, Midday and Shared Account (to name a few) who have very prominently participated in prior CUP RACES are returning to the event this year. Anytime an athlete can remain at such a high performance level for so many seasons…it is noteworthy on so many levels. I must say, I am SO PROUD of ALL OF THESE HORSES and THEIR CONNECTIONS!
All the best to the 193 pre-entered horses as they continue to prepare for their respective races. We will have so much FUN following them during the next several days!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Countdown to MY PARTY…10 days! I’m getting SO EXCITED! Buy Tickets
Lois Gillespie (DE)
Zenny, in the future someone will come across another collage of great thoroughbreds – and YOU will be in the center spot! Your achievements rank with the best IMHO. A little over 2 weeks till the BC, and a bit over 4 months till we get to see the little one – I am hoping for March 14!
Kimberly Potter
@JAG~ YES, it is wonderful to see where all Z’s fan’s are from. Excellent idea!
HUGZ
Lois Gillespie (DE)
Oops, I meant one week….
Marilu V.
Thanks Zeny and Dottie for sharing this collage. What a great idea.
I share your admiration for Goldikova and Gio Ponti. I wish them good luck and a fantastic race. Whatever the outcome they are truly among the best. What an exciting time for all the horses and their connections. Hope you and Tasty are feeling good. Love and Hugs, Marilu
christine from Va
What can anyone say YOU are perfection
Abigail from Montreal
@ Cynthia H: I can’t read that one either!!! But near the top on the same side is YOUR HOST, the sire of KELSO and a SERIOUS favourite of mine!!!
Kendra
Dottie, could you please give us a list of the horses pictured in the collage and also the name of the horse in the photo at bottom left? Would appreciate it.
@Cynthia ~ I also think I spotted Assault, Secretariat, Bold Ruler, Swaps and Whirlaway.
Dawn Conrad - Colorado
@Dear Zenyatta. I too share your love for the history of horse racing. It is one of my favorite things. I can readily understand why John loved the collage. When I travel to various farms or race tracks, I try to soak up as much of the history surrounding me as possible. Sometimes when I am standing in a place like Secretariats foaling shed or Churchill Downs winners circle or a farms graveyard of champions or the Hall of Fame or looking out across a paddock with mares and foals; I can actually see and feel the spirit of those that have come before; both equine and human. There are so many marvelous stories of so many great horses and the people involved with them. When I was at Churchill Downs to see Rachel Alexandra run, I went on the race track tour. Returning to the museum side of the grandstands, I was standing by myself gazing up at the names of the past Derby winners that run along the roof line. A gentleman came through the gate and I turned to see none other than Steve Cauthen, Triple Crown winner on Affirmed. I admit I had a bit of a crush on him in the 70s, we are close to the same age and I recognized him immediately. We actually stood and talked for a while and he asked me if I knew where he was suppose to go for a signing event. It was going to be for all of the connections to the Kentucky Derby winners of the 70s. Well I about fell over, my dream had just come true. On that day I was able to meet all the jockies and trainers who had won the Derby during that time frame and get their autographs on a special piece of art created for the event. Those who were the connections for horses like Secretariat, Seattle Slew and Affirmed, riders for Ruffian and Riva Ridge, Ron Turkott, Angel Cordero,Pat Day as well as Arthur Hancock and Billy Turner; they and many others were all present. (Penny Chenery was missing as she was ill, I still want to meet her very much.) For a person who loves horse racing history, it was wonderful!!! Forgive me if I have told this story before, Zenny, but that day is one of my most special memories. Amazing!! Here’s looking forward to a fantastic Breeder’s Cup. Congrats to all that make the starting gate, as they are all winners in my book, no matter the outcome. And to all those that have come before, those remembered and forgotten thank you for giving us all a rich, remarkable history to enjoy and learn from. May the future be bright! I am so excited for your party, Zenny, and thankful to all of Team Z for everything. Unfortunately, after exploring all of the options, I will not be able to celebrate with you. I wanted to attend so much, it is breaking my heart. I know everyone will have such a very special time. Love you! Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
tony and sue
Zenny, we looked at our racing form from last years BC and just had to smile. There you were…19-0 and the buzz of the entire event. One day you will be front and center in a similar picture because you are absolute perfection in many ways.
Allie
I am so glad that Omaha, the only Triple Crown Winner to be sired by a Triple Crown Winner, was included in this picture. Can’t seem to get anyone interested in finding his bones in Omaha at a defunct race track and giving him a place of honor. Since there are only 11 Triple Crowners, seems he should get more respect.
Monica in NJ
I love the history of this sport! It’s why I enjoy reading books about the great champions of the past and why there absolutely should be a book about Zenyatta one day. Hmmmmm, who could author it?….. who? [hint hint]
Cynthia H.
@Abigail from Montreal: Thank you for the use of your eyes. Above our mystery horse, I see Majestic Prince, then Round Table, and then it must be Your Host, sire of the great Kelso!
@Kendra: Many thanks to you, as well. I cannot believe i missed spotting Secretariat (many blush-blushes), located directly beneath Man O’War. I think I see Swaps, to the right on Man O’War’s neck, but cannot locate Whirlaway, Assault, or Bold Ruler. I read recently that Bold Ruler and Round Table were foaled at Claiborne on the same star-crossed night.
Debbie
hi Z! I’m getting sooo excited for the BC! Even though I can’t be there in person, I’ll be watching every second on tv. Love YOU gorgeous mama xoxoxo
Joyce in Vegas
@Allie: I lived in Omaha when Aksarben was open and my husband and I were regulars. It was sold to Douglas County and run by the county commissioners who had no clue what they were doing so the quality of racing quickly plummeted as did fan interest. The entire complex was torn down and is now a commercial/retail area. I’ve tried to research what happened to Omaha’s bones but have had no luck. I’ll keep trying.
Allie
@Joyce ~ There is a sign, but I don’t think his bones were moved to that site. There is an article in either Thoroughbred Times or Bloodhorse about his body being outside one of the college buildings. Apparently, they throw food scraps there and the saying goes…”Feeding Omaha”… Yes, please keep me informed and I also will try to get some interest from Claiborne where Gallant Fox, his sire, is buried.
Andrea from Germany
I am sitting on needles and pins till Breeder`s Cup day. Love you Zenny.
Sally B. (Wi)
It may be one dreary day here sweet Z, but you pick me up every time I’m here with you. Thanks John for a wonderful picture. It is great to see 193 awesome thoroughbreds entered. Just think Z, how many people came to the 2010 BC especially to see YOU!! You are a shining star; your light will shine forever. All these great champions pictured above are very exceptional, truly the greatest of their time, their moment in history will go on. I am just so thrilled you made history as you danced your way into the hearts of millions. I am so proud of you, and your Z team. YOU are the horse of my lifetime; no other can ever change that.
Love & 2 kisses on your soft nose, one for baby z
Kendra
@ Cynthia ~ My eyes aren’t so good either. Bold Ruler is directly above Tom Fool. Assault is to the right of Your Host. Whirlaway, wasn’t sure about that one…maybe 7o’clock from Secretariat.
Delrene from Carlsbad, Ca
Good Morning, pretty Mama to be….Wanted to share about an event that some may not know about, but is such a treat. Today I bought tickets to the Equesfest to be held on Dec. 30th at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. It is a fabulous preview of all the beautiful horses and riders that participate in the annual Rose Parade – of which I personally think you should be “Queen of the Rose Parade”.
I had tickets last year, but it was raining so bad that I didn’t want to tackle the LA 5 from Carlsbad to Burbank. Would have taken hours. But I will think positive and hope for no rain on that day! You, the Moss’s John and Dottie should be the Grand Marshal’s of the parade someday. You and your family have done so much for the world. I was never more proud when my son flew the B-2 over the Rose Parade a few years ago. What a sight to see and hear his name announced. (This Mama broke down) with tears of pride and happinness) You will be as proud of your baby when he or she arrives. Just as I never tire of watching your races on You Tube, I never tire of watching my son’s flyover at the Rose Parade. So amazing.
For anyone who would like to see it, just call Sharp Seating and order your tickets. Not very expensive.
Maybe the next day would be a good one to go to the carousel for a ride!!
Excitement building for the Breeder’s Cup. Really excited for you and your party planners and attendees.
and Joyce – what beautiful words. So enjoyed them.
Hugs to all
Kendra
@ Cynthia — Just spotted Seabiscuit
Gloria
Breeders’ Cup! Yeah! So happy to have seen Big Mama Z in the past three Cups! No matter what race Z was in, she made horse racing SO much more exciting!!!
maryp (New York)
To Joyce in Las Vegas, I concur wholeheartedly.
Love to you Zenyatta/Dottie and Team Z. Such history and more to be made,very exciting time of year with so many wonderful horses…I’ll be missing YOU.
Allen
Thanks for all the BC information and the picture that John took. Hope you and Tasty enjoy your afternoon my Queen.
Susie Cartwright
Just a few more days and I get to see you, via telecast, and your wonderful family!! Shall I take one of my posters of you or one of the magazines of you to be autographed??
Delrene from Carlsbad, Ca
bad spelling! happiness.
Love the photo in your post today. Amazing. You are horse of this century.
Stella in South Texas
Dearest Zenyatta,
The BC entries are each special in his or her own way and I wish them all Godspeed and best wishes as they head to Churchill Downs to compete.
Racing history is so fascinating and some of the stories surrounding the horses so incredible. You have made your own indelible mark on the sport, dear Queen, and decades from now fans will still be speaking your name and talking about your fabulous wins on the track. I’ll miss seeing you race at Breeder’s Cup this year, yet I’m so happy that you are experiencing such a wonderful retirement.
Love to you and Tasty!
Stel
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z and Dottie,
Happy Wednesday to you. Wonderful collage. We are looking forward to watching the BC on television. We wish you and everyone at your party a great time and a wonderful day. Will be there in spirit. Love you and love to all of you, Judy and Russ
Katie Clawson
The Breeders’ Cup this year should be great! :D It won’t be the same without you though :( Good luck to ALL of the horses and their connections! (hopefully the USA will bring home as many trophies as we can!)
Have a great day, Z!
Love, Katie(future jockey)
Linda
No one like you, Z….you are truly one of a kind – especially in spirit. Safe journeys to all the participants and riders. It will be thrilling.
Ida
Hi My Darling Queen: I haven’t posted in a while but I check out this website every day. It just makes me feel better. Right now I’m trying to get as much work done ahead of 11/4 so I can take the afternoon off to watch all the races. Of course, I’ll be in front of the TV all day on Saturday. And yes it is wonderful to see Goldikova going at it again …she’s great although not as great as you my Queen. I’ve been in love with Gio Ponti since the first day I saw him. What a special boy he is. Just think, if Havre de Grace wins the Classic, it will assuredly give her the horse of the year thus making it 3 years in a row for the girls. Let’s hear it for GIRL POWER!!!