Good Morning,
This is going to be one FUN yet BUSY WEEK! This morning entries are being taken for both days of OUR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS. A very specific procedure must be followed. Every trainer is to formally enter each horse for the specific race he / she is participating in by 10 a.m. Eastern Time. The final entry fees must be paid and the jockey named.
MY JOHN went to the Racing Office right after his horses trained this morning and did his entries. YEAH, JOHN!
When entries close at 10 a.m. Eastern, the Racing Office officials then prepare the paperwork for each race in relation to the post-position draw. This is going to be televised on HRTV at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. Once the post positions are finalized, the Racing Form, the professional handicappers, and all publicity sources will be able to compile the information for the public. Official programs will be printed….and WE ARE OFF TO THE RACES!
One of the many wonderful things that happens in our industry is the RACING WORLD is like one big family. Often when you travel for certain events, you see many familiar faces.
That is exactly what happened this morning. MY JOHN walked into the Breeders’ Cup offices to place his entries and there working the phones was TOM ROBBINS. I know Tom quite well. He is the The Executive Vice President: Racing and Industry Relations/Racing Secretary for Del Mar Race Track. He used to come by and see ME all of the time when I was at Del Mar to run in the Clement Hirsch each year. Officials from several tracks pitch in to help out. They ALL want everything to run smoothly and be as special as possible for the FANS and ALL participating in these events.
They do a wonderful job!
I must also say, I am getting very excited about MY PARTY. IT IS THIS FRIDAY! MY TEAM has ordered a ‘party present’ for all who are attending. I hear they are TOO CUTE! Then Leonard was telling Dottie that the artists who have worked on MY SPECIAL PAINTING and mini-collectibles of ME will be attending the party to meet with the guests as well.
THE ZENYATTA, a Z drink, will also be introduced. I have always been a Guinness person myself (except now I am being SO GOOD while in-foal)…but I have heard that humans like other types of ‘adult beverages’. This one has apparently been developed and named for ME! I’ve heard about the ingredients and have seen a photo of what it will look like in a glass…but it will be interesting to see how all of you like it! HOOVES CROSSED! I’m requesting an adaptation be made ‘for children’ as well.
The horses from Europe arrived at Churchill Downs over the weekend. They are presently in Quarantine for the required amount of time by legal standards and will be back to the track very soon. It is all so well-planned and organized by everyone who works with these horses.
GOLDIKOVA is on the grounds and I’ve heard she looks fabulous. What a lovely, lovely accomplished horse!
Enjoy your week and ALL of the great racing updates from TV, on-line, and in print! THIS IS SO MUCH FUN!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Allie in Texas
Sweet and creamy with a kick, My Z Drink, is just the ticket for watching the Breeders Cup. But, Zenyatta, I am sure your drink will be a winner as well. My beverage is a variation of what else, THE VELVET HAMMER. I thought that was a pretty good description of your races. It’s also an easy drink to turn into a nonalcoholic chocolate milkshake for the kiddos.
~ one part creme de cacao
~ one part coffee liquer
~ 1 scoop of ice cream (coffee or…)
or 4 parts cream
Add crushed ice and shake.
Allie in Texas
Did I forget the 2 parts Vodka. Yikes. Enjoy.
Kimberly Potter/Montana
@Rosemary McCauley~ How fun you got to ride Zenyatta! Did you have to run over any kids to get to her? LOL
JAG Adores Zenyatta & John Henry / So. CA
On the topic of Zoos:
http://news.yahoo.com/photos/halloween-at-the-zoo-1320008007-slideshow/#crsl=%252Fanh%252Fhalloween-at-the-zoo-1320008007-slideshow%252Fwolf-explores-halloween-pumpkin-thursday-oct-27-2011-photo-204731525.html
Kimberly Potter/Montana
@Allie in Texas~ The Velvet Hammer sounds delicious. Glad it has Vodka in it as I usually always have that around. Thanks for sharing…. Hugz
MK
Im so excited for this weekend of racing! I’ve set my DVR and plan to set up camp in front of the TV until the Classic is won on Saturday night! It won’t be as thrilling as hearing “ZEN-YAAA-TAAAAAAAAA” at the finish line but I’ve got goose bumps all the same. BEST OF LUCK to John, et al. Safe rides for all!
Leiana from Santa Barbara
Happy Hallowhinny and nick-er-treat to all!!!
Boy, will it ever be a busy week, and it won’t be long till I’m part of the action. Flying to Kentucky tomorrow!!
So looking forward to the party and getting to meet everyone who comes. The anticipation is building. Since I’m not driving, I might just try The Zenyatta. Although I’ll probably like the version for ‘kids’ better.
Yvonne and Maurice
Hi Zenyatta. What a great weekend of racing we just watched. Rehoboth was in a race at Laurel the other week and pulled up and walked off. Yesterday at Monmouth Rehoboth was put into a race and pulled up and was vanned off. Does anyone know how he is. I was so nervous during the race as he just pulled up the other week at Laurel. The weekend of racing was great and it is wonderful to see all of the “works” being televised on HRTV and TVG. Will miss seeing you and Blind Luck at the Breeders Cup. I am so sorry that I cannot attend your party this year. This is about the first time that I have not been able to participate in a function when you were racing or featured. Maybe next year!!!!! Take care, stay comfy, eat well for two, stay gorgeous for the cameras and can’t wait to see the video and pics of you and TT enjoying your Breeders Cup party. Also, would love to know the ingredients of your Adult drink. Love you, Angel.
Gloria Jeanne - The O.C.
Oh, Z – I wish I could go to your party… it’s my Birthday on Friday :(
Well, everyone have fun and enjoy the drinks and gifts. Should be a blast.
Rosemary McCauley - Southern California
@Kimberly Potter/Montana – I was prepared to do whatever it took, but I lucked out, I was second in line and the couple in front of me had two very small toddlers, and I knew I could outrun them to her and I did. The whole carousel is beautiful, Zenyatta especially. What a gift from the Mosses to the zoo.
P.S. Don’t tell anyone, but after the ride, I stood there and stroked Zenyatta’s blaze for a moment. I have been blessed to stroke the living Zenyatta’s blaze, but couldn’t resist stroking this one too.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
A Birthday Poem for Linda in New Jersey
October 31, 2011
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here on the site of her Z,
We want to say
Happy Birthday
To our dear Linda in New Jersey!
She’s on the East Coast,
But CA dumplings can boast
She came out west
To Hollywood Park in LA
To see our best
On Gold Cup Day—-
’Twas great fun to meet
And greet her!
From our Turf Club tables,
We cheered on the two Dudes
While we dined on good foods,
And then went backside to visit the stables.
We wished she could stay
Because she’s so nice,
But her departure she couldn’t delay.
She starts today
A new year of life,
’Tis a day for celebration,
But this time I fear
She’s not in the best situation
For pleasurable recreation,
For on her doctors’ advice
She made the decision
To have a hip revision.
They operated just five days ago,
And recovery we know
Is long and slow.
Dear Linda,
You may feel some resignation
And a little unlucky
That you can’t be in Kentucky
For Z’s planned celebration
And all the great racing.
We hope you’ll not let
This circumstance
You’re facing
Dampen your love of life’s dance.
We pray that all goes well
And that in not too long a spell
As you recover,
You’ll discover
A new spring in your step.
Meanwhile we hear
You’ll watch on a big new TV
As they go through their paces
In the Breeders’ Cup races
This year.
Goldikova will face
The great Gio Ponti,
And the Breeders’ Cup Classic
Could be
Truly fantastic!
Dear Linda in New Jersey,
I bet you’ll cheer
In that race
For Mo and Stay Thirsty
To win and place!
And maybe, who knows,
For Havre de Grace
To show.
Or could it be vice-versa?
Come next year,
When it’s in Santa Anita ag’in,
You’ll surely not fail
To be close to the rail
To cheer
Another great win!
So, dear Linda, till then
To you we say
Happy Birthday
And we hope you’re now on the mend!
The Kennedys in San Diego
We celebrated Halloween with a costume dinner party last night — our special mystery guest was Zenyatta(The Bronze) wearing a flowing mask of pink and turquoise, her racing silks colors. She looked elegant and, of course, no one could guess who she was until her mask was removed. Great fun!
Allen
Try to get some rest this week, you have a big weekend coming up Z. Love from Tennessee to the Queen and Baby Z.
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Linda in NJ — HAPPY BIRTHDAY! And our best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Stella in South Texas
Dearest Zenyatta,
You must be getting very excited about YOUR party! I so wish I could be there to enjoy everything–Zenyatta–especially the ZENYATTA drink! :) But I will be celebrating with you in spirit.
There is nothing as wonderful as the Breeder’s Cup championship races. I love every minute of it and I’m sure you do, too. Especially since you were the star of it for so many years! :)
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Goldikova. I wish her and all the entries good luck and safe races.
Happy Monday, Z. Kisses to you.
Stel
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Trina Nagele – BRAVA!
The Kennedys in San Diego
HDG works.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65883/grace-works-five-furlongs-jones-undeterred
Holly ZEMBA
I wish I could try the Z drink!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Dearest Z/Dottie–thank you so much for telling us what happens when. I have my lists made out for each race and am just waiting for post positions.
I have some GREAT news. Just got off the phone to the Berubes. Judy had stepped out, so I talked to her and Russ’s son. He said our own Doris McQuiddy had just called from Alabama. He said they never lost power, which was what we all were worried about. He sounded upbeat and said they have a game plan. Don’t know what it is yet.
Our Barbara Grimaldi just got power back on after 3 days!
@Linda in NJ–Happy Birthday!!We hope you have electricity! Do hope therapy goes well. I know that eventually you’ll be glad you did it. BC next year?
Although I hate to miss the party this year, I’m going to try to aim for next year. I am so excited about those who can make it and expect a full report.
@Allie in TX–the Velvet Hammer sounds really good, but dear Z, I must confess I’d probably opt for the children’s version of YOUR drink because I’m not quite the Guinness fan that YOU are!
@Trina Nagele–thank you so much for the lovely poem for Linda in NJ. You are a wonder woman in so many ways. Hugs.
M. Kern
Good morning Queen Z! Four more days before the 2-day races. It’s getting exciting. But I think last year was awesome and special because of you. Have fun with Tasty and I love you.
Trisha
Yeah!! Can’t wait to be apart of the fun. I wish you were going to be there also, however your’s and baby’s safety is more important. It sounds like a grand ole time is to be had.
Love hugs and kisses Z and to your family and team.
Debbie
hi Z! this is an exciting week! thanks for all the info! it will also be a bittersweet week, thinking about YOU last year… love YOU gorgeous mama xoxoxo oh and Happy Halloween!
JAG Adores Zenyatta & John Henry / So. CA
Breeders’ Cup Clocker: Flat Out, Royal Delta outshine Uncle Mo
http://www.drf.com/news/breeders-cup-clocker-flat-out-royal-delta-outshine-uncle-mo
JAG Adores Zenyatta & John Henry / So. CA
Q&A: Trainer Bob Baffert is confident heading into Breeders’ Cup
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-pugmire-qa-20111031,0,5341558.story
JAG Adores Zenyatta & John Henry / So. CA
California Cup shapes up as a ‘family’ affair at Santa Anita
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-santa-anita-classic-20111029-8,0,5139416.story
JAG Adores Zenyatta & John Henry / So. CA
October 31, 1984 :-) My Beloved John Henry!
John Henry to Run in Cup By The Associated Press John Henry, the 9-year-old gelding who is history’s top money-winning race horse, will be supplemented at a fee of $400,000 to run in the Breeders’ Cup on Nov. 10 at Hollywood Park…
http://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/31/sports/john-henry-run-cup-associated-press-john-henry-9-year-old-gelding-who-history-s.html
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
What a lovely post!!! How fun the Zenyatta
drink and one for children. You are the best along with your connections. Have a
great time at your party. And a great day
today with TT. XXXXOOOO
signofthetimes
@Trina
What a lovely poem for Linda in NJ.
Hope your recovery is going well. And a very special Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you !!!
signofthetimes
Update !!! on HDG
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65883/grace-works-five-furlongs-jones-undeterred
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Barb. W., DMCQ, Trina N, Skip, Kim P. and All:
Thank you so much for your love and concern. Russ is doing better and I will be able to get some help starting next week with a CNA coming in for a couple of hours twice a week and maybe one weekend day as well. His spirits are good and we’ll take a day at a time. The mobility in his legs has improved some since the initial episode. But, he needs help getting around and can’t be left alone. Thank you all for thinking of us. It means so much to me. Missing all of you. Love you all, Judy and Russ
Dear Z,
Hope you are well. Love you, Judy and Russ