Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #370

Wow…it's MY TREE at Churchill Downs! Photo by John Shirreffs

Good Morning,

I remember this TREE so well. It’s located on the grass area just outside the Churchill Downs’ barn where I stayed during the 2010 Breeders’ Cup. Cheers to my BARN 55 pals, FRANK and HARMONIOUS! There they are out enjoying the sunshine together this morning. MY JOHN thought they each looked so relaxed and happy. He also got a kick out of the sign and wanted ME to share it with you.

The Kentucky weather is really quite lovely right now and the future forecasts all look to be very encouraging…clear, sunny, and temperatures ranging from the mid 60’s into the 70’s over the weekend. A bit of rain is forecast for Thursday….so I’m sure ‘paddock schooling today’ for all of the participants will be very active.

My Lane’s End buddies have commented that many of the horses appear to be training forwardly and looking strong each morning. RACE DAY is getting close!

In reading your Diary comments and responses, I’ve noticed so many of you are really enthused about MY PARTY! Thank you! I must say, I can’t wait!

The film crews are being organized so I can attend the event and be right there with ALL of you! Leonard is sending Dottie various other party details so she can share them in my Diary during the next few days. This is so much FUN! A party like this has never been done before, thus, this thought really adds to the anticipation. You know ME…I love being FIRST….but I must say, what truly makes it even more SPECIAL…is I can share this activity with ALL OF YOU!

Yippee, I just heard that members of MY TEAM are coming to visit ME tomorrow afternoon. They were last here in mid-September! I’m sure they’ll think my ‘baby bump’ is progressing splendidly. I also have such a fabulous GLOW about ME. This mom-to-be ‘track’ (no pun intended) I’m now enjoying in my life is truly agreeing with ME….if I say so myself! (Blush, Blush!)

In between all of these other activities, I’m doing my handicapping! There are so many great races to review…and I want to be sure to study every single detail. One thing I’ve definitely noticed, MY BERNIE is well represented with his progeny in this year’s WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS. He has some very solid opportunities for his offspring to perform CLASSICALLY! HOOVES CROSSED!

Have a glorious day!

With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z

Reader Interactions

238 Comments

  3. / Reply

    Sure wish I could be at your party – hope lots of pics will be taken and posted. You’re always beautiful with that certain aura surrounding you. You’re still very much missed – thank goodness for the diary!! (thanks Dottie)

  6. / Reply

    I’m hoping that coverage of your party and specials will be broadcast or posted on web so that those of us who are such great fans and who can’t attend the events will be able to somehow share in the moments of Friday and Saturday…. If people could share photos and videos that would be wonderful…. Thank you.

  7. / Reply

    hi Z! YOU will always always always be FIRST in my book;) Have fun with YOUR visitors, how fun! I love the photo of YOUR tree! Thanks for always sharing so much about YOU, YOU always make my day!!! Love YOU gorgeous mama xoxoxo

  8. / Reply

    Thanks to YOUR JOHN for the photo of Harmonious and Frank, they do look relaxed and Harmonious seems to be checking out the view. It’s good to hear that everyone is training well and getting comfortable at CD. Hooves are definitely crossed for Bernie’s offspring as well as for your Barn 55 friends. You and Tasty must be quite busy with the handicapping but it’s so much fun.
    Didn’t make first, congrats to Kelly, she pipped me at the post.

  9. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta. Thank your John for all of the wonderful pictures he is sending our way from Churchill Downs. They are great. The sign on the tree is pretty funny. Harmonious looks ready to go with her ears pricked and watching all of the surrounding excitment. I am so happy that your wonderful family is planning on visiting you tomorrow. I know how much you must miss each other. You are always very beautiful, but I imagine your “mother to be” glow must make you look surreal. You are truly an angel in disguise, Zenny. Sophie in her pumpkin costume does sound absolutely too cute!!! I am glad she had such a fun time helping Dottie give out treats to all the children. Glad Goldikova is getting warmed up and ready to run this weekend. She is amazing! How very sad I am that I will not be with all the other wonderful Dumplings at you party, Zenny. I know that it will be a remarkable day for everyone. You and Dottie just keep coming up with one fantastic thing after the other and all for a great cause in the V Foundation! I am glad that you and TT are enjoying some quiet time in between your hectic schedule and that wonderful Sarah is keeping everything organized for you. You are so loved by everyone!!! The pictures of you, Giacomo, and Tiago on the LA Zoo carousel with Jerry and Ann were terrific. Such a special tribute to their dear friend. I can just see the smiles on various Dumpling faces as they enjoy their rides on the amazing Z. Love you so much, Zenny. Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
    @Gloria Jeanne – Thank you so much for the link remembering Zenyatta’s defeat. It brought a tear to the eye! I do not want to miss it, so wishing you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY on Friday!!!!
    @JAG – What a close finish down under!
    @Ann Maree – The article by Steve Haskins is amazing. I like you have read it many times.
    @Abigail – What a great story about Zenyatta. She touches people in such amazing ways.
    @Maddy – Welcome!!! My goodness, more tears. That video was absolutely wonderful!!! The music was perfect.
    @Susan in TN – I am so sorry Chotaw had such trouble while you were gone. It must have been very frightening. I am glad he is doing better and back on his feet. Hope you still get to go to Zenyatta’s party, but understand when our loved ones need us we want to be there for them!!!
    @Kathleen Kimber – Thank you for the great link to the KHP and Cigar. I try to catch it periodically.
    @Kennedys in SD – I did love the description you gave of your costumed Z bronze. Too fun!
    @signofthetimes – So many fantastic links, thank you very much for them all!!!
    @Barbara Wood, Deborah Richman, Marshall, Peggy (Sis), Joyce in Vegas, Trina – Thank you for your get well wishes. The MRI on Friday showed that I have 4 herniated disks and a pinched never in my neck, ouch! Just have to go through the healing process now. My right hand keeps going numb but, I am feeling some better tonight, so I am taking advantage of the moment and writing this. I miss it when I am not able to post.

  10. / Reply

    love you Z sure wished your team would let your fans see you Good luck to all the horses in the Breeders cup and may they all have safe trips.

  11. / Reply

    Zenny! I’m so excited for the Breeders cup! True, it is sad that you won’t be racing, but your legacy and your memory lives on with all of your wonderful fans! I just love you so much my heart hurts! And I hope everyone who is going to the party has a wonderful time!
    Kisses and hugs from Kansas!

  12. / Reply

    Hi there Zenny, Dottie & Zen-sters:
    It’s just a gorgeous fall day here in Montreal & yours truly finds it fun to imagine that it’s somewhat similar here to Kentucky…at least in temperature. Anyway, I do hope it is since that means that you & TT will have fun mowing the lawn in your paddock as you await visits from Team Z!!!
    Cruising around the internet this morning, I noted to very CUTE things about you: first, the GREAT interview that Haskin & Shulman did with YOUR JOHN! I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this relaxed & goofy & ADORABLE ever!!!! (post is below). Then, on FB, Haskin reported that he had been out to visit both you & Rachel….and he said that you look more “in foal” than Rachel does at this stage, even though she conceived before you. Not fat, Zenny. Just a BIGGER BUMP! What can THAT mean??????
    Here’s the link of YOUR JOHN goofing around!!!
    http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/videos/watch/73AB599F-14E7-428F-8E77-08B4BFDCFFE7

  13. / Reply

    Good Morning Precious One!
    Frank is super nice guy ~ I always say hello to him when I see him at the track ~ well, for that matter I say “hello” to everyone associated with Barn 55 :-)
    ~~~~~
    Bernie Babies – high hoof! I watched HRTV and the commentators had nothing but GOOD things to say about STAY THIRSTY!
    ~~~~~
    I spoke to my friend, Judy, who lives in Lexington. We were talking about how she finally got to see you a year ago. She said that this year’s BC is NOT the same. Amen to that!
    ~~~~~
    {{HUGS}} and Kisses Zenny and Baby B/Z XOXOXO

  15. / Reply

    I’m so happy you’ll be seeing your peeps tomorrow. Your baby bump is “progressing splendidly” because your darlin’ baby will be here in about 4 months – can you believe it? Time sure flies, Zenyatta! Take care and have fun during this exciting week, pretty girl.

  18. / Reply

    I will be at the Breeders’ Cup – my first ever racing event and I’m so excited. I wish I could attend your party, but I found out about it at the last minute and don’t have a way to get there. Sorry. Please excuse me for saying this, but I so wish your people could buy your spiritual sister, Blind Luck. I would love for the two of you to be friends and hang out together. I heard your people are the best and I want the best for BL. Do you think you could whisper in their ear for me and ask if there is anything they can do? I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed. Love you Z, I hope I get to meet you (and Blind Luck) some day.

  20. / Reply

    Thank you Dawn – That is very thoughtful of you :)

    I know – I cry everytime I see that race and everytime I think Zenyatta is going to catch Blame…. What a race. I miss her so much.

  24. / Reply

    @Abigail
    Not sure about Adian O Brien and So You Think. You are right, running backwards, in the dirt and with blinkers. Maybe they are trying to protect his face and eyes from the dirt and help him concentrate ?????
    It is very strange. Not sure Adian has this guy right???

  25. / Reply

    Queen Z you look glorious! I am so looking forward to seeing Harmonious in BC this week! I babysat her at Keeneland and she was so sweet! Hugs to everyone at Churchill and to you Queen Z. Tell your John to get you a little shetlend pony named Tiger! :).

  27. / Reply

    @Abigail
    I posted the link on Zenny and Blame a year later on previous post. The best saying from Dottie was “NEVER GIVE UP AND NEVER GIVE IN” which is what they both did. Lovely piece about Blame. Lots of fans are coming to visit him and he is very personable and is enjoying his new job very well.

  28. / Reply

    @Abigail
    I hope So You Think just does not bag the race and not come out of the gate, with all these NEW things.

  29. / Reply

    Hello beautiful girl. thanks to John and Dottie for all the pictures and information. Sounds like the weather will cooperate this weekend for the cup, I remember how cold it was last year. I can’t wait for the big weekend, I have all my papers and forms and ready to go but I must say it just isn’t as exciting without you. I keep seeing the re-runs from last year and it’s amazing how I think you are going to get there (ugh) Good luck to all the entrants and pray they all come home safe.
    @Dawn Conrad: sorry to hear about your health and hope you are back on tract soon

  30. / Reply

    @ Abigail from Montreal, I have no idea what those people are thinking!! Blinkers?
    I wish he was not running!! Sorry, I really like this horse, but this is crazy!

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