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
Paula Higins
Love the picture!!! The article by Claire Novack in which they interviewed Dottie was great. Good luck to all of John’s horses, Harmonious and Mr. Commons, this weekend. He deserves nothing but success. Looking forward to all the stories and pictures about the party!
Bernie, San Joaquin Valley, CA
Mary, I’m with you, Zenyatta party at next years Breeders Cup, Love it!!!!
~ Z ~ Love you pretty girl.
Sunny Boyd
Good evening Mom to be,
and already glowing with maternal bliss.
That picture is too cute. Haha
I just know your party will be a total success.And maybe it’ll be an annual event not to miss from now on, there are a lot of people who would like to meet you & team Z.
Have a restful night and dream sweet
Barbara Wood (Texas)
2Vicki B–great redneck jokes!
@Sue Noel–thank you for sharing those special stories of Casey. We can never have too many Dumplings, so I hope Casey’s mom joins us.
@Lou Ann Cingel– praying for you. Miracles happen every day, and your attitude is tops–an example to all of us! We’re not ready for you to leave us either! It’s a miracle that we have all found each other and enjoy celebrating Z. together, as well as other facets of our lives.
@Russ and Judy Berube–all the best to you. Miss you.
AJ from CA
Signofthetimes – thanks for the calendar hook-up..I just ordered mine. Lots of good links today.
Z – Wish I could make your big party Friday but definitely will be there in spirit. Looking forward to great feedback from those lucky enough to attend.
Heidi (Vallejo.Calif)
Ok, Zenny, please let us know the ingredients to the Zenyatta! Two more days and wooohoooo!
Everyone else, if you are going to the Party, please, please post pics and video of you can?! I’m wondering if they’re going to show any coverage of the party between the races?
Anyways, have a fun visit with your family and friends. Best of Luck to John and his charges, this weekend!
Love ya Big Mamma..
Margaret
@Dawn Conrad–Ouch and double ouch! Having three discs herniated a couple of years ago–wow I can sure sympathize.
Lying on your stomach with a pillow under one leg–make sure its not only comfy but is supportive–small ice bags can help. You won’t be able to lie on them.
Back surgery–the ole steroid shot in the back is sometimes helpful sometimes not. It really depends on the person.
Pain killers are a MUST!!!! Vicodin for the immediate relief and then moving to Tylenol with Codeine. Make sure you stay ahead of the pain. Playing catch up is no good.
The nerve thing in the neck–when your doctor says its okay–ask about traction. I know your gonna say–ICK!!! Can you say blaugh????? But I tried traction for really awful sledge hammer headaches and oh my–the difference is unreal.
The trick is not to clench down on the traction device so tight that it hurts. But then it shouldn’t be so loose that you can lift your neck out of the contraption!!!! You’ll find the right spot for you.
I was out about a month or so but was bad for a month before I went in. It does get better. Give it time and be patient. I know that sounds so simplistic and it isn’t. And being in pain is not fun either. Just know that others have been there and we know that you will heal.
And iPad now would be a good thing. That way you can download books and not have to hold them or carry the weight. Make sure you get the iPad stand. It’s 29.95 but it will support your iPad and you won’t have to worry about holding the iPad up. Ipad comes with WiFi or 3G whichever is good for you.
Feel better soon. I’m sorry your back is bad.
Allie from Texas
Zenyatta, I look forward to all of the TV Coverage for the Breeders Cup, except maybe when they show a rerun of last years Classic. But I must admit that I did give Blame a hug when I saw him this September. I went there not liking him so much, but he won me over. I hope to see you one day. Have a great party!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
@Rosemary McCauley – You’re right about Harmonious! You better ask Terry Crow, our fearless redneck leader, but I’m sure he will say that Frank can be an honorary redneck, if Frank wants the “honor”.
pamela manzer
Love and Kisses Zenyatta
Caitlin
Dottie, just wanted to let you know how truly grateful I am that you keep us posted on all of Zenyatta’s happenings! It is truly wonderful that you take time out each week (usually several times a week!) to keep her fans so truly involved. Thank you for everything you do! Zenyatta and your team has truly had a wonderful impact on my life! Please know how much we all appreciate your efforts!
Gratefully,
Caitlin
P.S. Lots of love and kisses to you,Zenny! Hope you and baby are well! Enjoy your visit with your team!
Michelle
I am leaving for Louisville in the morning. It just not as exciting this year since you won’t be there but it will still be great fun. I am looking forward to your party and appreciate all of Dottie’s hard work. She is one special lady. Love you Z!!!
Julie DuVall / Ontario, CA
I can’t make it to your party on Friday, but I AM going to leave work early so I can get home to watch all the Friday races :)
The most recent “Grey Goose Toast” email has a recipe for the Down the Stretch, but it is DIFFERENT from the one I had at Santa Anita in 2009:
GREY GOOSE®
DOWN THE STRETCH
1½ parts GREY GOOSE® Vodka
½ part blue curaçao
1 part lemon-lime soda
1 part cranberry juice
1 part sweet and sour mix
Add all ingredients to a tall glass
filled with ice. Stir vigorously, and present with a fresh blackberry
and a slice of lemon.
And the Grey Goose website has yet ANOTHER recipe for a drink with the same name!
I hope YOUR cocktail is just as tasty (and less confusing) :)
suew/Va
Zenny, lots of your dumplings will be traveling tomorrow for your big party. Thousands of us will also be with you and your wonderful team in spirit. Dottie, please know how much all of us appreciate your efforts in keeping this diary alive so we can stay connected to our Queen. I hope every horse comes home safely, riders, too. How I will miss seeing Miss Z on the track this year! Last year was my first time seeing her live (at the BC) and it is a moment in time I will never forget. Dottie, if you happen to see the You Yube called “Thank You Team Z” I know you’ll have watery eyes just like I did.
So many great memories…and now, a little Z to anticipate in the early Spring. A special thanks to the Mosses, too, for everything they do.
tony and sue
@Kari, we’re thinking of you. To all the Z dumplings who are heading to Louisville…safe travels and have fun!
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
@Noor fans and Old Friends fans: Noor is being honored with a one-of-a-kind Derby hat.
http://www.oldfriendsequine.org/hats.shtml
–
The page also features a biography of Noor and the story of his journey to his final resting place.
–
Also, Marquetry required some expensive surgery this week, so OF is soliciting donations to help cover the cost. Marq is recovering and is back home. He is a doll.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Caitlin–echoing your comments.
Good night, sweet Z. DOn’t let all the excitement keep you from getting your mommy sleep. Love you always.
#1 New England Fan
Love you, Zenny! So wonderful that you and all your family will be together.
@all partygoers – I know you’ll have a ZENsational time. I’ll be there and spirit and hope for another chance next year.
@Patricia Emery and others, please tell me what “E train”is so that I can find the video – thanks!
Annie B in MA
Anne from Paramount, CA
Hello again Queen Z: what a gala you will be having! Woo woo and high hooves to you and your TEAM!! I am once again playing catch up and will need to do so again next week, so enjoy the fun everyone! And now we will have the new Zenyatta drink. Sorry I’ve forgotten who posted “Will it make me dance?” LOL! Take a bow, after your dance of course.
@Linda in NJ, hope your b/d was great. Belated greetings to you.
@Rosemary: what a great photo of you on the carousel with the QUEEN! :)
@Susan in TN: add my WOW about Choctaw—so happy he is ok now. What a frightening experience for you all.
@Trina: a terrific poem about dumpling Linda in NJ!
@Judy Berube and Russ: so sorry to learn of Russ’s health situation. Thinking of you both and feel better soon!
@Dawn: hope you are also feeling better. It cannot be easy what you are going through. Whew!
@Barbara Wood: Continued healing to you
as well.
@Paul: I smiled when you said to Zenyatta, “You are the woman.” You are so right! :)
@Diana S: enjoy Turf Paradise! Sounds like you are in for a couple of fun days.
@The Kennedys in San Diego: thanks for sharing your Zenyatta Hallowe’en party story.
@Zenyatta: love YOUR tree and especially the sign! LOL.
@ALL HORSES AND JOCKEYS: SAFE RIDES TO YOU ALL!! A TOAST TO A TERRIFIC BC 2011.
Irene Caty
Hi Zenny, your exciting day is almost here and I am so happy for you. WOW you are getting plenty attention with all of these happenings, IM SO GLAD BECAUSE i KNOW YOU LOVE IT. It is good to know that some of your team are visiting you again, enjoy your day. I found two good articals today, one from ESPN.COM and the other from THE SATURDAY POST both going back to last years Breeders Cup and in both articals they praised you highly on how hard you worked at your profession and how proud you always were. There was much more and both articals were very good. I did so enjoy reading how highly you are still regarded. Somehow I just dont believe you will ever be just a horse. You have been so highly trained in being a Racehore and there was so much love given you in that time and I do believe it will remain in your soul forever. You are pretty near human in so many ways and the love that so many have for you will never be different. I wish you could come back to California so we could all visit you again. We all respect you and love you Zenyatta and you can carry that with you forever.
Irene Caty
Zenny, I mis-spelled racehorse in my reply, SORRY!
Marshall (old girl in NC)
Zenny, you are the BEST! Love you, beautiful girl! Enjoy the Breeders’ Cup!
@LouAnn Cingel: All the Very Best to you.
Miracles DO happen and I agree that your optimism is crucial! We want you here with us for a long time! Hugs!!
Susan in TN: So glad Choctaw is doing well. Take care!
SAFE rides and runs to all our wonderful participants in the BC races!
To Everyone: I am having computer problems and may not be able to check-in or post for awhile. I am so addicted to this site! I will miss you all terribly!!
Hope it won’t be long before I can join you again. Hugs to All!
Jane (S. California)
Hey Zenyatta! Can’t wait to see the pictures from your upcoming visit with your family! They are the BEST! We will be in Texas this weekend visiting our family and friends but I’ll be sure to keep up on all the news and try to catch some of the races. I’ve got our DVD set up to record, so if nothing else, we’ll see it when we get home. I wish we could be there for your “party”! Those that will be able to attend are so lucky!
~~~~~~~~~~
Have a wonderful day Zenyatta and baby “Z”!!
mm
Thank you John and Team Z for the info on happenings from the Breeders Cup. Gives us a true understanding what goes on in the life of the racehorse and people associated with them in the biggest horseracing event!!!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
@Brenda S in Ontario, Canada—-Thank you so much for sharing your story on #369 of meeting Garrett Gomez with Vic while wearing your Z’s Dumpling tags. I was so pleased to hear of his very gracious statement that he was pleased to meet two such great fans of the Queen. High hoof to him!
@JAG—“Bernie Babies”—Love it!
@Theosa—Nice post—lucky you to have babysat the sweet Harmonious! And speaking of that cute little Shetland pony Tiger, did you see the great photo of John with Tiger on Diary Entry #358?
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
@Abigail from Montreal – Thanks for the link to the interview with John, makes the BC feel a little more real, since I can’t be there.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Good night, sweet Z, sleep tight till the morning light.
@Vicki B—Great redneck jokes—especially the final one! High hoof! Thanks for holding the fort during Terry Crow’s walkabout.
@Jeanie—Diana S’s e-mail (posted by her here previously, so I’m not revealing any secret) is diastu46@gmail.com.
@LouAnn Cingle—I certainly will be praying for a miracle for you. I knew you were undergoing chemo, and have been praying for you since then, but I had not known you had been given the dreaded “T” prognosis. I hope you prove them wrong and get to see not only Z’s first foal, but many more to come.
@Sue Noel—Lovely post. Please say hi to Casey and his mom from all of us. Hope his mom will join in the fun here.
@Dawn—Margaret’s suggestions sound excellent. I hope you will be feeling pain free soon.
@Marshall in NC—I’m so sorry computer problems may keep you off-site for a while—I hate it when that happens!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
@Peggy (N)in GA-—Here’s video by Larry Zap of Weemissfrankie at Del Mar with her goat Pickles. http://maryforney.blogspot.com/2011/10/some-rare-larry-zap-footage-of.html
wilbur pepino
Zenyatta what about you pick up some stock in Inovio pharma.,they have a promising treatment for laminitis in thier VGX ANIMAL HEALTH DIVISION.
Amy Beacha
Hello Zenyatta – I’m glad all is well and enjoy the party. Also, that you’re doing good and Take Care.