Good Morning Everyone!
HOORAY! The 2 days of racing we have all been waiting for and planning on for the last several weeks…The World Championships…are now here! I truly want to wish all of the entrants and their connections ALL THE BEST! May this weekend of racing offer some of the most exciting moments in sports that we’ve enjoyed in quite some time! My Lane’s End pals are discussing their selections with us each day. Then TASTY and I add our thoughts after studying the DAILY RACING FORM and listening to the on-air handicappers. Hmmm, I wonder who will pick more winners: Matt, Sarah, David, Charles or ME???
Yesterday afternoon was SO MUCH FUN! MY TEAM came to visit ME. Everyone hugged and kissed ME Then they ‘checked out’ my BABY BUMP. MY JOHN looked ME over from head-to-tail. (I kept waiting for him to check my legs…just like he did for years at Barn 55.) The overall consensus was that I looked absolutely TOO CUTE! TASTY also joined in the fun and we had a wonderful afternoon.
Ann was so sweet! She and I cuddled for quite some time…and then she scratched ALL of my favorite spots. It was fabulous. I relaxed and truly enjoyed each moment! We talked about my party and all of the things going on in my life right now. It was truly like old times!
Later during the visit, I thought it would be fun to DO ANN’S HAIR for MY PARTY! She is such a good sport! I must say, this could be another career option for ME in the future.
As for MY PARTY, ALL of the festivities begin at 11:30 today. For those of you attending, please remember that the traffic patterns change on these busy World Championship Days. 4th Avenue is closed in certain spots as you get close to Churchill Downs, so please allow for this in your planning. The shuttle buses start running around 11:30 if you’d like to wait for them.
To enter the party, please go to the area by the BARBARO statue. You will see a sign by the doors of this building for the party. Please enter here. Your name, having ordered your tickets in advance, will be on a master list. Then go on in and have a GREAT TIME!
It has been such an amazing 12 months! Last November, I was at Churchill Downs preparing to run in the BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC! This year, I’m again SO FORTUNATE! I’m able to share in the festivities with my dear friends…just in a different role!
I’ll see you there…BABY BUMP and ALL! Oh, how I do love this modern day technology!
ENJOY!
Have a wonderful, wonderful weekend!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Kimberly Potter/Montana
My Beautiful Zenyatta~ Oh how this post and picture bring tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. The LOVE between YOU and Ann is so evident. I know everyone at YOUR party will have the time of their lives! I will be with you ALL is spirit and will not miss a thing. I have ESPN and ABC on DVR and I will also be watching everything live.
This morning I get to go watch Evyn Bell while her Momma goes shopping and gets out for a while. This is a most special day and weekend for me.
I love you Zenyatta~
I love all my Z’sters….
Good Luck to ALL the beautful horses today and tomorrow….May they all come home safe and sound!
Go, Go, Go!
Zenyatta’s #1 fan in Montana!
Amber
congrats on going to be a momma..have ann give the baby bump a nice rub for me!
Susan O
Zenny, you look so sweet with you Mommy Ann. I can tell she loves you so much! I hope to see you on the computer today in a few. Have a fun party!
Jan S. in Houston
Zenyatta,
The picture of you and Ann is priceless. Glad to hear John gave you the once over. You look so good. I’m sure your party will be a big success. God speed and save races for all. Love you Big Mama.
Diiana Hanson
Zen, I would so love to give you a hug! You are absolutely stunning. Have a wonderful and fun filled weekend.
Amy
We’re on our way pretty girl!
Valerie
I miss u Queen Z, here in los angeles!!! Come and visit us here after u have ur little Z <3
Pam Zacek,
oh wow, don t i wish I could be there, have a fab time, Baby bump and all Party time, for Zen, and have some fun, Glad all is going good, Love this picture so cute, have a fabulous weekend, and Safe trip to all the enters, of this long fun weekend, Love ya Zen.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Dear Zenyatta. Hello everyond!!!!! What a wonderful surprise to see this beautiful picture of you and Ann. It brings an immediate tear of joy seeing the two of you sharing your amazing connection with us. The love is certain and strong no matter the time or space between you. Thanks to you, Zenny and our amazing Dottie for such a joyous start to the day. Todays the day, yippee, it’s the start of the Breeder’s Cup and by this afternoon your party will be in full swing. I know everyone will have an experience to last a lifetime and memories to hold dear forever. For all of you Dumplings who have been blessed to attend, I cannot wait to hear your impressions. I am looking forward to many posts sharing your great stories about your unforgettable time at Zenny’s party as well as the Breeder’s Cup weekend!!! It will be so fun! I know that you and Dottie will be filling us in on all the happenings when you get time, Zenny. John’s camera will be working overtime and hopefully some video will make an appearance also. I can’t wait!! I took a vacation day off from work so that I could immerse myself in two wonderful days of racing as well as get some needed rest. I already have TVG playing. Prayers have been said for the safety of all competing. Dreams will be fulfilled and shattered all in the matter of minutes, , but the true success is in the trying. You have taught us that Zenny, never give up, never give in. Any horse that steps out on the track at Churchill Downs will have already proven themselves worthy. Each horse, trainer, jockey, owner and fan will bring their personality, excitement, hope, ability, history and humanity with them. It is the mix of all these that makes horse racing the amazing sport it is. The sport of kings and especially our Queen. Steve Haskin said you have charisma and your Jerry read that you are transformative. To both, I would agree. You have charmed my life and transformed my heart to hold a special love for you my dear Zenyatta. Thank you to all of Team Z for everything that you have given us and for allowing us to be a part of Zenyatta’s life each and every day, the journey has been remarkable. Special love to you Dottie! Sweet Breeder’s Cup dreams, Zenny. Enjoy your time with all your visitors and especially with your loving family and best friend TT. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
@To All Who Have Shared Their Loving Concern – What can I say? I count myself so very blessed to have such amazing friends spread out across the country, including Canada! I may have never met most of you, but I feel connected in our mutual love of Zenyatta and support of each other. It is an experience like no other. Thank you!!!
@Shari – It was wonderful hearing from you last night. Your words were so heartwarming. Don’t worry; although I am uncomfortable, I am doing remarkably well all things considered. Your story about the children wanting Mistletoe to be in the Breeder’s Cup was too cute!
@Sue Noel – I am definitely looking at coming to Santa Anita next year and would love getting to meet you at Zenny’s party!!!! The hard part is going to be waiting a whole year!!
@Kari – How I hope that you are at Zenyatta’s party tomorrow, celebrating with joy and having the time of your life!! We love and miss you!!
@LouAnn – I admire your spirit very, very much. Your beautiful post touched my heart and soul. In light of your condition and your recent chemo, I am so glad that you are feeling well. You bring so much to each of us here! You know that I believe in miracles and the possibility that they may come to any of us when we least expect them. I do not think that man can predict the time that God has given us. Through his grace I hope you will be around for a very long time sharing your life with those that love you most. After the winter, there comes the renewal of spring. I will be praying for that spring day when you will see Zenyatta’s foal!! God bless.
@All – Once again thanks to all who are sharing such fantastic links and information for this marvelous Breeder’s Cup weekend!!!!
Lois Gillespie (DE)
Miss Z and Ann, perfect together -just love that picture! You must have been so happy to see your team again. We just love looking at all these photos. Hope all the Dumplings have a wonderful time at your party, the rest of us will be there in spirit. Really hoping that between the major networks and the racing channels, we get to see some of the festivities. Safe racing to all this weekend!
Debbie
hi Z! YOU will be on my mind even though I will be watching all of the races and hopefully, they’ll show YOUR party, wish I could be there!! YOU have a wonderful weekend with all of your visitors and Tasty and that precious baby bump! Love YOU gorgeous mama xoxoxo
Debbie
AND safe trips for all!!!!!!
Kim Noble
Love the pic of you and your human mom. What a special family you are part of. Safe trip to everyone at the BC and I love you Union Rags!!!
Cathy Braun-Emig
Have a Great Day Lady Z!!!! Can’t wait to see all the pics of you and your baby bump. Good Luck to all your buddies! Have a safe weekend everyone. Hooves crossed!!
>^..^<
Jeanie
Dear Great One,
Good morning on this very special Friday. I love this photo of you and your dear ANN. You can see the bond that exists between the two of you so strongly in this photo. I LOVE IT! I’m so glad you will all be together for these next two days. I have taken the day off so I can participate to the extent possible from my home. Good luck to all the runners and may they all come home safe and sound. GOD BLESS YOU dear girl and your dear owners and dear team as well. Love you,
Your humble J
Shanda Hooton
I love the picture!!! Anne is one of the luckiest women ever to be able to visit you and scratch your favorite spots whenever she wants. And what a lucky girl you are Z to have exceptional owners and the team that you do. They love you so much…I can feel the love just looking at the pictures and reading the words written. Thanks for including all of us! Congratulations on the party it will be a big hit! You look beautiful as always and the baby bump makes you even more beautiful and I didn’t think that was possible. Love to all and best of luck to all the runners today and tomorrow!
Lorri Hix
Oh Momma Z! I’m sure you had a great time yesterday! Tell Tasty I said hello and your baby bump is TOO CUTE!!
I’m so eager to hear all about your party today! I wish I could have been there. Meeting other Z Fans would be awesome!! Have fun y’all! xoxo
Sandy
Zenny,
What a WONDERFUL picture of you and Ann!! That Dottie really is something isn’t she? As I noted in the last post, I’m way behind with all of the goings on so could anyone please tell me if any of today’s activities are being broadcast live either on TV or on a website that the average person can access? Thanks so much for any information.
@Barbara Wood – see end of #370 re knee
harriett (Oklahoma)
Wonderful picture!
Judy Sims: Loved the video link. Thanks so much! It’s the first time I’ve really seen the baby bump.
What a special day this is! Love you, dear Z!
Ariel Yve
You are such a sweet girl Z! How great would it be if your Anne turned you into her riding horse when you got a bit older (like Kelso)? After all, it is fine to ride a pregnant mare…lightly of course. You two look like you’d have a great time together.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Dearest Zenny— You and your dear, dear Ann look so lovely! May I repeat my wish for you and all your guests to have a great time at your BC party today—special greetings to the Three Zenyateers! I hope too that all the horses and riders in the races have safe trips.
@Gloria Jeanne—Earlier this morning I left you birthday greetings and a poem at the end of #370 along with a special “Epilogue” which is addressed to everyone. I’ll repost the Epilogue here for those who are too hurried (or too occupied on this busy day!) to go back. Happy Birthday!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Epilogue to Gloria Jeanne’s Birthday Poem
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One birthday wish
Of Gloria Jeanne’s
I think I can guess
Because we’ve been told
By her
Of one special goal
That’s close at hand:
It’s for Z’s
Facebook fan total to be
One hundred thousand
By Eclipse Awards day—
Doesn’t it sound grand?
So, what do you say—
Let’s spread the word
And ask all if they’ve heard
Of the great Queen
And will they friend her?
Please this remember
And help our dear Gloria Jeanne
Do this for Zenyatta, our Queen.
Terry
OH Zenny I’ve been waiting for a photo just like this with your human “MOM”!! I can see how much love you have for each other!! Happy Breeders Cup!!
Cathleen
Hi Zenyatta, I’m so happy you got to spend time with your family yesterday. So thoughtful of you to do Ann’s hair for her. I’m sure she’ll look smashing at the party. I wish I could be there! Can’t wait to see all the photos!! Cathleen XOXXO
Patti
Lady Z…what a beautiful picture. Seeing you never gets boring and I love it that you are so obviously adored and taken care of. I would love to be at Churchill Downs today and tomorrow. I can’t wait to hear how your party is going; I know it will be great.
JSmith CA
Wishing all party goers a fabulous time, and all horses a safe ride.
Jeanine Coogle - Nebraska
Gorgeous picture! I wish I was in Kentucky today enjoying the party and the races, but will have to watch on TV instead. Thank you to the connections of Zenyatta for organizing the party and letting us all be a small part of the Zenyatta experience. Safe racing to all today and tomorrow!
Allen
Of all the pictures you have posted for all your fans, I think this is the best yet. There is so much love between you and Ann. I wish I could be at your party, but just couldn’t get off work today. Z, my heart will be there with you and I hope you and all the Z Fans have a wonderful afternoon. I want to thank You and Dottie for taking the time to write all these posts, it just makes all of us feel like we are part of Team Z. I also want to thank John and Sarah for all the pictures, and Jerry and Ann for making all this possible. Zenyatta this time next year you will be able to watch the BC with Baby Z. Have a great day, Love You Z.
pamela manzer
Zenyatta and everyone attending the party have a wonderful fun time. I was unable to attend but there in spirit. Good Luck to all the horses and their connections in the Breeders’ Cup Races Love and Kisses.
Sandra Frey
Zenyatta, you are the CUTEST Momma in the world!!! I love the photo of you and Ann! You are so loved! Wish I was at your party – some of my friends are going to be there because they were able to get off work today…me, I’m working not far from where you are living, by the way. I’m going to the BC tomorrow and cannot wait and I’m going to the Lane’s End Open House on Sunday…wish I could see you…maybe again one day. xooxox
Trina Nagele in So Cal
@Sandy—RE: End of #370—-I wish you a recovery that is as speedy as possible from your knee revision. You asked about coverage of the BC events. I hope someone else can post about Internet coverage. The following was posted earlier about TV coverage:
The Breeders’ Cup announced Oct. 20 that ESPN and ABC will televise more than nine hours of live television coverage of the Nov. 4-5 World Championships at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
On Friday, Nov. 4, television programming will begin at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN3 with six Breeders’ Cup Championship races, concluding with the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (gr. I) at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The Saturday, Nov. 5, coverage will begin on ABC at 2 p.m. and continue on ESPN and ESPN3 from 3:30-7:15 p.m., with eight live races. The final portion of the ESPN coverage will be titled the “Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I)” which will begin at 6:15 p.m. Post time for the Breeders’ Cup Classic will be 7 p.m. ET.
[TVG is already now showing commentary and] will provide live coverage of the Breeders’ Cup Marathon (gr. II) on Championship Saturday, at 1:20 p.m. ET.