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
Gloria Jeanne - The O.C.
Thank You – Trina for the Birthday Poem.
Thank is so kind of you to help with my GOAL. It’s for the Queen and not me really. She is so Grand that I want everyone to know of her. It’s always been my GOAL to have her known since the first time I saw her race on July 5th 2008 at Hollywood Park.
I woke up this morning wishing to be at the Party Today – but caring for my mother and finances don’t allow this – not this year – maybe next if the Connections allow. So I turned on YOU TUBE and watched some of Zenyatta’s races and homemade tributes to our Queen… her first romp in snow always brings a tear to my eyes… and of course last years BC always makes me cry – no matter. I know she did her best and nobody can ask for more… the thing is how she felt afterwords is what breaks my heart, the thought of her not going to the winner’s circle must have been a strange feeling for her… what a day… to see and hear all her fans cheering was so cool… a time I will never forget.
But one of the best days ever was the 2009 Breeder’s Cup at Santa Anita that I got to go to for my Birthday to see Zenyatta take on the BOYS and WIN!!! I was there!!! THE BEST DAY EVER – again one I will NEVER FORGET!!!
Meeting you after Del Mar before the 2010 Breeder’s Cup was unreal…. I felt so not worthy to be so close, I didn’t want to be too close – I didn’t want to freak you out or anything – I didn’t want to hurt your chances of winning… 60 minutes was cool, I bought the DVD…. I can’t say enough about how you have effected my life… NEVER GIVE UP – NEVER QUIT AND ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS AND YOUR HEART!!!!
Thanks so much for all the wonderful memories you have given me Zenyatta.
Zenyatta will reach her Goal she will always be the greatest horse ever… LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!!!!!!!!!!!
Julie DuVall / Ontario, California
I am HOPING there will be a bit about the Zenyatta party on the TV coverage. How can they NOT at least show the live Z footage or the crowd of happy Z-sters?
It poured rain this morning here in California but the sun is coming out now. Hmmm … I wonder if the sun came out when Zenyatta did? It used to do that, you know :) My sister and I always joked that Zenny controlled the weather (and traffic — we always had NO trouble on the freeway to and from Hollypark when we went to see her, which is amazing).
gammyp
wow- such a beautiful photo. It just speaks for itself.
Elaine
What a great picture with your Ann! I’m sure Ann misses you! I wish she would bring you back to California…..we all miss you here!!
Suzanne G (IL)
Hi Zenyatta,
How wonderful for all of us that you and your dear family found each other! Special thanks for always sharing. This picture is simply perfect. So glad you got to see everybody on this exciting weekend. I’m going with your picks–you must have the inside track. Lots of Good Luck to YOUR John and YOUR Mikie. Safe trips to all. Sorry I can’t get to your party but someday… Take care of you and say HI to TT. Enjoy your celebration. Love and hugs and lots of peppermint kisses, Suzanne G
Trina Nagele in So Cal
@Gloria Jeanne–You’re welcome. You did see your birthday poem on #370, right? Not just the Epilogue from above? Happy birthday again!
Marilu V.
Zeny – oh my gosh – what a lovely photo of you and Ann. Such a special bonding you have with everyone who loves you. I wish I could be there for your party. It’s OK..someday my turn will come. You and Tasty stay healthy. Love and blessings to you and your team today. Good luck to all this weekend. Hugs, Marilu
Ingrid Arnone. South Beach.
My adorable Zenyatta, you are so beautiful and sweet lady horse, my tears keep running down, I wish I can be there in your party, one more time good luck to all in this weekend, I love you I going to miss you so much especially in this weekend, Ingrid.
Sandy Cadwalader
Today I was inspired to go on youtube and watch once again the most awesome Classic ever of 2009 and then the 2nd best of last year (still crying) Seeing videos of Zenyatta’s races never gets old ! Wondered if there is a new DVD coming out of ALL of Zenyatta’s races ???? Maybe after the birth of her foal ??
maryp (New York)
The photo shouts out “loving bond” – it’s just beautiful! Can’t thank Dottie enough for sharing Zenyatta’s life with us especially on a busy day such as this! Bless Ann & Jerry for being loving & caring owners.
Good luck to all owners, trainers, jockeys and horses. Safe trip to all.
Linda in PA
That is a fabulous photo! Don’t know who is luckier, you or Anne. The bond is so obvious that it brings tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing.
cindy albrecht from seattle
Sure hate to miss the festivities, however, everybody PARTY HUGE . ZEE AND TEAM, you all have done much for so many. enjoy, thinking about you all, If anyone gets a chance whisper good tidings in GOLDIE, SWITCH AND HAVRE de GRACE’S FUZZY EARS. thanks, and you all take care,
Mary
I love the picture of you and Ann!
Wishing everyone fun at the party.
I hope some of it is on TV?
Hugs and Prayers
Jenna
I love photos of Anne and Z. I have another one that I look at occasionally. The connection is just so beautiful! Have a wonderful day your party! Have a great day tomorrow too!
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” – Winston Churchill
Rosemary McCauley - Southern California
@All I don’t know if I did this right, but there is a photo on this site you have to see. As Zenny would say, Too Cute!
http://news.yahoo.com/photos/snapshots-week-of-june-3-1307133161-slideshow/#crsl=%252Fphotos%252Fsnapshots-week-of-june-3-1307133161-slideshow%252Fsnapshots11411-photo-1320351391.html
Rosemary McCauley - Southern California
Love the photo of you and Anne. It is almost 12:30 PM here now and your party is probably in full swing. I hope everyone is having a great time. Good Luck, Mr. Commons and Harmonious
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Karen Gogue–thanks for the MTB link. I just love him!
Well, I’m soon off to the races…on tv! I hope that we will see some Dumplings partying for those of us who are there in spirit.
This weekend brings bsck so many memories of YOU, Z, running in the cold and dark, running blind from all the dirt flying in your face, guided only by Mike. What a girl! I doubt we’ll ever see your like again….unless it’s BabyZ/B?
Abigail from Montreal
@ Dawn & Judy: SO GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU. You’ve been in my thoughts.
@ ALL: Well, it looks like TSN here will carry the Friday races….relief! Except that TSN coverage ENDS at 7:30 and, according to TDN, that’s exactly when the Ladies Classic is due to START. What can I say? I get ANNOYED about this every year since it went off ABC or NBC & on to ESPN. Laugh or cry, right?
LOVE TO ALL!
Ellen from Mariposa (CA)
What a wonderful photo of a woman and her beloved horse! There is so much love in that one frame…
Zenny, Team Z, and everyone who can attend; have a great time at the party!
The rest of us will be eagerly awaiting all the details…
And now it’s time to go downstairs and watch horse racing on TV!
My wish and prayer is for safe, safe trips to every horse and jockey who is running.
Much love, and a big hug and kiss on the nose to everyone who wants one :).
signofthetimes
Lovely article from Louisville Times about Zenny and her arrival last year and everything that went with her race last year; everlasting article
http://www.louisville.com/content/zenyattas-last-race-oral-history-breeders-cup
Beth Buckley
I love this picture.
Andrea from Germany
Oh Zenny this photo is sos so cute Ann looks so happy and you too. Love you Zenny.
JAG Adores Zenyatta & John Henry / CA
AWWWW Mommy Ann with Mother-To-Be Zenyatta ~ way TOO CUTE!! :-) Baby on Board B/Z is getting bigger ~ I can see in this picture! Adorable!
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My prayers are with ALL the horses racing today and tomorrow ~ SAFE RACING!
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My Spirit is always with YOU, Mamma Zen! Z Dumplings: Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!
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BTW we are also having rain here in So. Calif.
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{{{HUGS}}} and Kisses Queen Zenyatta and Baby B/Z. God bless both of you XOXOXO
signofthetimes
Memories of Zenyatta dance in John Sherriffs head an article from Whittier Daily news
http://www.whittierdailynews.com/sports/ci_19262194
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
What a lovely picture of you and Ann, bet she like her new hairdo when you were done. Thanks to Dottie, The Mosses and all of your connections for this wonderful party. If you do it next year we will be able to see your “little baby foal B/Z”. Have a wonderful party the HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST and TT. XXXXOOOO
signofthetimes
Here is Goldi in this morning work out showing her “determination”. GO GO GO GOLDI!!!!! YOU HAVE BEAT THE BOYS MANY TIMES. YOU CAN DO IT AGAIN.
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more-sports/goldikova-mile-saturday-breeders-cup-article-1.972196
JAG Good Luck Bernie Babies / So. CA
I posted my earlier comment and forgot to change my “name”. Therefore, I’m posting this comment so that you can read my “well wishes” to Bernardini’s offspring :-)
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
@ Abigail – I’m with you Abigail, it’s so unfair that we don’t get full coverage of the races. I changed from cable to satellite recently and have had extended conversations with Bell Satellite this week trying to make sure I could watch all the BC events. I have suggested (strongly) that they get HRTV and the US version of ESPN but we are at the mercy of the CRTC apparently who prefer Canadian content. I think we may be more fortunate tomorrow, hooves crossed. Enjoy what we can watch.
Gloria Jeanne - The O.C.
Hi Trina – The poem on #270 brought a tear to my eye, noone has ever written a poem for me. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!
Deborah Richman, So. Cal.
Zenny, thank you for this wonderful post and the beautiful photo of you with Ann. I’m sure Ann appreciated you doing her hair for your party, and it will possibly start a new style trend :)
@To everyone who will be at the party…I am with you in spirit. Wish I could meet each and every one of you in person. Have a WONDERFUL time!
@To everyone who will be watching the BC World Championships from home or venues other than Churchill Downs, I am with you in spirit as well as I enjoy watching the races on TV.
@All horses and riders today and tomorrow…a prayer for safe trips for all of you!