Good Morning EVERYONE!
Wow! What a weekend of FUN and GREAT RACING!
MY PARTY was a huge success! The KICK-OFF Portion is the part I attended…via the beauty of today’s marvelous technology. I also got to view all of the party goodies and the party favor seat cushions that everyone received as a gift for attending. I loved all of them! I hope you did too!
Then Ann, Jerry, my John, Dottie, and Mikie all were there to visit with the fans. I heard the food was terrific! They played my races and everyone visited and just ‘hung out’. Later, Mikie had to leave for the jockeys’ room (all riders have to check in so many hours before they ride…and I think they gave Mike a bit of a break as they knew he was at MY PARTY spending time with FANS). MY JOHN had to return to the barn to be with his horses. The rest stayed to visit and enjoy the fun.
CHICKEN GREASE played the music and they were absolutely terrific! All of this truly added to the pre-Breeders’ Cup race day fun!
The afternoon session also went very well! People were able to eat, relax, and enjoy the races in the Derby Cafe in the Museum.
Once the Ladies’ Classic was finished, the AFTER PARTY started. I heard this was really GREAT FUN! It was the perfect place to go after the races while the traffic was clearing out. MY JOHN, Mikie, and Dottie attended. I heard they signed tons of items for fans and posed for zillions of photos by my painting and the many posters of ME in the room. CHICKEN GREASE played and it was all very festive!
There is a new DRINK (adult beverage) named for ME called the ZENYATTA! People were enjoying this at the AFTER PARTY great food, and other tasty things. There were even M and M’s with MY NAME on them. Now all of this is TOO CUTE!
I hope you enjoy the LIFE-SIZE painting of ME that was also unveiled at MY PARTY. Above, you see Ann standing next to it. I truly believe the artist, Jaime Corum, did an amazing job on this piece. I AM REALLY ME! The reason for this is that it is done PRECISELY to my measurements…every single part of my body in this painting is exact. IT IS TRULY ME! While working on the project, Jaime would send emails to MY JOHN and they’d review it. Then when he was in Lexington for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Keeneland mid-October, he drove to Louisville to her studio to review the final details with her. EVERYONE WANTED IT TO BE A PERPECT REPRESENTATION OF ME. I’m hearing that it will displayed at the BROWN HOTEL in Louisville for the balance of the Churchill race meet. If you have a moment, please stop by to see it. It is gorgeous….if I say so myself! (BLUSH, BLUSH!)
I’d like to personally thank everyone who attended MY PARTY and Leonard and Dottie for working so hard to ‘make it happen’. As with so many things in my life, ALL OF YOU have helped to MAKE THINGS BE SPECIAL, JOYFUL and FUN! I can’t THANK YOU ENOUGH! I hope in some small way, I HAVE MADE THINGS FUN AND SPECIAL FOR YOU, AS WELL!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(A HIGH-HOOF to all of the Breeders’ Cup winners…and a special HUG to GOLDIKOVA on an amazing career! I am so, so PROUD of HER!)
Z
PS… I’ve heard many of you took photos at the party. I can’t wait to see them. We’ll share more details on different things as the week progresses. Enjoy your day!
Susan in TN
From post #371:
@Stephanie: Thanks for explanation of Sir Barton’s name being in gold.
Congrats to Black Caviar on #16! She makes it look easy!
@Abigail in Montreal: I loved The Vault series on Breeder’s Cup fantasy races- very fun! I think I now understand fantasy football :)
Mary
The party sounded like so much fun. I love the painting of you…oh my gosh…it is perfect…just like you are perfect Z. It is sweet to see Ann standing there..she is so pretty…you two have such a bond. How about that Mike and Drosselmyer…that so proves you never know what is going to happen in horse racing. I loved it when Chantal said…oh no, not Mike…because he is the best. I felt bad for Uncle Mo…but he just did not like the track. Oh yes…we want to say to Dottie…you are awesome…amazing all you do…thank you for all you do!!! Hugs to you Z….
Susan in TN
@Amanda Gilliland: I’m so happy to see you post! Maybe you have been and I just missed them. Hope all is going well for you and yours <3
D Stuart
Two beauties!
Hope the way to buy posters and prints is posted soon – Christmas is coming (and I’ve been a very good girl, Santa!) (Okay, I lie.)
diastu in tempe
Elaine
The picture is amazing! Love it!
“High hoof” to your MIKE for winning the Classic! I’m so happy for him!
Especially Horses / California
Uncle Mo update:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/66088/champion-uncle-mo-retired-to-ashford-stud
Joan in Texas
Beautiful Z
They sold posters of the paintiing at the luncheon. Surely they will be available at a later date.
Love ya Z
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
@Anyone watching the sale, or who wants to watch, Life At Ten will be selling soon. She is #152. They’re on #145 now.
Susan in TN
@Laura J and Eveline: Thanks. The sale just sucks you in, doesn’t it? And it’s easy to lose all perspective. “Only $85,000 for that one. H-m-m.” Lol!
Mary Catherine (Rome, Ga)
The painting is gorgeous! Will there be prints made? or posters available for purchase? Where will the final home of the painting? Is there a chance that a regular person could come visit you? Or see you from a distance? I’m not rich but I sure would love to meet you! You are The Queen.
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
Life at Ten up next!
tony and sue
Zenny, OMG! There are no words except PERFECTION! Your Ann looks so proud standing in front of your portrait…we wish we could have been to enjoy all the festivities.
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
Life At Ten $1,950,000
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
@Mary Catherine in Rome GA, the painting has been made into a poster. I think everyone at the party bought one. They’ll be for sale, but I don’t know exactly how.. You might check the artist’s website, that of the Breeders’ Cup, or that of the V foundation. And no, unfortunately, you can’t go visit Zenyatta. Occasionally, visits are available as charitable auction items. They go for $$$, though.
Kirren
Z, your party sounds like it was a smashing success! I so wish I could have been there! The painting Jaime made is amazing and beautiful, just like you! I hope they have prints made available to us fans… it would be a wonderful addition to my Z poster and art collection! ;)
Goldi made a valiant effort, and she deserves a high hoof! I hope Uncle Mo comes out well and enjoys retirement (I gather that’s his next move from his FB post). All the other horses were excellent in the Breeders Cup races. Congratulations to all the winners!
Now I am off to see my own horses, as well as do barn chores for my school’s show team horses. We’ve had some rain over the weekend, so I’m sure some of the school horses will love a good walk or turnout today! :)
As always, love and miss you, Z!
Especially Horses / California
@LauraJ: Do you know when Blind Luck sells?
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Dear Zenyatta. This first time I saw your portrait I called it breathtaking and now with Ann standing in front, it is even more beautiful. For those that may not have seen it, I posted a link to an interview with Jamie Corum yesterday. It also has an interview with Leonard Lusky. I gave him a big shout out yesterday also for the marvelous help he gave to you , Dottie and all of Team Z in making your party a great success Zenny. And for everything else he does for the sport. Thank you to everyone who have shared stories and pictures from the party. Too fun! How I wish I could have been there!!!! I did have a great time watching all of the wonderful racing, thanks to ESPN for all of the fabulous coverage! Goldikova ran her heart out and did her best just to come up a little short. She is brilliant and I wish her the very best in her retirement. Her accomplishments will be a marvelous part of horse racing history. I was so very happy to see the JOY that came to our Mickie over the course of the weekend. He not only got a big dose of fan love at your celebration, he then went on to win two races and tie Jerry Bailey’s record of 15 Breeder’s Cup wins. I can’t wait to see him back next year to break it!! Seeing his glowing smile was amazing and hearing him talk about his love for you brought a tear. Your John added to those tears, when he spoke with a break in his voice about what you mean to him Zenny. It was truly a remarkable few days, from start to finish. I found out some info on your print yesterday, I can’t wait to hear more from you and Dottie this week. Thank you again, Zenny and Team Z, for sharing such amazing experiences with us. Love you all!!! Sweet dreams, Zenny. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
Here is the interview link:
http://www.whas11.com/video/yahoo-video/Angie-gets-an-up-close-look-at–132919293.html
Marilu V.
Hello Zeny and Dottie: Thank you for all the information about your party! Congratulations to all who worked so hard to make it a success!
Wow, what a painting. I love everything Jaime captured about you. Congratulations to her, your John and everyone who contributed to this remarkable work of art. I hope one day to have my picture taken just like Ann. Hope you and Tasty are doing well. Love and hugs, Marilu
Arlene
Hi Zenny, Wonderful picture/painting !
Thank you to the Moss’s and Team Z. Thanks to all for the posts about Zenyatta’s Celebration Party.
LOL, Arlene
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
@Kelly – HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!!
@Gloria Jeanne and Especially Horses – Thank you for the links about Uncle Mo. I am sorry that he did not get the chance to live up to his potential, but I am so glad that they are going to retire him rather than continue to risk his health.
@Shari – Wow, Shari. Now you and I can see Uncle Mo at Ashford this summer. Won’t that be fantastic!!!
@Susan in TN – Enjoyed your remarks very much. I have been to Churchill Downs on a crowded race day, with all the color, excitment and fun and I have also been there surrounded by silence with no one around. It is in those moments as I walk looking upward at all the names on the roofline that I can hear the echos of the past and picture the images of those that have raced in this hallowed place.
@Amanda Gilliland – Welcome back!
@To All The New Posters – I have seen several names and I just wanted to say welcome to Zenyatta’s Diary, the best place ever for not only volumes of great information, but marvlous friendships and a shared love of our beloved Queen Z.
Ingrid Arnone. South Beach.
WOW! My adorable Zenyatta, what a beautiful photo, you are the most beautiful horse ever! Same to Ann she is a beautiful lady! Wish I could have attended the party! Sound like it was great time, maybe the next one I can be there. Congratulations to Mike and to all the winners, to Goldikova she was great I wish her the best! In addition, one more time thanks to Mike because I made great money with his winning. Love you Ingrid.
Evie S (Santa Ynez, CA)
Though she has remained a close inspiration to me since her retirement, seeing this incomprehendable likeness of Zenyatta swept me away into what my husband calls my ‘Zenyatta-Land’ (my happy place). I wrote my bubbling-over thoughts on why I think she is such an inspiration,which I wrote last January after she was officially crowned HOY. It seemed fitting to revisit after seeing this portrait. I’m sure many of you will relate.
http://evieinc.net/zenyatta/
Linda M
Dear Z, Dottie and the other members of Team Z – George and I are SO pleased this was such a fabulous party and racing weekend!! And we are sorry we were not able to be there. We are hopeful there will be another next year and this becomes a tradition. And next year we can add in Baby Z/B :)
Such a great weekend of racing; we were elated that YOUR Mikie did so well!! So Well deserved. Love to all of you, Linda & George
Joanna from TX
Z…the painting looks spectacular! Congrats to the artist and the great care taken to make the image be as close to ‘real’ as possible. Just beautiful.
JAG Adores Zenny & John Henry / So. CA
@ Kris O. – Chicago area
No, her due date isn’t necessarily March 9th ~ I just hope she delivers on the same date the Legendary JOHN HENRY was born! ;-) He sent me Zenny to love after he crossed Rainbow Bridge on my b’day 10/8. It would be a full circle of love, if she delivers on March 9th.
kelly- Allentown, Pa
Dawn Conrad / Colorado – Thanks Dawn! ^-^
Michelle
Even just on my screen that painting is just STUNNING…as are you.
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
What a gorgeous photo by Sarah of you and Ann. Does she still have the Zenyatta hairdo? You look so beautiful and life like; a horse “we will never forget”. So glad everyone had a good time and I hear there is going to be another party in CA. Look forward to getting yours and Goldi’s Breeders Cup glasses for a wonderful set to serve at parties. YOU ARE THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST and the best team. Hope you are having a relaxing day after your busy week XXXXOOOOO
signofthetimes
@Dawn Conrad
Thanks for repostin the interview with Jamie Corum. It is so very well done.
signofthetimes
@Especially Horses
She should be toward the end tonight.