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!
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Rest In Peace Hickstead. A Canadian Olympic athlete died suddenly yesterday in Italy, an outstanding 15 year old stallion.
Vic and I send our condolences to Eric Lamaze and all the Canadian Olympic Show Jumping Team.
Jenna
My goodness. What a beautiful portrait true likeness. Ann look so happy and proud in this photograph.
Team Z is just so kind and giving. Best of luck all around.
Big kiss for Z. I miss you.
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
@ Trina N – Forgot to add, Thank you for your warm, loving post. Hickstead was quite wonderful wasn’t he?
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
@ Abigail – I have not, nor do I want to, view the video coverage of Hickstead in his final moments. He was such a handsome boy and so accomplished. The bond between Hickstead and Eric was so apparent, they were poetry in motion in the ring. A devastating loss.
Peggy(N)
Zenny, I almost forgot This Friday is a Holiday, I can watch the sales. It is Veterans Day. Yippee.
signofthetimes
@Laura J and Uncle Mo Fans
They checked his bloodwork at the liver function tests were up, which means the stress of training and racing is not a good thing for him and he may get sicker if they proceed, which I doubt the track vets will allow so their really is no other choice. Hope he gets a good book of mares. He is very much a great talent, but Game On Dude wore him down. Uncle Mo never faced anyone that could come after him repeatedly and wear him down and maybe he was “under the weather” due to elevation of liver functions. Best of luck to this very talented colt in the breeding shed.
Lori K
ALL I CAN SAY ABOUT THIS PAINTING OF YOU ZENNY IS WOW!!!! ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL AND BREATH TAKING. I WISH I COULD HAVE BEEN THERE. YOUR TEAM IS AMAZING. IT TOUCHES MY HEART AND SOUL TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD WHO ARE SO GIVING AND CARING. FIRST CLASS ALL THE WAY. I HAVE ONE BIG DREAM IN MY LIFE Z AND THAT IS TO MEET YOU AND YOUR TEAM IN PERSON. GODBLESS ALL OF YOU. YOU HAVE TOUCHED MY HEART BEYOND WORDS. I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART ZENNY :) LOVE LORI XOXOX….
signofthetimes
@Brenda S and Abigail
So very sad about the wonderful talented HICKSTEAD.
Lovely video. There are quite a few on Youtube honoring him.
Ingrid Arnone. South Beach.
@ Signofthetimes, thank you, I try my best to do a good handicapping and sometimes I get lucky. I disagree with you regarding Zenyatta’s last race, and yes mud was all over her face but I think Mike was very nervous that day and he made a bad decision, I thing Mike knew her better that any one, he should it ran her the same way he ran Drosselmeyer. Hugs Ingrid.
@ Judy B, hope your husband is getting better, we miss you, hugs Ingrid.
signofthetimes
@Brenda S
The video Abigail posted was a tribute. It had nothing of his death in the video.
There a quite a few others on YOU TUBE that are tastefully done.
I agree with you. The video of Ruffian breaking down is just aweful and Eight Bells.
Marilu V.
Dear Zenyatta friends who are also fans of Uncle Mo.
Sad to hear about his retirement but he will always be special to us. Now he can rest, stay healthy and enjoy his retirement. Thanks for the links! Marilu
Kathleen Kimber KC.MO
Dottie John Ann and Jerry you are the most gracious people thank you for this past week
Connie Stephens
I would love to have a print of the beautiful of Z. Will you be offering them soon?
signofthetimes
@Laura J
His elevated liver enzymes may not be genetic, but they can
be infectious so I am not sure how they are going to deal with
that possible issue.
signofthetimes
@Ingrid
Everyone has their own opinion about that race. I don’t like to see the jockey’s blamed, but I do agree he was very nervous to have that 20 for 20 on his plate. Kind of like Oliver Pessiler and his
move to get Goldi out of the pack so she could run. A move of despiration to let their champions run their final races.
Sharon call, GA
@Inrgid Arnon. I’m quite sure Mike would have run Zenyatta last year as he did Drosselmeyer this year. However, they are totally different horses and it was a totally different field. It’s so easy to be an “armchair” critic. Despite coming in second to Blame by 3 inches last year, this was the most amazing run by a horse that I’ve ever seen in my life. Give credit where it’s due. Don’t forget, Z ran part of that race with her eyes closed trusting her life to Mike to keep her safe, which he did. Rerunning that race again and more than that, comparing it to this year, is fruitless and a little short-sighted.
signofthetimes
@Peggy N and Gloria Jeane
Christmas Kid is absolutely gorgeous. An in foal to Bernie and then Galileo next year. She is a talent, too. WOW. Can’t wait to see her babies on the track.
Kathleen Kimber KC.MO
To Hickstead the great gold medal champion that you were. Rest in Peace
Susan
YOUR party was a great kick off to two great days of racing. People were having fun, meeting new friends, excited to see you, having good food, buying tons of Zenyatta goodies and visiting with the Z Team.
HIGH HOOVES to Dottie and gang for putting it together and allowing us the first look at the painting.
At the races, I saw hats and T shirts both days with your name on it Z. No one has forgotten you-no one wants to. But I couldnt help but think about last year and was SOOOOOO happy for Mike that he won it this year.
Thanks again Z-BTW you looked terrific
Sue in Indiana
Beautiful picture of you Z. And Blind Luck was bought by one of her owner/partners so she could rest, be a horse for a while and then be bred after “running her heart out”. How nice for once. Kind of reminds me of another owner/team hint hint. Hope she does as well as you.
Andrea
To All of Zenyatta’s Connections,
You are all such gracious and wonderful people to allow all of us this access to your beautiful mare. Thank You from the bottom of my heart for all you have done to allow us to share in this experience, please know that it is deeply appreciated. You have touched lives, and made all of us so happy!
Abigail from Montreal
@ BRENDA S. & others: The video of Eric & Hickstead that I bookmarked is a tribute to a great team. There is absolutely NO coverage of his last moments. I would never watch that or post anything like that. I only wanted to let everyone know that, if they do go onto YouTube there are some horrible things on there, camouflaged under acceptable titles. There are also some beautiful tributes. Just choose CAREFULLY!
candi carter
ohh how magnifecent, so gorgeous painting my queen it is so elegant, we love you here in florida good night my dear zenyatta.
Roberta Smith
Hello Pretty Girl! Ann looks gorgeous…but you, look amazing in your portrait! I so love you Zenyatta! Can someone post the ingredients in the “adult” drink called “the Zenyatta”. Again, I love you Zenyatta, think of you daily and can’t wait till your “baby” is born…..XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Amy
Z– Your family is lovely! It was truly an honor to meet them! You are loved!
Amy
P.S. Ms. Dottie – you are “too cute”! :)
Yvonne and Maurice
Hi Zenyatta. Ann looks so beautiful posing with your magnificent painting. Hubbie and I can’t wait to attend your party next year!! I am a little confused about Blind Luck – did Dr. Dedomenico buy her back? I have been so upset by this ever since I first heard about the sale. She should have been allowed to run in the Ladies Classic and been Horse of the Year. Love you big girl, stay comfy, eat well for two, enjoy all your party talk with TT and your friends. Love you, Angel.
Karen
Beautiful picture, Miss Z.
Thank you for sharing.
PatB from NM
I had a wonderful time at your party, Z, and want to thank your team for making it possible. I came (by myself) for your party, but stayed for the Saturday BC races too. I must say I don’t care for CD as a racing venue (I came last year too to see you in your final race, where you showed once again what a true champion you are). I’ll be happy to see your celebration (hope, hope, hope!) and the BC at Santa Anita next year. Love you always, Z.
mm
What a stunning painting of you Zenyatta. It is absolutely gorgeous. Captures you perfectly. Just as we fans remember you.
So happy for Mike Smith this weekend, great rides on both Amazombie and Drosselmeyer. He rode them both to perfection. I was rooting for Game on Dude and Chantel, but Mike hit the line first. Know it doesn’t make up for last years agonizing loss with you, but glad he had an outstanding Breeders Cup.