Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #382

Blush, Blush! Here's MY JOHN telling ME I look TOO CUTE...again! Photo from John Shirreffs' files.

Happy Monday Dear Friends,

I must say, whenever MY JOHN visits he has so many wonderful compliments for ME. He has always allowed ME the opportunity to be ME…and to feel so good about myself. I love spending time with him!

Per my California update this morning from Dottie, I heard that it rained over one inch in just a few hours yesterday afternoon at Hollywood Park. For some parts of the country, this happens quite a bit…but in Los Angeles, this is truly a rarity. Thus, the last few races at Hollywood Park were canceled…simply for safety
reasons.

This morning, it is absolutely gorgeous there…the sun is shining brightly and it is crisp and lovely outside. It is the perfect November morning! Thus, the track should dry out quickly. All should be A-OK for the horses and Hollywood Park’s Autumn Festival of racing to take place there this weekend.

On other racing fronts, I do want to send a HIGH HOOF to Steve Asmussen on winning his 6,000th race this weekend. This is truly a remarkable accomplishment…and then to top it off by having SABERCAT win the Delta Jackpot adds to the FUN!


The Delta Princess went to NOW I KNOW who is now 5 for 5 in her racing career. This is very special! Congratulations to this lovely filly and all of her connections.

Then tonight, RAPID REDUX goes for #20 in a row at Mountaineer Park. His race runs at 9:55 Eastern….6:55 Pacific. All the best to him in this one mile event! My Lane’s End friends and I will be watching! His sire is Pleasantly Perfect…who is one of the stallions who stands here at our farm. Good Luck, Rapid Redux, in this quest!

With Love,
Hugs to all~
Z

Reader Interactions

194 Comments

  2. / Reply

    Another wonderful picture of you and John! I know he misses you terribly. I will be watching Rapid Redux tonight. Thanks for the reminder. I think Mike E will be coming to see you this week since he said he would after missing you at the BC.

  3. / Reply

    Are you being coy or bashful? You know you are the most gorgeous girl in the world, and not only that, but the sweetest, most gentle and kind. The world could learn a thing or two from you special girl.
    Love hugs and kisses

  5. / Reply

    I think I should be getting my poster this week! HOOVES CROSSED!!! Love tepci of you and YOUR JOHN TOO CUTE!
    And yes we had lots of rain yesterday! And there is snow on the mountains!
    LOVE YOU FOREVER Z and B/Z
    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

  7. / Reply

    Zen you and John look so good together. Went to have a tooth pulled today and took a picture of you to give to my dentist. It seemed to make the visit a lot better. So nice to talk about a gifted animal.
    Have a Happy Thanksgiving all of you on team Z East and West coast.
    Love you Zenyatta

  8. / Reply

    Zenyatta, you had the best trainer in the world. Sending virtual kisses, peppermints and carrots your way.
    @LauraJ — I attended Lockland High School, a small town outside of Cincy. You are lucky to be so close to The Queen.

  9. / Reply

    Hi Z I heard they might bulldoze Hollywood park? I hope not also I know mares are bred every year and some do have problems I really hope your connections do not do this to you I know they really care so I am hoping they let you have a year off once in a while love you always

  10. / Reply

    Hi Zenny. All I can say is love you alot. Your John adores you. You can see his protectiveness when he looks at you…Lots of Big Hugs and Kisses, Alene Congrads to Steve Asmussen!! He`s had the opportunity of training so many wonderful horses…

  16. / Reply

    Zenny; Allie is right; you had the best trainer in the world…even YOUR JOHN’S body in position to yours indicates affection authority and care…foot forward, body straight ahead and bent forward to you, arms relaxed and down and face forward to your head indicates trust. The smile on YOUR JOHN’S face says it all; “hi there gorgeous…we miss you”…lucky horse, lucky man..stay well beautiful!!

  17. / Reply

    Thanks to all who replied and provided good info on broodmare management. I’ve got a better slant on the practice now. You guys are great about sharing your experience and knowledge!
    I just wanted to comment on the shipping of my Zenyatta poster that arrived Friday. It was perfect! (some folks were concerned about this). Now to get framing done, along with some other stuff that also needs framing.

  18. / Reply

    Hi zen, glad your doing good, and you saw your John again, High Hoof to him also, and Dottie, again, for all these diarys, I haved Moved, wow, so near the Preakness race grounds, sort off anyway, Im near Balitmore. Maybe its Horse country, for sure, saw a Race coming down, on the Tv, in a convience store, cool, Hope your well, and happy still in your blue grass, and have a great Monday, Happy back to you,

  19. / Reply

    @Allie from TX, I drive pass Lockland HS almost every weekday, on my way to work. The Lockland Split is as big a nuisance as it always was.

  20. / Reply

    Hi Zenny, Your John shares another wonderful photo of the two of you…thanks much.
    Thanks to all who contributed information on broodmares and Rapid’s racing. Many us are not knowledgeable about such things and I personally learn alot from those in the know.

  21. / Reply

    Zenny
    Your dear John was TOO CUTE on Saturday…he had his nose in a racing history book from 1873 – 1911 (hope that is right John!) that he got while in Kentucky…so old that the binding was falling apart! I don’t know how he turned the pages of the ancient relic from times long past…but, we all know how he loves racing history! Thank you John on directions to Lava Man’s barn….I got there after a looong walk…He didn’t want to be bothered, he was eating – his snottie was in his feed bucket, never came up for air Zenny! He looks great AND happy being a pony horse, ruling Doug’s barn! hee hee I then went to see Blind Luck off to her new home, Washington state…I posted video of my visit on her FB page. Zenny, she is going to love being a horse now too…and then a mom like you…..At least you never tried to bite! Your attitude is so sweet and charming, still to this day. I love you more and more and baby too! Be sure and thank John for all the recent photos of you for me….just a dream…..

  22. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta. We all agree with your dear John, you are just TOO CUTE!! What a wonderful relationship you two share. I know you talk over everything and truly care about how your John feels. John is a very special “horse whisperer”, but what is really remarkable is that you whisper back! Wow, Zenny, that was a lot of rain for California. So glad they looked after everyone’s safety and stopped the races. Glad it has cleared up for the Autumn Festival. GO, RR, GO!!! Wishing this trooper a successful record breaking effort. Sweet dreams my love. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
    @Terry Crow – Welcome back!!! So happy to see your post today, you were missed! My heart goes out to you on the loss of your wonderful friend, Don. It was great to read his favorite joke again; laughter is a tonic for the soul.
    @Sally B – Glad you enjoyed the Claiborne video library. Weren’t there some great videos and photos to explore once you get on the site? Some real historic information. On your question about Secretariat. Penny Chenery contacted Seth Hancock to help in the syndication of Secretariat in 1973. It is my understanding that there were 32 breeding shares offered in Secretariat, each selling for $190,000.00. Penny Chenery kept 4 shares, Claiborne received 1 share and 27 additional shares were offered for the total of six million. The reason I say Claiborne received 1 share is that I am not sure if they actually had to purchase the share or received it as part of the agreement for Seth handling the syndication.
    @Delrene in Carlsbad – It was just on Friday’s diary #381. When you click on the link, the first video will be about Swale, but be sure to check out the other videos and also the history tab for some great historical info. Claiborne has been in existence for 100 years, so there is a lot of wonderful info.
    @Barbara Wood – Thank you for keeping us up to date on our little Autumn sweetheart!! I am also saying prayers for DynaKing/Gifted.
    @Judy and Russ – Wishing you both blessings!!!
    @Cynthia H. – My goodness, do we have a lot in common! I love, love, love Pride and Prejudice and Mr. Darcy. I watch both Colin Firth and Mathew Macfadyen and swoon on both portrayals. I have many BBC movies and series in my collection including every Jane Austin story. I also have all of her novels, they are just wonderful!
    @JAG and all of the others who ran a participated in the Dumpling Carousel Cup. How fun!!!! I enjoyed hearing all about it.
    @Shari – Loved talking to you this weekend. You are an amazing friend! So glad you got a chance to post the latest from Peppermint Pal. I enjoy all of the videos and stories.
    @Doreen in CT – Enjoyed the pedigree info you shared.
    @Kari – Sending my love!!!!

  23. / Reply

    Hi Zenny, I know you were so happy to spend time with John. It’s a “love story” that just keeps going…:-)
    @Terry Crow – uplifting to see your name here again even though we know your heart is aching.
    @JAG – great news for Old Friends. I hope to visit there one day. When I donate to them, I always say “in honor of Zenyatta.”
    RR: Win, or lose – come home safely.

  24. / Reply

    If RR goes 20 for 20 it will be remarable…And we all know zenyatta if u could do ur 20th race over again u would, but I realized that why would u do it over, I thought u ran beautifuly in ur last race..to be honest it’s my favourite, From racing Queen to coolest mom ever, queen Z u are truly original.

  25. / Reply

    Another gorgeous picture, Zenny, I agree with “signofthetimes,” you DO look like you’re blushing while your John sings your praises. Love from your Ohio friend, Sandy
    @LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH) – thank you SO much for the explanation (which I was almost too late to get on 381). I’m still having trouble discerning between the tail and whatever is behind it (even after zooming in), but at least I know I’m not crazy. I think I see some tufts of hair right at the top, but it sure is weird.

  26. / Reply

    Hi Zen, wow lovely picture of you and our wonderful JOHN, your mentor for all those years. He looks so wistful as if he is remembering all the special times you two had together. Bet you both love those visits.
    @Terry Crow so good to see your back and with a joke too…..carry on.
    @Congrats to Lisa’s Booby Trap on her very special honor, what a great conbination this team makes.
    @Congrats also to Old Friends on their large donation from ASPCA. I made my donation when I visited in April.
    @Good luck to RR on his race tonite I think he should get a special award for his hard work. I also hope the future is bright for his retirement to a good home….Old Friends, hint, hint.
    @JAG and the jailhouse bunch, what a ball you guys must have had, glad to see your not afraid to act like a kid again!

  30. / Reply

    Zenyatta…I know you are happy and well cared for. Whenever I start missing you on the track, there is always Youtube! Enjoy life beautiful mare…

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